What You'll Find at Sherwood Island

Sherwood Island State Park is a 238-acre park on a peninsula in Westport that juts into the Long Island Sound. It's one of Connecticut's oldest state parks and one of the few places where you can fish saltwater from shore without a boat. The park has a sandy beach, a fishing pier, picnic areas, and a nature center — but most anglers come for the flats and jetties where striped bass and bluefish move through with the tide.

The park sits about 45 minutes northeast of New York City and is accessible by car year-round. Parking fills quickly on summer weekends, especially during the day, but shoulder seasons (April through May and September through October) offer better access and more consistent fishing. Winter fishing is possible but limited by weather and reduced park hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Sherwood Island has a public fishing pier and jetties where striped bass and bluefish are the primary catches from spring through fall.
  • A Connecticut saltwater fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older; you can purchase one online or at the park office.
  • Parking is limited and fills by mid-morning on weekends; arrive early or visit on weekdays for better access.
  • The park is open year-round but has seasonal hours; call ahead to confirm access during winter months.
  • Bait and tackle shops in nearby Westport and Fairfield stock live bunker, eels, and clams for fishing the Sound.

Seasons and What Fish Are Biting

Spring (April through May) brings the first strong run of striped bass as they move north from wintering grounds. Water temperatures climb from the low 50s to the mid-60s, and bass feed aggressively on small baitfish. Live bunker (menhaden) and eels work best during this window. Bluefish arrive later in spring and stay through early summer.

Summer (June through August) is crowded with swimmers, which pushes fishing to early morning and evening hours. Bass and bluefish are present but less predictable during the day. Nighttime fishing from the pier and jetties can be productive, though the park has posted hours and you should confirm whether after-dark access is permitted before planning a night trip.

Fall (September through October) is the strongest season. Water cools back into the 60s and 50s, baitfish concentrate, and both striped bass and bluefish feed heavily. This is when you'll see the most consistent action and the best chance at larger fish. Live bunker and eels remain the top baits.

Winter (November through March) sees fewer anglers and reduced park hours. Striped bass are still present but less active. Ice can form on the jetties, making them unsafe. Call the park office before heading out in winter to confirm the pier and jetties are open and safe to fish.

Access, Parking, and Park Hours

Sherwood Island is located at 41 Sherwood Island Road in Westport. The park entrance is off Route 136, about 2 miles south of the Merritt Parkway. Parking is free but limited to a main lot with roughly 100 spaces. On warm weekends, the lot fills by 10 a.m., and the park may close to new arrivals until spaces open up.

Weekday visits and shoulder-season trips (April, May, September, October) offer the best chance of finding a spot. The park is open year-round, but hours vary by season. Summer hours are typically 8 a.m. to sunset; winter hours are shorter. Call the park office at (203) 226-6983 to confirm hours before you go, especially if you're planning a winter or early-morning trip.

The fishing pier is accessible from the main beach area and requires no separate fee beyond the parking lot. Jetties are also open to anglers and can be reached by walking along the beach at low tide. Wading is possible on the flats during low water, but be aware of tidal currents and soft bottom in some areas.

Licensing and Regulations

Connecticut requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 years old and older. You can purchase a license online through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) website, by phone, or at the park office. A short-term license (7 days) costs less than an annual license and is a good option if you're visiting from out of state.

Striped bass have a minimum size of 18 inches and a daily limit of two fish per person. Bluefish have a 10-inch minimum and a 10-fish daily limit. These regulations can change, so check the DEEP website or ask at the park office before you fish. Slot limits and seasonal closures may apply depending on the year.

Live bait is allowed. Chumming is permitted from the pier and jetties but not from the beach itself. No motorized boats are allowed from the park, though the Sound is open to private boat traffic.

Bait, Tackle, and What to Bring

Live bunker and eels are the most effective baits at Sherwood Island. You can buy both at local tackle shops in Westport and Fairfield. Westport Bait and Tackle (on Main Street) and shops near the Fairfield marina stock live bait year-round and can tell you what's working that week. Clams and squid are also available and work for smaller fish and catfish.

Bring a medium spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) with 15- to 20-pound braided line and a fluorocarbon leader. A small cooler with ice keeps bait fresh and holds your catch. Waders are useful for fishing the flats at low tide, but not required. A headlamp is essential if you plan to fish the pier at dawn or dusk.

The pier has railings and is easy to fish from, but the jetties are rocky and can be slippery, especially after rain or at high tide. Wear shoes with good grip. Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat — there's little shade on the pier or jetties. Parking is free, but bring cash if you want to buy food or drinks from the park concession stand during summer.

Nearby Resources and Alternatives

If Sherwood Island is full or you want to explore other options, Compo Beach in Westport allows fishing from the jetties and has more parking. Jenkinson Beach in Fairfield is another nearby option with similar species and less crowding on weekdays. Both require parking fees during summer.

For boat fishing in the same area, charter captains operate out of Westport and Fairfield marinas and target the same striped bass and bluefish. If you prefer freshwater, the Saugatuck River (which flows into the Sound near Sherwood Island) has largemouth bass and catfish, though access is limited to a few public spots.

The Sherwood Island Nature Center offers programs and exhibits about local ecology and is worth a visit if you want to learn more about the Sound's habitat and fish species. It's open seasonally and admission is free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to fish at Sherwood Island?

Yes, anyone 16 and older needs a Connecticut saltwater fishing license. You can buy one online through the DEEP website, by phone, or at the park office. A 7-day license is cheaper than an annual one and is a good choice for visitors.

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

Fall (September and October) is the most consistent season for striped bass and bluefish. Spring (April and May) is also strong. Summer is crowded with swimmers, and winter has reduced hours and colder water. Shoulder seasons also mean less crowding in the parking lot.

Can I fish at night?

The park has posted hours, and after-dark access varies by season. Call the park office at (203) 226-6983 to confirm whether nighttime fishing is permitted before you plan a night trip. Summer hours are typically 8 a.m. to sunset.

What if the parking lot is full?

Arrive early on weekends or visit on a weekday. Compo Beach and Jenkinson Beach in nearby Westport and Fairfield are alternatives with similar fishing and sometimes more parking, though they charge parking fees during summer.

What bait works best?

Live bunker and eels are the top choices for striped bass and bluefish. You can buy both at Westport Bait and Tackle and other local shops. Clams and squid also work, especially for smaller fish and catfish.