What to expect at Veterans Memorial Park

Veterans Memorial Park sits on the Thames River in Groton and offers freshwater access to a working tidal estuary where saltwater and freshwater mix. The park is small and primarily a day-use facility with a boat launch, parking, and picnic tables rather than a full-service fishing resort. You can fish from the shore or launch a small boat to reach deeper water and channel structure where striped bass, bluefish, and catfish hold during the warmer months.

The Thames River here is part of Connecticut's coastal fishery system, so conditions change with tide and season. Spring and fall bring the most active fishing, though summer offers consistent action if you fish early morning or evening. Winter is possible but limited by cold water and reduced fish activity. The park itself has no bait shop, no rental equipment, and no food service — bring what you need.

Key Takeaways

  • Veterans Memorial Park offers both shore and boat access to the Thames River, a tidal estuary holding striped bass, bluefish, and catfish.
  • Spring and fall are peak seasons; summer fishing is best at dawn and dusk to avoid heat and crowds.
  • The park has a public boat launch, parking, and picnic areas but no bait shop, food, or rental equipment on site.
  • Connecticut saltwater fishing requires a license for anyone 16 and older, available online or at tackle shops.
  • Tide and water level control fish location and feeding windows, so check tide tables before you go.

Seasons and what fish are active

Spring (April through May) brings striped bass moving upriver to spawn and feed. Water temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s, triggering aggressive feeding. Bluefish arrive later in spring and stay through early summer. Live herring, shad, and eels work well; so do topwater plugs and soft plastics that mimic baitfish. Mornings and evenings are most productive.

Summer (June through August) slows midday fishing because heat pushes stripers deeper and into shade. Dawn and dusk remain reliable, especially around the first and last hours of daylight. Catfish become more active at night. Bluefish stay active throughout summer but tend to move to deeper channels during the hottest part of the day.

Fall (September through October) is often the best season. Water cools, stripers feed aggressively, and bluefish are still present. Baitfish congregate in the estuary before moving offshore, so fish follow. This is when you can fish most of the day with decent results.

Winter (November through March) is slow. Water temperatures drop into the 30s and 40s. Some catfish remain, and occasional stripers hold in deeper holes, but fishing is inconsistent. Most anglers focus on other locations during winter.

How to reach the park and what access looks like

Veterans Memorial Park is located at 1 Avery Lane in Groton, off Route 12 near the Thames River. Parking is free and typically has space for 20 to 30 vehicles. The lot is paved and close to the water. There is a public boat launch suitable for small boats, kayaks, and canoes. The launch fee varies — check with the town of Groton Parks and Recreation Department before you go, as fees and hours change seasonally.

Shore fishing is possible from the grassy bank and along the water's edge. The park is open dawn to dusk year-round. There are picnic tables and trash receptacles but no restrooms, no covered shelter, and no lighting. Bring sunscreen, water, and a headlamp if you plan to fish early or late.

The boat launch is concrete and well-maintained but can get crowded on weekends during peak season. Arrive early if you plan to launch on a Saturday or Sunday in spring or fall. Parking fills quickly, and the launch itself can have a short wait.

Connecticut saltwater fishing license and regulations

Anyone 16 years old or older must hold a Connecticut saltwater fishing license to fish in tidal waters. The Thames River at Groton is tidal, so a license is required. You can purchase a license online through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) website, by phone, or at most tackle shops and sporting goods stores. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license, so choose based on how often you plan to fish.

Striped bass have a minimum size of 18 inches and a daily limit of two fish per person. Bluefish have no minimum size but a daily limit of 10 fish. Catfish have no size or bag limit. Regulations can change, so verify current rules on the DEEP website before you fish. Possession of undersized fish is a violation, and fines are substantial.

The park itself has no special restrictions beyond state law. Catch-and-release is always allowed. Live bait is permitted. Chumming is allowed but keep it reasonable — excessive chum can attract unwanted attention from other anglers or wildlife.

What gear and bait work best

For striped bass, bring a medium-action spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) with 10- to 15-pound braided line and a fluorocarbon leader. Live herring, shad, or eels are the most reliable baits. If you prefer lures, topwater plugs, soft plastics (4 to 6 inches), and shallow-running crankbaits work well in spring and fall. Jigging with bucktail jigs or soft plastics is effective around structure and deeper holes.

Bluefish are aggressive and will hit most moving lures. They have sharp teeth, so use a wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader to prevent bite-offs. Metal spoons, topwater plugs, and chunked mackerel or bunker are all effective. Bluefish are less picky than stripers and will feed throughout the day.

For catfish, use cut bait (mackerel, herring, or chicken liver) fished on the bottom with a simple sinker rig. Fish at night or early morning when catfish are most active. A medium-heavy rod and 15- to 20-pound line is appropriate. Catfish are strong and can run into snags, so heavier gear prevents break-offs.

Bring extra line, leaders, hooks, and sinkers. The park has no tackle shop nearby, so running out of gear means your day is over. A small tackle box, pliers, and a net are essential. Sunscreen and insect repellent are worth the space.

Tide, water level, and timing

The Thames River is tidal, and fish location changes with tide stage. Stripers and bluefish feed most actively during the first two hours of incoming tide and the last two hours of outgoing tide. Slack tide (the period between tide changes) is typically slower. Check tide tables for Groton or New London before you go — tide times shift daily and affect your success more than any other factor.

Water level also matters. High tide pushes fish into shallower areas and onto the banks where they feed. Low tide concentrates fish in deeper channels. If you are shore fishing, high tide gives you better access to deeper water. If you are boat fishing, low tide reveals structure and channels that hold fish.

Weather affects fishing too. Overcast days are often better than bright sun because fish are less cautious. Light wind is fine; strong wind makes boat fishing difficult and can churn the water in ways that slow feeding. Rain does not stop fish from feeding and often improves it.

Nearby alternatives if Veterans Memorial Park is crowded or slow

If Veterans Memorial Park is full or fishing is slow, several other Connecticut tidal locations are within 20 minutes. The Mystic River in Mystic has similar species and access from public areas. The Niantic River near East Lyme offers stripers and bluefish with less crowding. Both are tidal and require the same license and follow the same regulations.

For freshwater options, Pachaug State Forest has several ponds within 30 minutes of Groton and holds largemouth bass, pickerel, and panfish. These require a freshwater license instead of a saltwater license. If you want to stay in saltwater but try a different setting, Barn Island Wildlife Management Area in Stonington offers marsh fishing and is less developed than Veterans Memorial Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Veterans Memorial Park?

No. Shore fishing from the bank is productive, especially during high tide and at dawn or dusk. A boat lets you reach deeper water and structure, but it is not required. Many anglers catch stripers and bluefish from shore using live bait or lures.

What is the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning (one hour before sunrise to two hours after) and evening (two hours before sunset to dusk) are most productive year-round. Tide matters more than time of day, so fish the first two hours of incoming tide or the last two hours of outgoing tide whenever they occur.

Can I fish in winter?

Yes, but fishing is slow. Water temperatures drop into the 30s and 40s, and most fish move to deeper holes or leave the estuary. Catfish remain active at night. Expect fewer fish and longer waits between bites compared to spring and fall.

Where do I buy a Connecticut saltwater fishing license?

Online through the Connecticut DEEP website, by phone through their licensing office, or at most tackle shops and sporting goods stores in the area. A one-day license is cheaper than a full-year license and is valid for 24 consecutive hours from the time of purchase.

What should I do if I catch an undersized striped bass?

Release it immediately. Striped bass must be at least 18 inches to keep. Possession of an undersized fish is a violation, even if you plan to release it later. Measure before you land the fish if you are unsure.