What You'll Find at Silver Sands

Silver Sands State Park is a 297-acre coastal park in Milford that offers saltwater fishing from shore, jetties, and a natural sandbar that connects to a small island at low tide. The park sits on Long Island Sound and draws anglers targeting striped bass, bluefish, flounder, and scup. The main appeal is the sandbar walk — a unique feature that exposes a natural causeway during low tide, letting you reach deeper water and different structure than you can from the main beach.

The park is open year-round, though fishing pressure and species availability shift with the seasons. Spring and fall bring the most consistent action for striped bass and bluefish. Summer sees good numbers of smaller fish and occasional larger bass in early morning hours. Winter fishing is possible but quieter, with fewer anglers and lower water temperatures that concentrate fish in deeper channels.

Key Takeaways

  • Silver Sands offers shore fishing from the main beach and jetties, plus access to a natural sandbar at low tide that reaches deeper water and structure.
  • Striped bass and bluefish are the primary targets in spring and fall; flounder and scup are common in summer and early fall.
  • Parking is available on-site, but the lot fills quickly on weekends and during peak fishing seasons.
  • Connecticut saltwater fishing requires a saltwater recreational fishing license, which you can obtain online or at the park office.
  • The sandbar walk is only safe during low tide; check tide tables before you go, as the water can cut off your return route if the tide rises.

Seasons and What Fish Are Biting

Spring (April through May) brings migrating striped bass and bluefish moving through Long Island Sound. Water temperatures climb from the 50s to the 60s, and fish become more active. Early morning and evening produce the best results. Live baitfish like bunker and herring work well, as do topwater plugs and soft plastics that mimic sand eels.

Summer (June through August) sees water temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Striped bass move to deeper channels and are harder to catch from shore, but flounder and scup hold in the shallows and around structure. Fishing is best at dawn and dusk; midday heat pushes most fish deeper. Clams, squid, and small live baitfish work for flounder; small jigs and spoons catch scup.

Fall (September through November) is peak season. Striped bass and bluefish return to shallower water as temperatures drop. Baitfish congregate in the sound, and feeding is aggressive. This is when the sandbar becomes most productive — the deeper water beyond it holds larger bass and blues. Plugs, soft plastics, and live bait all produce.

Winter (December through March) is slow but fishable. Water temperatures drop to the 40s, and fish move to deeper channels. Fewer anglers fish this season, so you'll have more space. Striped bass are the primary target; patience and live bait are your best tools.

Access, Parking, and Facilities

Silver Sands State Park is located at 1 Silver Sands Road in Milford, off Route 1. The park has a paved parking lot with roughly 100 spaces. During weekends and peak fishing seasons — especially spring and fall — the lot fills by mid-morning. There is no reservation system; parking is first-come, first-served. Arrive early if you plan to fish during prime hours.

The park has restrooms, a picnic area, and a small concession stand that operates seasonally. There is no bait shop on-site, so bring your own tackle and bait or stop at a local shop before arriving. The main beach is open to the public year-round, and fishing is permitted from shore and the jetties at all times.

The sandbar walk is the signature feature. At low tide, a natural causeway emerges that lets you walk roughly 1,000 feet to a small island. The walk takes 15 to 20 minutes depending on tide level and your pace. The sandbar is exposed for several hours around low tide, but timing varies with the lunar cycle. Always check tide tables before you go — the water can rise quickly and cut off your return route if you misjudge the timing.

Regulations and Licensing

Connecticut requires a saltwater recreational fishing license for anyone 16 and older who fishes in state waters. You can purchase a license online through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) website, by phone, or at the park office. Licenses are available as one-day, seven-day, or annual permits. The cost varies by license type and residency status.

Striped bass have specific size and bag limits that change annually. As of recent regulations, the minimum size is 18 inches, and the daily bag limit is typically one fish per angler per day, though this varies by season and can change. Bluefish have a minimum size of 8 inches with a daily bag limit of 10 fish. Flounder and scup have their own size and bag limits. Check the current DEEP regulations before you fish, as rules are updated regularly.

No special permits are needed to fish from the beach or jetties at Silver Sands. The park does not allow commercial fishing or the use of nets. Catch-and-release fishing is always permitted and encouraged.

Tackle and Bait That Works Here

For striped bass and bluefish, bring medium to medium-heavy spinning rods with 15- to 20-pound braided line. Topwater plugs, soft plastics (4 to 6 inches), and metal spoons all produce. Live baitfish — bunker, herring, or mullet — are highly effective, especially during spring and fall. A small cooler with ice keeps bait fresh through a long session.

For flounder and scup, lighter tackle works better. A 6- to 7-foot medium spinning rod with 10- to 12-pound line is ideal. Small jigs (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) tipped with squid or clam work well. Flounder also respond to small live baitfish like silversides or grass shrimp. Scup are aggressive feeders and will hit small spoons and jigs quickly.

Bring a headlamp if you plan to fish early morning or evening — the beach has no lighting. Waders are useful for reaching deeper water from the shallows, especially on the sandbar. A small tackle bag, pliers, and a net make landing fish easier. Sunscreen and a hat are essential, as the beach offers little shade.

What Makes Silver Sands Different

The sandbar is the defining feature. Unlike most Connecticut shore fishing, the sandbar gives you access to deeper water and different structure without a boat. The deeper channel beyond the sandbar holds larger striped bass and bluefish, especially during spring and fall. The walk itself is an experience — you're literally walking out into Long Island Sound on exposed sand, which changes the entire feel of shore fishing.

The park is also less crowded than some Connecticut coastal spots. While weekends draw anglers, you can often find space on weekdays, especially outside peak season. The facilities are clean and well-maintained, and the setting is pleasant for a half-day or full-day outing. If you're new to saltwater fishing in Connecticut, Silver Sands is a good introduction because the sandbar gives you a chance to explore different depths and structure without needing a boat.

Nearby Options and Alternatives

If Silver Sands is crowded or the sandbar is unsafe due to tide or weather, Walnut Beach in Milford is a short drive away and offers similar saltwater fishing from shore. Stratford Point in Stratford has jetty fishing and is known for striped bass and bluefish. Both are within 10 miles of Silver Sands.

For a different experience, Housatonic River in Stratford offers freshwater and brackish fishing for striped bass, catfish, and other species. If you want to fish deeper water, charter boats operate out of Milford and nearby ports and can take you to offshore structure and deeper channels where larger fish hold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish the sandbar at any tide?

No — the sandbar is only safe to walk during low tide, when it is fully exposed. Check tide tables before you go. The sandbar is typically walkable for two to three hours around low tide, but this varies with the lunar cycle. Never attempt to walk it during high tide or if the water is rising, as the channel can cut off your return route quickly.

Do I need a boat to fish here?

No — all fishing at Silver Sands is from shore. You can fish from the main beach, the jetties, or the sandbar at low tide. A boat is not necessary, and the park does not have a boat launch.

What's the best time of day to fish?

Early morning (one hour before sunrise to two hours after) and evening (two hours before sunset to one hour after) are most productive. Striped bass and bluefish feed actively during low-light hours. Midday fishing is slower, especially in summer when water temperatures are high.

Where can I buy bait and tackle?

There is no bait shop at the park. Bring your own tackle and bait, or stop at a local shop in Milford before arriving. Several tackle shops operate in the Milford area and can supply live bait, plugs, and other gear.

Is there a fee to enter the park?

Parking is free. You will need a Connecticut saltwater recreational fishing license, which costs between $10 and $40 depending on the license type and your residency status. Licenses are available online, by phone, or at the park office.