What Riverside Park offers anglers

Riverside Park in Norwich, Connecticut sits along the Thames River and gives you access to one of southeastern Connecticut's most productive urban fisheries. The park itself is small—roughly 8 acres—but the Thames here holds striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish, and seasonal runs of shad and herring. You can fish from the bank along a short stretch of river frontage, and the park has parking, restrooms, and picnic tables, which makes it a practical stop if you're working the lower Thames or exploring the area for the first time.

The Thames is tidal this far upstream, so water levels and current change throughout the day. That matters for where fish position themselves and what techniques work. Early morning and the hour before sunset tend to be most productive, especially in warmer months when stripers move into shallower water to feed.

Key Takeaways

  • Riverside Park provides bank access to the Thames River in Norwich with parking and basic facilities, making it a convenient entry point for anglers new to the area.
  • The Thames here is tidal, so fish location and feeding activity shift with water level and current throughout the day.
  • Striped bass, largemouth bass, and catfish are the primary species; shad and herring runs occur seasonally in spring.
  • Early morning and evening hours produce better results than midday, especially from late spring through early fall.
  • The park's bank access is limited to a short stretch, so you're fishing a defined area rather than exploring miles of river.

Parking and access at Riverside Park

Riverside Park has a small parking lot off Washington Street in Norwich. The lot fills quickly on weekends, especially in summer, so arriving early gives you the best chance at a spot. There is no fee to park or fish the park itself.

Once parked, the walk to the river is short—under 100 yards. The bank is accessible and relatively open, though vegetation can be thick in summer. You'll find a few informal paths worn by regular anglers. The park is open dawn to dusk, and fishing is allowed year-round, though you need a Connecticut fishing license to keep any fish.

What species to target and when

Striped bass are the main draw here. They move into the Thames in spring (April through June) and again in fall (September through November) as they migrate between coastal waters and upriver spawning grounds. Summer stripers are present but less predictable. Fish early morning slack tide or the first hour of incoming tide for best results. Live herring or mullet work well if you can get them; soft plastics like 4- to 6-inch shads also produce.

Largemouth bass live in the river year-round, though they're most active from May through October. They prefer the slower water near the bank and around any structure—fallen trees, pilings, or deeper holes. Early morning is prime time. Topwater lures and soft plastics work in shallow water; deeper presentations with jigs or crankbaits work when the sun is high.

Catfish are present and often overlooked. They feed at night and in low-light conditions. Chicken liver, cut shad, or commercial stink baits work well. Fish the deeper holes and let your bait sit. Catfish don't require light tackle, so heavier rods and simpler setups are fine.

Shad and herring run upriver in spring (typically April and May) to spawn. You can catch them on small shad lures, spoons, or even small soft plastics. They're fast-moving and schooling fish, so if you find one, more are usually nearby. This is also when they're available as live bait for stripers.

Tides and timing at the Thames

The Thames is tidal at Riverside Park, which means water level and current direction change predictably throughout the day. Slack tide—the brief period when current stops before reversing—is often when stripers and bass feed most actively. Incoming tide generally produces better than outgoing, though both can work depending on the season and time of day.

Check a tide table for Norwich or the lower Thames before you go. Many anglers use free apps or NOAA's tide prediction tool. Plan to fish the hour before and after slack tide, or the first two hours of incoming tide. If you arrive at the park and the tide is wrong, you can often catch fish anyway, but timing it right increases your odds significantly.

Seasonal patterns and what to expect

Spring (April–May) brings shad and herring runs and the first wave of striped bass moving upriver. Water is cold and current is often strong from snowmelt. Fish early morning and focus on deeper holes and slower water near the bank. Herring and shad lures work well; so do small soft plastics.

Summer (June–August) is warm and can be slow midday, but early morning and evening produce. Largemouth bass are active. Stripers are present but less predictable than in spring or fall. Catfish feed at night. Vegetation can be thick along the bank, so bring a net and be ready for snags.

Fall (September–November) is often the best season. Stripers return on their way back to coastal waters, water cools, and fish feed aggressively. Early morning is prime. Shad and herring lures, soft plastics, and live bait all work. This is when the park gets busiest with anglers.

Winter (December–March) is slow but not impossible. Catfish and largemouth bass remain active in deeper water. Stripers are mostly gone. The park is quieter, and you may have the bank to yourself, but fish are less active and harder to locate.

What to bring and what to know before you go

Bring a Connecticut fishing license—you can get a short-term one online or at most bait shops. Bring a net if you plan to land stripers or larger bass. The bank can be slippery, especially near the water's edge, so wear shoes with good grip. Bring water and snacks; there are no concessions at the park.

The park is in an urban area, so respect other visitors and keep noise down. Pack out what you pack in. If you're fishing at night for catfish, bring a headlamp and let someone know where you are. The Thames can have strong current and deep holes, so be careful near the water's edge, especially if you're wading.

The park's bank access is limited, so you're fishing a relatively small area. If the park is crowded or the fishing is slow, consider exploring other Thames access points nearby—Mohegan Park in Uncasville and the Norwich Harbor area both offer different water and may produce better on a given day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Connecticut fishing license to fish Riverside Park?

Yes. Connecticut requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older who keeps fish. You can purchase a short-term license (1, 7, or 14 days) online through the Connecticut DEEP website or at most local bait and tackle shops. The license is inexpensive and covers all freshwater and saltwater fishing in the state.

What's the best time of day to fish Riverside Park?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and the hour before sunset are most productive. Stripers and bass feed actively during low-light conditions. If you're fishing for catfish, night is best. Midday, especially in summer, is typically slow.

Can I wade in the Thames at Riverside Park?

Wading is possible in some areas, but the river has deep holes, strong current, and muddy bottom. If you wade, wear a life jacket, use a wading staff, and stay close to shore. Many anglers prefer to fish from the bank to avoid the hazards. Check water conditions before you wade.

What's the parking situation like on weekends?

The lot is small and fills quickly on summer weekends and weekday evenings. Arrive early—before 7 a.m. on weekends—for the best chance at a spot. If the lot is full, you may need to park on Washington Street or try another Thames access point nearby.

Are there other places to fish near Riverside Park?

Yes. Mohegan Park in Uncasville is about 10 minutes away and offers different water and species. Norwich Harbor, just downstream, is also accessible and worth exploring. The lower Thames has several public access points, so if Riverside Park is crowded or slow, you have options nearby.