What Cedar Island Marina offers

Cedar Island Marina sits on the Connecticut River in Old Saybrook, about 10 miles north of where the river meets Long Island Sound. It is a working marina with boat slips, fuel, and a launch ramp, and it serves as the primary public access point for striped bass and shad fishing on the lower Connecticut River. The marina is not a state park or public beach — it is a private facility that charges for parking and launch fees — but it is open to the public during operating hours.

The location matters because the Connecticut River holds one of the Northeast's most productive striped bass fisheries. The lower river, from Old Saybrook upstream to the Haddam Neck dam, is where most recreational fishing happens. Cedar Island gives you direct access to that stretch without needing to own property or launch from a private club.

Key Takeaways

  • Cedar Island Marina charges a launch fee (typically $15 to $20, though rates change seasonally) and a parking fee separate from the launch cost.
  • Striped bass season on the Connecticut River runs from April through November, with peak fishing in May and June and again in September and October.
  • You must have a Connecticut fishing license and follow state regulations on striped bass size and bag limits, which vary by year and are set by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
  • The marina operates year-round but has limited hours in winter; call ahead to confirm launch availability before you arrive.
  • Shad run upstream in spring (April and May), and the lower river is a secondary shad fishery; striped bass are the primary draw.

Striped bass season and timing

Striped bass fishing on the Connecticut River is strongest in spring and fall. April through June is the first peak, when fish move upriver to spawn and feed heavily. Water temperatures in the 50s to low 60s trigger aggressive feeding, and you can catch fish on live herring, eels, and shad patterns. May is often the most consistent month for numbers and size.

Summer (July and August) is slower. Water temperatures climb into the 70s, and striped bass move deeper or hold in cooler pockets near the dam. Fishing is possible but requires more patience and knowledge of structure. September and October bring a second peak as water cools and fish move back downriver toward the sound, feeding heavily before winter.

Winter fishing (November through March) is possible but limited. Some anglers fish the lower river on mild days, but Cedar Island's launch ramp may have reduced hours or temporary closures due to ice or weather. Call the marina directly to confirm winter access.

Regulations and licensing

Connecticut requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Connecticut DEEP website, at the marina (if they sell them), or at most tackle shops in the area. A one-day license costs less than a full-season license if you fish only occasionally.

Striped bass regulations change annually and are set by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. In recent years, the minimum size has been 18 inches, and the daily bag limit has been two fish per person. However, these rules shift based on stock assessments, so check the current regulations on the DEEP website or ask at the marina before you fish. Possession of undersized or over-limit fish can result in fines.

Shad have their own regulations. Spring shad season typically runs April through May, with a minimum size of 18 inches and a daily limit of five fish. Again, confirm current rules before you go.

Launch fees, parking, and marina services

Cedar Island Marina charges a launch fee to use the ramp, typically $15 to $20 depending on the season and whether you are a member or day-use customer. Parking is charged separately and is usually $5 to $10 per day. Some marinas offer discounts for early-season or multi-day passes, so ask when you call.

The marina has fuel (gasoline and diesel), a bait shop, and basic supplies. They sell live herring and eels during the spring and fall seasons, which is convenient if you do not want to bring bait from home. The ramp is concrete and well-maintained, suitable for trailered boats up to about 25 feet, though larger boats can launch with advance notice.

The marina does not rent boats or fishing gear. If you do not own a boat, you can hire a charter captain who launches from Cedar Island or nearby marinas. Several guides fish the Connecticut River and can be found through online searches or by asking at the marina.

What to fish for and techniques

Striped bass are the primary target. In spring, live herring and eels work well, as do shad patterns and large soft plastics (4 to 6 inches). Many anglers cast from shore or fish from small boats in the shallows near the marina. Deeper water upriver holds larger fish, but you need a boat to reach it effectively.

Shad fishing in April and May uses small shad darts (quarter-ounce to half-ounce) or small spoons. Shad are not as aggressive as striped bass, so lighter tackle and smaller lures are the norm. The shad run is brief and can be hit-or-miss depending on water temperature and flow.

Shore fishing is possible from the marina grounds and nearby public areas, though boat access gives you more water to cover. If you fish from shore, focus on deeper holes and current breaks where striped bass hold.

Getting there and what to bring

Cedar Island Marina is located at 1 Maple Avenue in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. From Interstate 95, take Exit 69 and follow Route 154 south toward Old Saybrook. The marina is on the Connecticut River, a few miles south of downtown Old Saybrook. GPS coordinates are approximately 41.30°N, 72.35°W.

Bring a cooler with ice, a valid fishing license, and appropriate tackle for the season. In spring and fall, water temperatures are cool, so wear layers. Bring sunscreen and a hat for sun protection. If you are launching a boat, make sure your trailer lights work and your boat is properly registered. The marina can tell you what documentation you need when you call.

Cell service is generally available, but the river can be windy and conditions change quickly. Check the weather forecast and water conditions before you launch. The Connecticut River can have strong currents and tidal influence, especially near the mouth, so be cautious if you are unfamiliar with the water.

Nearby alternatives and resources

If Cedar Island Marina is full or you want other options, the Connecticut River has several other public and semi-public access points. Haddam Meadows State Park, upstream near Haddam, offers shore fishing and a boat launch. Salmon River State Forest, a tributary that joins the Connecticut River, has limited public access but is worth exploring if you want to fish smaller water.

For current information on striped bass fishing conditions, water levels, and regulations, contact the Connecticut DEEP Fisheries Division or visit their website. Local tackle shops in Old Saybrook and nearby towns can provide up-to-date reports on what is biting and what techniques are working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish at Cedar Island Marina?

No. You can fish from shore near the marina or from public areas along the river. However, a boat gives you access to more water and deeper holes where larger striped bass hold. If you do not own a boat, charter captains operate from Cedar Island and nearby marinas.

What is the best time of year to fish here?

May and June are peak for striped bass, with consistent action and good numbers. September and October are also strong. Spring shad season (April and May) is brief but can be productive if you time it right. Summer and winter are slower but still possible.

Can I fish here year-round?

Striped bass season runs April through November. Winter fishing is possible but less reliable, and the marina may have reduced hours. Call ahead to confirm launch availability in winter months.

What size striped bass can I keep?

Current Connecticut regulations require a minimum size of 18 inches, but this changes annually. Check the Connecticut DEEP website or ask at the marina for the current rules before you fish.

Where can I buy bait?

Cedar Island Marina has a bait shop that sells live herring and eels during spring and fall seasons. If the shop is closed or out of stock, tackle shops in Old Saybrook and nearby towns carry bait and lures.