What You'll Find at Avery Point

Avery Point is a working waterfront in Groton where the Mystic River meets Long Island Sound, and it's one of the few places in the area where you can fish from shore without a boat. The point itself is home to the University of Connecticut's Avery Point campus and a Coast Guard station, but the public fishing access runs along the breakwater and the rocky shoreline on the Sound side. You're fishing in a transition zone where freshwater and saltwater mix, which means the species change with the season and the tide.

The bottom here is mostly rock and shell, with some sandy patches near the mouth of the Mystic. That structure holds fish year-round, but what you catch depends on when you show up. Spring and fall are the most reliable times, when striped bass and bluefish move through on their migrations. Summer brings smaller fish and more competition from recreational boaters, but it's also when you can catch flounder and scup in the deeper holes. Winter is slow but not impossible if you're after winter flounder or the occasional striped bass.

Key Takeaways

  • Avery Point offers public shore access along the breakwater and rocky shoreline on the Sound side, with parking near the campus entrance.
  • Spring and fall are peak seasons for striped bass and bluefish; summer produces flounder and scup in deeper water; winter is slow but possible.
  • The tide matters here more than in most Connecticut rivers because you're fishing the open Sound — fish feed hardest on the moving water, not at slack.
  • Bring a headlamp and plan to fish early morning or late evening in summer, when the point gets crowded with tourists and campus traffic.
  • Check Connecticut's saltwater fishing regulations before you go; striped bass and bluefish have specific size and season rules that change year to year.

How to Get There and Where to Park

Avery Point is at 1084 Shennecossett Road in Groton, right where the road dead-ends at the water. If you're coming from I-95, take Exit 86 toward Groton and follow signs for the University of Connecticut Avery Point campus. The parking lot is free and sits just above the breakwater. In summer, it fills up by mid-morning with campus visitors and tourists, so arrive early if you want a spot close to the water.

Once you're parked, walk toward the water and you'll see the breakwater running east-west. The public fishing area is along the rocks on the Sound side of the breakwater and along the shoreline to the east. The rocks are slippery and uneven, so wear good boots with grip — a fall here means cold water and a long swim. The Coast Guard station is to the west, and that area is off-limits, so stick to the breakwater and the eastern shore.

Spring and Fall — Striped Bass and Bluefish

April through May and September through October are when Avery Point fishes best. Striped bass move through on their way to and from spawning grounds in the Connecticut River, and they stack up in the deeper water just off the point. Bluefish follow the same migration, and they're aggressive feeders — you'll know when they're around because they'll hit almost anything that moves. Both species prefer the moving tide, so plan your trip around the tide table and fish the two hours before and after the turn.

Use live baitfish if you can get them — mackerel, herring, or bunker work well. If you're using artificials, try small metal jigs (1/2 to 1 ounce) or topwater plugs early in the morning. The water is clearer in spring and fall, so the fish can see your lure from farther away. Cast toward the deeper water off the point and work your bait or lure slowly — striped bass here are often feeding on small fish, not chasing down large meals.

Summer Fishing — Flounder, Scup, and Smaller Bass

June through August, the water warms and the larger migratory fish move offshore. What's left are flounder, scup (porgy), and smaller striped bass that live in the Sound year-round. Flounder are the prize catch in summer — they sit on the sandy bottom in the deeper holes and eat small fish and shrimp. The best flounder fishing is usually on the slack tide or the early part of the incoming tide, when they're most active.

Fish the bottom with a small jig tipped with squid or a live killie. Scup will hit the same setup and are abundant in summer, though they're smaller and less exciting than flounder. The smaller striped bass are fun on light tackle but not worth targeting if you're after a keeper. Summer is also when the point gets crowded, so fish early morning (before 8 a.m.) or late evening (after 6 p.m.) if you want to avoid the crowds.

Winter Fishing and Slow Periods

November through March, Avery Point is quiet. Most recreational anglers have moved on, and the fish have either migrated offshore or gone dormant. Winter flounder are the main target, and they're available from December through February if you're willing to fish in cold water. They're bottom feeders and slow biters, so patience is essential. Fish the incoming tide with small jigs and squid, and expect to wait between bites.

Striped bass don't disappear entirely in winter — some stay in the Sound and feed during the warmer parts of the day — but they're scattered and unpredictable. If you're fishing winter, bring extra layers and a thermos. The wind can be brutal on the breakwater, and the rocks get icy. The payoff is solitude and the chance to catch fish that most anglers never see.

Tackle and Bait Recommendations

For spring and fall, bring a medium-action spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) with 15- to 20-pound braided line. Braid casts farther and gives you better feel on the rocky bottom. Tie on a 12- to 18-inch fluorocarbon leader to reduce visibility. Have a selection of metal jigs (1/2 to 1 ounce), small plugs, and soft plastics. If you're using live bait, a simple fish-finder rig with a 2/0 to 3/0 circle hook works well.

For summer flounder fishing, drop down to 12-pound braid and use a lighter jig (1/4 to 1/2 ounce). Flounder are less line-shy than striped bass, but they still respond better to subtle presentations. For winter, use the same setup as spring but with smaller jigs and more patience. Always bring a headlamp — the sun sets early in winter, and you'll want to fish the last hour of daylight.

Tides, Weather, and Safety

Avery Point is exposed to Long Island Sound, which means the tide and weather matter more here than in protected rivers. The tide range is about 2 to 3 feet, and fish feed most actively during the moving water — the first and last two hours of the incoming tide are usually best. Check the tide table before you go and plan to fish those windows. Slack tide (the hour around high and low) is usually slow.

The breakwater can be dangerous in rough water or high wind. If the Sound is choppy or the wind is gusting over 15 knots, consider fishing elsewhere. The rocks are slippery even in calm conditions, and a wave can knock you off balance. Wear a personal flotation device if you're uncomfortable on the rocks, and never turn your back to the water. In summer, the sun reflects off the rocks and water, so bring sunscreen and polarized sunglasses — they'll also help you spot fish in the shallows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish at Avery Point?

Yes. Connecticut requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older who is not a resident fishing from shore. You can get a license online through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) website, or at many bait and tackle shops in Groton. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you're just trying it out.

What's the size limit for striped bass here?

Connecticut's striped bass regulations change year to year, but the minimum size is usually 18 inches. Check the DEEP website or call the Groton bait shops before you fish to confirm the current rules. The same applies to bluefish — the size limit varies, and keeping up with it is your responsibility.

Can I fish at night?

Yes, but the breakwater is harder to navigate in the dark, and you'll need a good headlamp. Night fishing can be productive in summer when the daytime crowds are gone, but the rocks are slippery and the water is cold. Fish the incoming tide and stay alert to your footing.

Is there a bait shop nearby?

Yes. There are several tackle shops in Groton within a few miles of Avery Point. They stock live bait (mackerel, herring, killie) and can tell you what's been biting recently. Call ahead to confirm they have what you need, especially in summer when supplies run low.

What if the parking lot is full?

Park on Shennecossett Road if the lot is full, but do not block driveways or the Coast Guard entrance. In summer, arriving before 8 a.m. usually means you'll find a spot. If you can't find parking, the Mystic River in downtown Groton has public access points that are less crowded.