What You'll Find at Hagens Point

Hagens Point is a small, protected cove on the eastern side of Stonington that holds striped bass and flounder through much of the year. The point itself juts into deeper water, and the surrounding shallows create a natural funnel where fish move in and out with the tide. It's not a destination that draws crowds, which means you can often fish here without competing for space—a real advantage during the spring and fall runs.

The bottom is a mix of sand and mud, with some scattered rocks near the point. Water depth ranges from two to eight feet depending on where you position yourself, making it accessible to waders and small boats alike. The cove faces southwest, so it stays relatively calm even when the open sound is choppy.

Key Takeaways

  • Hagens Point holds striped bass and flounder year-round, with peak activity in spring (April through May) and fall (September through October).
  • Access is by boat only; there is no public parking or shore access at the point itself.
  • Fish the incoming tide during spring and neap tides, when current is moderate and baitfish move into the shallows.
  • Live eels and live mackerel work best for stripers; small shrimp and sand eels draw flounder consistently.

How to Get There

You'll need a boat to reach Hagens Point. Launch from Stonington Harbor or from one of the nearby public ramps in the area. The point lies roughly a mile northeast of the main harbor entrance. Use GPS coordinates 41.3267, -71.8950 as your waypoint, or look for the distinctive rocky point that extends into the sound.

Approach from the south or west to avoid running aground on the shallow bar that extends northeast from the point. Once you're in the cove, you can anchor in four to six feet of water and either fish from the boat or wade the shallows depending on the tide and your preference.

Seasonal Patterns and Timing

Spring (April and May) brings the first strong push of striped bass moving through the sound. They're hungry after winter and will hit live eels aggressively. Water temperatures are still cool, so fish stay in the shallows longer than they will in summer. The incoming tide is your best window—fish move into the cove to feed as water rises.

Summer fishing slows considerably. Stripers move to deeper, cooler water offshore, and flounder become the primary target. Early morning and late evening produce better results than midday. Fish small shrimp or sand eels on light tackle in the deeper sections of the cove.

Fall (September through October) rivals spring for consistency. A second wave of stripers moves through as water cools, and they're aggressive again. Flounder also remain active through October. Fish the same incoming tide pattern you used in spring, and expect steady action on most days.

What to Fish With

Live eels are the most reliable bait for striped bass at Hagens Point. Fish them on a simple rig—a 2/0 to 3/0 circle hook, a small barrel swivel, and 20-pound fluorocarbon leader. Cast near the point and work the bait slowly along the bottom. Stripers will often follow the eel before striking, so don't set the hook too quickly.

Live mackerel (bunker) also work well, especially during the fall run. Use a slightly heavier rig to keep the bait in the strike zone. For flounder, switch to small shrimp or sand eels on a lighter setup—a 1/0 or 2/0 hook is plenty. Flounder feed by sight, so work the bait slowly along the bottom and pause frequently to let them catch up.

Tidal Considerations

The incoming tide is almost always better than the outgoing tide at Hagens Point. As water rises, baitfish move into the shallows and stripers follow. The first two hours of the incoming tide and the hour before high water are your most productive windows. During neap tides (when the tidal range is smallest), the current is gentler and fish stay in the shallows longer.

Spring tides (when the range is greatest) can create strong current that pushes fish through the cove quickly. You'll get bites, but they may be fewer and farther between. Plan your trip around neap tides if you want consistent action, or fish spring tides if you prefer fewer people and don't mind a faster pace.

Practical Details for Your Visit

Bring a shallow-draft boat or be prepared to anchor in deeper water and wade. The bar northeast of the point is real—don't try to run over it at low tide. Wading is productive during the incoming tide; you can work the shallows and cover more ground than you would from a stationary boat.

Weather can change quickly in the sound. Hagens Point offers some shelter, but it's not a safe harbor in heavy wind. Check the forecast before you leave, and don't hesitate to head back if conditions deteriorate. The cove is also popular with recreational boaters in summer, so fish early or late in the day if you want solitude.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wade at Hagens Point?

Yes, wading is productive during the incoming tide when water depth is manageable. The bottom is soft and relatively snag-free. Wear a wading belt and bring a small anchor or drift sock if you're wading from a boat, so you don't drift away from your fishing area.

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

Early morning and late afternoon are generally better than midday, especially in summer. The incoming tide matters more than the time of day, so plan your trip around tidal timing first and time of day second.

Do I need a boat to fish Hagens Point?

Yes, there is no public shore access at the point itself. You'll need to launch from Stonington Harbor or a nearby public ramp and run out by boat.

What size stripers do you typically catch here?

Fish range from schoolies (under 18 inches) to fish in the 20- to 28-inch range. Larger stripers are possible but less common. Fall tends to produce bigger fish than spring.

Is Hagens Point crowded?

No. It's a small cove that doesn't draw the attention of the main harbor or the more famous points nearby. You'll often have the place to yourself, especially on weekday mornings.