How about the Taunton River? I have never heard it mentioned but know for a fact that stripers are caught all the way up to rte 44. Does anyone remember the 45" fish that made the papers that was caught behind Benny's on rte 44 in Taunton about 6 years ago. I could probably find a copy of the article, it was a front page article in the Brockton Enterprise at the time.. I have heard other reports of large fish being spotted in the Taunton river during the summer, 30-45" range. Isn't that the idea breeding range of stripers? The water is clean, unimpeded by dams or the like, fresh and opens into the atlantic ocean. I would bet $1000 there are breeding stripers in the Taunton river. I would also bet that there are some in there right now hanging out for the winter.
With regards to Scorton, no doubt the fish congregate there for food, not for fooling around. This time of year, they are interested in eating, eating and more eating (and staying warm).
I believe the Scorton fish may represent the future of breeding here in New England, if these little ones can survive and grow we are not only bolstering the population, but potentially expanding the breeding sites.