What You'll Find at Griswold Point

Griswold Point is a narrow spit of sand and rock that juts into the mouth of the Connecticut River where it meets Long Island Sound, just east of Old Lyme. The point itself is mostly inaccessible—it's a nature preserve—but the surrounding waters hold striped bass, bluefish, and weakfish, especially during spring and fall migrations. The real fishing happens from the rocky shoreline on either side of the point and from boats working the deeper channels nearby.

The geography here matters. The Connecticut River pushes fresh water into the Sound, and that mixing zone creates a natural feeding ground where baitfish concentrate. Stripers and blues know this. The current runs hard through the mouth, which means your presentations need to match the water speed, and timing your tide matters more than it does in calmer spots.

This is not a beginner's location. The rocks are sharp, the current is strong, and the water can turn rough fast. But if you know how to read moving water and you're willing to work for it, Griswold Point produces fish that remember the open ocean.

Key Takeaways

  • Griswold Point itself is protected land, but you can fish the rocky shores on both sides and the deeper channels from a boat.
  • Spring and fall bring the heaviest striped bass and bluefish activity as fish move through the Connecticut River mouth.
  • Strong tidal current is the defining feature—slack water and the first two hours of incoming tide are usually most productive.
  • Wading access is limited and requires careful footing on slippery rocks; boat access to deeper water is more reliable.
  • The nearest public parking and launch points are in Old Lyme proper, not at the point itself.

Access and Parking

There is no parking lot at Griswold Point itself. Your access depends on whether you're wading or launching a boat. If you're wading, you'll need to park in Old Lyme and walk to the shoreline—the closest public parking is at the Old Lyme town green or along the roads near the Connecticut River. The walk is short but not marked, and you'll be crossing private property in some cases, so know where you're going before you arrive.

For boat access, the Old Lyme town launch on the Connecticut River is your starting point. It's a concrete ramp with parking nearby, and from there you can motor downriver to the point in minutes. The launch gets crowded on weekends during peak season, and there's a small fee. Call ahead to confirm hours and current conditions—the river mouth can be rough when the Sound is running high.

Wading is possible along the eastern shore of the point at low tide, but the rocks are unforgiving and the current will test your balance. Felt-soled wading boots are not optional. Many anglers who fish here regularly keep a boat or fish with someone who does, because the boat gives you access to the deeper channels where the larger stripers hold.

Seasonal Patterns and What to Expect

Spring (April through May) brings the first major push of striped bass moving up the coast. The water is still cold, and the fish are hungry after winter. You'll see them in the shallower areas around the point during the first hour of the incoming tide. Bluefish follow a few weeks later, usually by mid-May. Both species are moving through quickly, so you need to be there when the conditions align—wrong tide or wrong time of day and you'll see nothing.

Summer is slower. The fish are still there, but they're deeper and less aggressive. Early morning and late evening are your best windows. Many anglers skip this season and focus on other spots.

Fall (September through November) is the second peak. Stripers and blues are moving south, and they're feeding hard to build reserves for winter. The water is cooler, the light is better, and the fishing can be excellent. October is often the best month. The current is still strong, but the fish are more willing to chase.

Winter fishing is possible but difficult. The water is cold, the days are short, and the fish are scattered. Only experienced anglers with boats typically fish here in winter.

Tides, Current, and Timing

The Connecticut River mouth is one of the strongest tidal flows on the Connecticut coast. Slack water—the brief window when the current pauses between incoming and outgoing—is when most anglers fish. During slack, your lures and live bait stay in the strike zone longer, and the fish are more likely to chase. Slack usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes, sometimes less.

The first two hours of the incoming tide are also productive. The current pushes baitfish toward the point, and stripers position themselves to intercept. As the tide builds, the current gets too strong for most anglers to fish effectively from shore. From a boat, you can stay with the current and keep working, but from the rocks, you're fighting physics.

Check the tide tables before you go. The timing of slack water changes every day, and it's different at Griswold Point than it is upriver in Old Lyme. A tide app that shows the Connecticut River mouth specifically will save you wasted trips. Many anglers fish here only during the slack windows and leave when the current picks up.

What Fish Are Here and What They Eat

Striped bass are the primary target. They range from schoolies (under 18 inches) to fish over 40 pounds, though the larger ones are less common. They're here because the river mouth is a natural funnel for baitfish—sand eels, silversides, and juvenile bunker all move through. Stripers hunt by sight and feel, so they respond to lures that mimic these baitfish in size and movement.

Bluefish show up in waves, especially in spring and fall. They're aggressive and will hit almost anything that moves, but they're also destructive—they'll shred your line and lures. Many anglers use wire bite tippets when blues are around.

Weakfish (sea trout) are less common but present, especially in late summer and early fall. They prefer quieter water than stripers and are more likely to be found in the deeper channels off the point rather than right at the rocks.

Live bait works well here—live bunker or mackerel cast into the current will draw strikes. Artificial lures that work include small swimbaits (2 to 4 inches), topwater plugs during low light, and soft plastics rigged on jigs. The key is matching the size and speed of the natural baitfish in the area.

Gear and Technique

For wading, a 7- to 8-foot medium-heavy spinning rod with 15- to 20-pound braided line is standard. Braid cuts through the current better than monofilament and gives you better feel. A fluorocarbon leader (20 to 30 pounds) reduces visibility. You'll lose lures to the rocks, so bring extras.

From a boat, many anglers use slightly heavier tackle—8- to 9-foot rods—because you're often casting into the current and need to keep your lure in the strike zone. Jigging is effective here, especially with soft plastics on a 1/2- to 1-ounce jig head. Cast uptide and let the current work the lure back toward you.

The current is your enemy and your ally. If you cast downcurrent, your lure will swing fast and you'll lose control. Cast uptide or across the current, and let the water do the work. Mend your line as the lure drifts to keep tension and feel. This is active fishing—you're not sitting still and waiting.

Hazards and What to Watch For

The rocks at Griswold Point are sharp and covered in slippery algae. Wading here has injured anglers. Wear a belt pack or chest pack to keep your hands free for balance. Never wade alone, and never wade if you're not confident in your footing. The current will sweep your legs if you slip, and the water is cold even in summer.

Boat traffic can be heavy, especially on weekends. The Connecticut River mouth is a working waterway, and commercial and recreational boats pass through regularly. Stay aware of your surroundings and keep your boat positioned where you can see and be seen.

The water here is tidal and influenced by the Sound, so conditions can change fast. A calm morning can turn rough by afternoon. Check the forecast before you go, and be ready to leave if the weather deteriorates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Griswold Point without a boat?

Yes, but it's limited. You can wade the rocky shores on either side of the point during low tide, but access is difficult and the footing is dangerous. Most productive fishing requires a boat to reach the deeper channels where larger stripers hold. If you don't have a boat, consider fishing the Connecticut River itself upriver in Old Lyme, where wading is safer.

What's the best time of year to fish here?

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–November) are peak seasons when stripers and bluefish are migrating through the river mouth. October is often the best single month. Summer is slower, and winter is difficult unless you have a boat and experience fishing cold water.

Do I need a Connecticut fishing license?

Yes. Connecticut requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase one online through the Connecticut DEEP website or at most tackle shops. The license is inexpensive and valid for one year from the date of purchase.

What happens if the current is too strong to fish?

Wait for slack water or the first hour of the incoming tide. If you're wading and the current is pushing you around, leave. The fish will still be there during the next slack window. Fishing the wrong tide here is frustrating and dangerous—timing is everything.

Are there other spots nearby if Griswold Point is too rough?

Yes. The Connecticut River itself has calmer water upriver, and nearby Old Lyme has several other access points with less current. Hatchett Cove and the areas around the Old Lyme town launch are good alternatives when conditions at the point are difficult.