Bluefish Fishing in Rhode Island
When bluefish are caught across Rhode Island, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Bluefish catch through the year
Recreational catch in Rhode Island by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
Seasonal catch and conditions for Rhode Island
Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional Pathr update. No spam.
Catching bluefish in Rhode Island
Bluefish catches in Rhode Island run hardest around Sep-Oct, with the strongest two-month windows in Sep-Oct and Jul-Aug. Anglers keep about 32% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Rhode Island fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch bluefish in Rhode Island?+
Catches peak around Sep-Oct (September and October). The strongest two-month windows are Sep-Oct and Jul-Aug. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release bluefish in Rhode Island?+
Across Rhode Island, about 32% of the bluefish caught are kept and 68% are released. That works out to roughly 59K kept and 123K released in 2024.
How many bluefish are caught in Rhode Island?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 181K bluefish caught by recreational anglers in Rhode Island in 2024, making it the #8 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this bluefish data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
