What You'll Find at Sherwood Island

Sherwood Island State Park sits on a 238-acre peninsula in Westport, Connecticut, with access to both Long Island Sound and the Saugatuck River estuary. The park has a sandy beach, a saltwater marsh, and rocky outcroppings that hold striped bass, bluefish, and weakfish depending on the season. Most anglers fish from the beach or the jetties at either end of the park; the marsh itself is protected, but the surrounding waters are open to fishing year-round.

The park is managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Day-use parking costs money during the summer season (roughly Memorial Day through Labor Day), but parking is free in the off-season. There is a boat launch on the Saugatuck River side if you want to fish from a kayak or small boat, though you'll need to check current launch fees with the park office.

Key Takeaways

  • Sherwood Island's beach and jetties produce striped bass in spring and fall, and bluefish in summer and early fall.
  • The Saugatuck River side of the park offers calmer water for kayak fishing and access to weakfish and schoolie stripers in the estuary.
  • Parking is free October through May and charged during summer; arrive early on weekends year-round because the lot fills quickly.
  • The park has no bait shop, so bring your own tackle, live bait, or soft plastics from home or a nearby shop in Westport.

Spring Striped Bass Run

April through June is the most reliable time to catch striped bass at Sherwood Island. The fish move through Long Island Sound on their spawning migration, and they feed heavily as they travel. Fish the jetties at dawn and dusk with live mackerel, bunker, or eels; the rocky structure holds baitfish and gives stripers a place to ambush prey.

The beach itself can produce fish, especially if there's a strong tide moving baitfish along the shore. Walk the waterline during incoming tide and cast soft plastics or metal spoons parallel to the beach. Water temperature in spring ranges from the mid-40s in April to the low 60s by June, so dress in layers and be prepared for cold water if you wade.

Summer Bluefish and Weakfish

July and August bring bluefish to the Sound side of the park, and they are aggressive hunters that will strike almost any moving lure. Use metal spoons, poppers, or small soft plastics in the 2- to 4-inch range. Fish the jetties or the beach during slack tide, when baitfish bunch up and bluefish hunt in packs. Bluefish have sharp teeth, so use a short wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader.

The Saugatuck River estuary on the park's north side is where weakfish concentrate in summer. Launch a kayak from the boat ramp and fish the shallow flats and channel edges with small soft plastics or live grass shrimp. Weakfish are sensitive to water temperature and light; fish early morning or late evening when the water is cooler and the sun is low.

Fall Stripers and Bluefish

September through November is the second peak season for striped bass at Sherwood Island. The fish are feeding hard before their fall migration, and they are larger and more aggressive than spring fish. Fish the jetties with live mackerel or bunker, or cast large soft plastics (4 to 6 inches) and work them slowly along the rocks. The water cools from the mid-70s in September to the low 50s by November, which actually improves fishing because stripers feed more actively in cooler water.

Bluefish are also present in fall, often mixed in with stripers on the same structure. Use the same lures and techniques for both species, and be ready for either one. Fall storms can make the Sound rough, so check the forecast before you go and fish the calmer Saugatuck side if the Sound is too choppy.

Winter Fishing and Access

Sherwood Island stays open year-round, and winter fishing can be productive for striped bass, though the water is cold and conditions are harsh. Fish the jetties on calm days with live mackerel or bunker. The beach is less productive in winter because baitfish move to deeper water, but the jetties hold fish because they provide structure and shelter.

Winter parking is free, and the lot rarely fills, so you can fish at your own pace. Bring warm clothes, a headlamp for early morning sessions, and a thermos of hot coffee. The park has no heated facilities, so plan to warm up at home or in your vehicle between sessions.

How to Get There and What to Bring

Sherwood Island State Park is located at 41 Sherwood Island Road in Westport. From Interstate 95, take Exit 18 and follow signs to the park; it's about 10 minutes from the highway. The park entrance is well-marked, and there is ample parking in the main lot. The boat launch is on the north side of the park, accessible from the same entrance road.

Bring your own fishing tackle, bait, and lures—there is no bait shop at the park. The nearest tackle shops are in downtown Westport, about 5 miles away. Bring water, snacks, and a headlamp if you plan to fish at dawn or dusk. The park has restrooms and picnic areas, but no food vendors. In summer, bring sunscreen and a hat because the beach offers little shade.

Tides and Seasonal Patterns

Sherwood Island experiences a tidal range of about 6 feet, with incoming tide generally producing better fishing than slack or outgoing water. Check tide tables before you go; incoming tide concentrates baitfish and makes stripers and bluefish more active. The best fishing windows are usually the first two hours of incoming tide and the last hour before slack water.

Water temperature drives seasonal patterns more than any other factor. Striped bass move through in spring when water reaches the mid-50s, feed aggressively in fall when it cools from summer heat, and are present but less active in winter. Bluefish arrive when water reaches the low 60s in late May and leave when it drops below 50 in November. Weakfish prefer water in the 60s to low 70s, so they are most active in June and September.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Connecticut fishing license to fish at Sherwood Island?

Yes. Connecticut requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the DEEP website or at tackle shops in Westport. A short-term license (7 days) is available if you don't want to buy an annual permit.

Can I fish from a kayak at Sherwood Island?

Yes. The boat launch on the Saugatuck River side is open to kayaks. The river estuary is calmer than the Sound side and holds weakfish and schoolie stripers. Check with the park office about current launch fees, which may vary by season.

What's the best time of day to fish Sherwood Island?

Dawn and dusk are most productive, especially in spring and fall. Fish are more active when light is low and water temperature is cooler. Summer fishing can be slow during midday heat, so plan early morning or evening sessions. Winter fishing is best on calm, clear days when water is coldest.

Is there a size or catch limit for striped bass and bluefish in Connecticut?

Yes. Connecticut has minimum size limits and daily catch limits for both species; these change annually. Check the current regulations on the DEEP website before you fish. Regulations are different for striped bass caught in state waters versus federal waters, so confirm which zone you're fishing.

What should I do if the parking lot is full?

Arrive early, especially on weekends and during peak season. If the lot is full, you can park along Sherwood Island Road outside the park entrance and walk in, though this adds distance to your trip. Off-season (October through May) parking is free and the lot rarely fills, so consider fishing during those months if crowds are a concern.