What to expect at Griswold Point

Griswold Point is a rocky tidal flat and jetty system at the mouth of the Connecticut River in Old Lyme, where the river meets Long Island Sound. The point produces striped bass and bluefish on moving tides, particularly during spring and fall migrations. Access is free and open to the public, though parking is limited and the terrain is uneven rock and mud that shifts with tide stage.

The fishing here depends entirely on tide. High water covers much of the rocks and creates channels where striped bass hunt baitfish. Low tide exposes the flats and makes wading difficult but can concentrate fish in deeper pockets. Most anglers fish the two hours before and after high tide, when water depth and current combine to push feeding fish through the point.

Key Takeaways

  • Griswold Point fishes best on moving tides, particularly the two hours before and after high water, when striped bass and bluefish move through the rocky structure.
  • Parking is extremely limited — arrive early or fish during off-peak hours, as the lot fills quickly on weekends and during spring and fall runs.
  • The terrain is slippery rock and exposed mud; wear felt-soled wading boots or cleats and fish with a partner, especially on incoming tide when water rises quickly.
  • Connecticut requires a saltwater fishing permit for anyone 16 and older; purchase it online through the DEEP website or at tackle shops in Old Lyme.
  • Striped bass regulations change annually — check the current size and bag limits on the Connecticut DEEP website before you fish.

Seasons and what fish are present

Spring runs from late April through May, when striped bass move north from wintering grounds and concentrate at the point on their way upriver. Water is cold and fish are aggressive on the incoming tide. Bluefish arrive later, typically in June, and remain through September. Fall is the most consistent season — both striped bass and bluefish return in August and stay through October, with September often producing the heaviest action.

Winter fishing is possible but unpredictable. Some years striped bass linger into December if water temperatures stay above 45 degrees. Summer (June through August) can be slow during the day but improves at dawn and dusk when water cools slightly. Most visiting anglers target spring and fall, when tide and season align to concentrate fish at the point.

Tackle and technique

Striped bass at Griswold Point respond to live baitfish and to artificial lures that mimic them. Live mackerel, herring, or mullet fished on a simple rig — a two-ounce sinker and a 3/0 to 5/0 circle hook — work well on the bottom during slack tide. For casting, use 1/2- to 1-ounce white or chartreuse bucktail jigs, shad-pattern soft plastics, or small topwater plugs. Bluefish will take the same lures but are less selective and hit more aggressively.

Fish the rocky structure directly — cast toward the rocks and work lures slowly through the deeper pockets. On incoming tide, position yourself at the edge of the rocks where current funnels baitfish. On outgoing tide, fish the channels that form as water drains off the flats. Most anglers use 8- to 10-pound braided line for better feel and hook-setting power on rocky bottom.

Access, parking, and regulations

Griswold Point is reached from the town of Old Lyme via Griswold Point Road, which ends at a small public parking area. The lot holds approximately 15 to 20 vehicles and fills by mid-morning on weekends and during peak season. There is no overflow parking, and the road is narrow with no shoulder. Arrive before 7 a.m. or fish weekday afternoons to find a spot.

Connecticut requires a saltwater fishing permit for anyone 16 and older. Permits are available online through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) website, at most tackle shops in the area, and at the Old Lyme town clerk's office. A three-day permit costs less than a full-year permit if you are visiting briefly. Striped bass have a minimum size of 18 inches and a daily bag limit that varies by year — check the current regulations on the DEEP website before fishing.

The point itself is public land, but the surrounding area includes private property. Stay on the rocks and flats; do not cross fences or walk onto adjacent yards. Fishing is allowed from sunrise to sunset year-round.

Hazards and safety

The rocks at Griswold Point are slippery even when dry, and become treacherous when wet or covered in algae. Wear felt-soled wading boots or cleats — sneakers or rubber-soled boots will cause you to slip and fall. The rocks are sharp and can cut through waders and skin. Never fish alone, especially on incoming tide, because water rises quickly and can trap an angler between the rocks and deeper water.

Incoming tide can be dangerous. The water level rises several feet in two hours, and the current accelerates as it funnels through the point. If you wade out on the flats during low tide, return to shore well before high water reaches you. Hypothermia is a risk even in summer if you fall into cold water. A personal flotation device is not required but is a sensible precaution if you wade beyond your depth.

Nearby alternatives if Griswold Point is crowded

If parking is full, the Connecticut River mouth offers other access points. Hog Island Shoal, just upriver, is accessible by boat and produces similar striped bass fishing on tide. Lynde Point, at the mouth of the river on the opposite bank, has a small public beach and jetty that also fish well on moving tides, though parking there is equally tight.

For a different setting, Cornfield Point in Old Saybrook, about five miles west, offers a longer beach and more parking. It fishes well for striped bass and bluefish but requires a longer cast and produces less consistent results than Griswold Point because the structure is less defined. Both alternatives are worth exploring if you want to avoid crowds or if tide and weather make Griswold Point unsafe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best tide to fish Griswold Point?

The two hours before and after high tide are most productive, when water depth and current combine to push striped bass and bluefish through the rocky structure. Slack tide (the hour around high water) can be slow. Outgoing tide also works, but many anglers prefer incoming because the rising water pushes fish toward the rocks.

Do I need a boat to fish Griswold Point?

No. The point is entirely accessible from shore by wading and walking the rocks. You do not need a boat, though some anglers launch small boats nearby to fish the deeper water around the point during slack tide or when shore access is crowded.

Can I keep bluefish at Griswold Point?

Yes. Connecticut has no minimum size for bluefish and no daily bag limit, so you can keep as many as you catch. Striped bass have an 18-inch minimum and a daily bag limit that changes each year — check the DEEP website for the current limit before you fish.

What should I do if I slip on the rocks?

Wear felt-soled wading boots or cleats to prevent slipping. If you do fall, get out of the water immediately and move to dry ground. Hypothermia can develop quickly even in warm weather if you are wet and exposed to wind. Have a change of clothes in your vehicle and consider fishing with a partner who can help if you are injured.

Is there a fee to fish Griswold Point?

There is no fee to fish the point itself, but Connecticut requires a saltwater fishing permit for anyone 16 and older. A three-day permit costs less than a full-year permit. Permits are available online through the DEEP website or at tackle shops in Old Lyme.