Dave -
I lived in the Hartford area for some time, and there was quite a bit of early season striped bass action in the CT River up as far as Enfield. From my experience the best location was the remnants of the old Enfield Dam...Not really fly-fishable from shore. I have never seen this area fished by kayak, so I don't know if it's possible.
I would contact the Hartford Club Sport Shop (I think that's the name) for more info... Best of luck.