What You'll Find at Napatree Point
Napatree Point is a narrow barrier beach that juts into the Atlantic at the western edge of Stonington, Connecticut, and it holds striped bass and bluefish in numbers that draw anglers from across New England. The point itself is a mile-long spit of sand and rock that creates a natural funnel for baitfish moving in and out of Stonington Harbor and Little Narragansett Bay. When the tide runs and the baitfish are moving, the stripers and blues stack up along the deeper water on the ocean side, making it one of the most productive saltwater spots in the region.
The fishing here is seasonal and tidal. Spring and fall are the strongest periods—April through June and September through November—when migrating stripers and blues pass through in serious numbers. Summer fishing is possible but inconsistent; winter is slow. The point fishes best on moving tides, particularly the last two hours of the incoming tide and the first two hours of the outgoing tide. Slack water is usually dead.
Key Takeaways
- Napatree Point is a public barrier beach accessible by foot from Wequetequock Cove parking area, a short walk that requires timing around tide and weather.
- Striped bass and bluefish concentrate along the ocean-side drop-off during moving tides, especially in spring and fall.
- The point is exposed to Atlantic swells and can become dangerous quickly; check conditions before you go and know your exit route.
- Spinning tackle with live baitfish or small metal lures works best; fly fishing is possible but the rocky bottom and current make it technical.
- Parking is limited and fills early on good weather days; arrive before dawn or plan for a weekday trip.
How to Reach Napatree Point on Foot
Napatree Point is not accessible by car. You reach it by walking from Wequetequock Cove, a small parking area on the west side of Stonington. From downtown Stonington, take Route 1A south toward the water, then follow signs for Wequetequock Cove. The parking area is small—roughly a dozen spaces—and fills quickly on weekends and good-weather days.
From the parking area, walk down to the beach and head west along the sand toward the point. The walk is roughly half a mile to the base of the point itself, and another quarter mile to the productive fishing water on the ocean side. The entire walk is on sand and is easy going at low tide. At high tide, the beach narrows and the walk becomes tighter, though still passable. Plan for 20 to 30 minutes to reach the point from your car.
The point is exposed to Atlantic weather and can change quickly. Check the marine forecast before you go. If the swell is above 4 feet or the wind is sustained above 20 knots from the east or northeast, the point becomes unsafe—waves wash over the beach and the current becomes dangerous. Know your exit route and be ready to leave if conditions deteriorate.
Where to Fish and What the Bottom Looks Like
The productive water at Napatree Point runs along the ocean-facing side of the spit, roughly 30 to 80 feet from shore. The bottom is a mix of sand and rock, with a sharp drop-off that runs parallel to the beach. Stripers and blues hold on and just beyond this drop, where the current brings baitfish and the deeper water offers escape.
The western end of the point—the tip itself—is the most productive zone. The current is strongest here, and baitfish concentrate in the swirling water. The eastern side of the point, closer to where you walk in, is less productive but still holds fish, especially on the incoming tide. The very tip of the point is rocky and can be treacherous to wade; most anglers fish from the beach or wade carefully in the shallower water to the east.
The bottom is rocky enough that you will lose lures and rigs. Bring extra tackle. If you are using live baitfish, rig them on a simple single-hook rig or a small spreader bar to keep them away from the rocks. Metal lures—small bucktails, spoons, and shads—work well because they sink quickly and stay in the strike zone.
Tackle and Bait That Work Here
Spinning tackle is the standard at Napatree Point. A 7-foot medium-heavy rod with a 3000 to 4000 series reel and 15- to 20-pound braided line will handle the current and the rocky bottom. Fluorocarbon leader of 20 to 30 pounds helps with abrasion and visibility in the clear water.
Live baitfish are the most consistent producers. Mackerel, herring, and mullet all work, and you can catch small mackerel and herring right there in the shallows if you bring a small net or a sabiki rig. If you are buying bait, most tackle shops in Stonington stock live mackerel and herring during the spring and fall runs. Dead bait works too, but live bait is worth the effort.
Metal lures are effective when baitfish are scarce or when you want to cover water quickly. Small bucktails (1/2 to 1 ounce) in white, chartreuse, or natural colors work well. Small spoons like the Hopkins or Kastmaster, also in the 1/2- to 1-ounce range, are excellent. Soft plastic shads rigged on a jighead are also productive. Fly fishing is possible but technical—the current is strong, the bottom is rocky, and you need a sinking line and heavy flies to stay in the strike zone.
Tides and Timing
Tides at Napatree Point run hard and fast. The incoming tide pushes water into Stonington Harbor and Little Narragansett Bay, and the outgoing tide drains it back out. The last two hours of the incoming tide and the first two hours of the outgoing tide are the most productive windows. During these periods, the current is strong enough to move baitfish but not so strong that you cannot fish effectively.
Slack water—the brief period between tides—is usually slow. Fish are less active, and baitfish are not moving. If you have a choice, avoid slack water. If you are stuck with it, focus on the deeper water on the ocean side of the point, where some fish hold regardless of tide.
Check the tide tables for Stonington Harbor before you go. The NOAA tide prediction tool (tides.noaa.gov) gives accurate predictions for the area. Plan your trip to arrive at the point 30 minutes before the tide turn you want to fish, so you are in position when the current picks up.
Seasonal Patterns and What to Expect
Spring (April through June) brings the first major run of striped bass moving north from their winter grounds. The water is cold, and the bass are hungry. Fishing is often excellent, especially in May. Bluefish arrive a few weeks later and can be aggressive and numerous. Spring is the most reliable season at Napatree Point.
Summer (July through August) is slower. Water temperatures climb, and many stripers move to deeper water offshore. Bluefish remain, but they are less concentrated. You can still catch fish, but you need to work harder and pick your tides carefully. Early morning and late evening are better than midday.
Fall (September through November) brings another strong run of stripers and bluefish moving south. October is often excellent. The water cools, and the fish are feeding hard before their migration. Fall fishing can rival spring in quality.
Winter (December through March) is slow. Most stripers have moved offshore or south. Occasional bluefish show up, and some winter stripers hold in the deeper water, but the fishing is inconsistent and the weather is harsh. Most anglers skip this season.
Safety and Weather Considerations
Napatree Point is exposed to the Atlantic and can become dangerous quickly. Waves, current, and rocks are the main hazards. Never fish alone. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Bring a charged cell phone, though service can be spotty on the beach.
Wear a personal flotation device if you are wading beyond your depth. The bottom drops off quickly, and the current can be strong. Wading shoes with good grip are essential—the rocks are slippery and sharp. Bring a headlamp if you are fishing early or late, and wear bright clothing so you are visible to boat traffic in the harbor.
Check the marine forecast before you leave. Swell above 4 feet or sustained winds above 20 knots from the east or northeast make the point unsafe. If you are on the point and conditions deteriorate, leave immediately. The walk back is harder in rough conditions, and the beach can become impassable at high tide in heavy weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Napatree Point?
Yes. Connecticut requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Connecticut DEEP website or at most tackle shops in Stonington. A short-term license (7 days) is available if you do not want to commit to a full year.
Can I fish here at night?
Yes, but it is not recommended for most anglers. The point is dark, the rocks are treacherous, and the current is harder to read at night. If you do fish at night, bring a strong headlamp, wear a PFD, and fish with a partner. Dawn and dusk are better options for low-light fishing.
What is the minimum size for striped bass and bluefish in Connecticut?
Striped bass must be at least 18 inches. Bluefish have no minimum size in Connecticut, though most anglers keep fish 12 inches and larger. Check the current regulations on the Connecticut DEEP website before you go, as rules can change.
Is there a better time of day to fish Napatree Point?
Tide matters more than time of day. Fish the moving tides regardless of whether it is dawn, midday, or dusk. That said, early morning and late evening are often less crowded, and the light is better for sight-fishing if the water is clear.
What should I do if I hook a large striper and it runs toward the rocks?
Keep your rod tip up and maintain steady pressure. Do not try to horse the fish—let your drag do the work. If the fish reaches the rocks, you may lose it, but a broken line is better than a broken rod or a fall. Most large stripers can be landed if you stay calm and patient.