CT DEP FISHING REPORT NUMBER 20 9/1/2010
INLAND REPORT
LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing was generally fair to good, with reports from Billings Lake, Candlewood Lake, East Twin Lake, Gardner Lake, Glasgo Pond, Mudge Pond (a 5 lb bass among the catches), Pattagansett Lake, Pickerel Lake (catches include a 6 lb bass), Lake Zoar (a tough place for some anglers, but fair action can be found, and recent catches do include a 5 lb largemouth), Bantam Lake, the Farmington River (Simsbury area), Moosup Pond, Roseland Lake, Park Pond, Black Pond (Woodstock) and Shenipsit Lake. Other areas reporting some bass action include Bishop Swamp, Silver Lake (Berlin), Burr Pond and West Hill Pond.
SMALLMOUTH BASS action reported from Candlewood Lake (very good), Housatonic River (excellent), Rainbow Reservoir (good action in places, another drawdown begins next week), Lake Zoar (slow to fair), Lake McDonough (slow, and remember- the boat launch closes Labor Day), Coventry Lake (some being caught), Willimantic River, Colebrook Reservoir (some action), Highland Lake (fair-to slow) and West Hill Pond (fair).
NORTHERN PIKE catches have been reported from Bantam Lake, Mansfield Hollow Reservoir and Pachaug Pond.
Few reports for WALLEYE this week, some action reported from Beach Pond.
SUNFISH continue to provide excellent late summer action. Worms, grubs, jigs or small poppers all work. Small local ponds are often great places for sunnies, bigger places to try include Lower Moodus Reservoir (drawdown begins next week), Twin Brooks Park Pond, Batterson Park Pond, Red Cedar Lake, Bishop Pond, Dog Pond, Hatch Pond, Leonard Pond, Gardner Lake, Coventry Lake and Tyler Lake.
CONNECTICUT RIVER – CATFISH (including some 10 lb plus cats) are providing some great late summer action on cut bait (chunking) in brush piles near deeper holes. CARP are being caught on corn and dough balls. NORTHERN PIKE fishing was slow, look for pike in coves and along the mainstem from Wethersfield to Harbor Park, and in the Haddam Meadows area. LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is spotty, with some fish being caught in coves, and along weedlines in the mainstem. SMALLMOUTH BASS are reported from the Enfield area (good) down to the Middletown area (fair below Hartford). Look for BLACK CRAPPIE fishing in back coves (try small shiners).
TROUT
Rivers & streams - Flows have decreased and are again well below typical early September levels in many areas. Depending on the actual path of the storm, stream flows, especially in eastern CT may be improved by some precipitation associated with Hurricane Earl. When fishing in low flow conditions, light line and leaders should work best. Anglers should remember to include terrestrial fly patterns in their arsenal in the fall. Good reports from the West Branch Farmington River, and some action also reported from the mainstem Farmington River and the Housatonic River.
The numerous heat waves and extended periods of low flows experienced this summer have been very stressful to trout, and anglers are reminded to take extra care when handling trout that they plan on releasing. Note that the thermal refuge areas on the Housatonic, Naugatuck and Shetucket Rivers have also reopened to fishing today (September 1st), however, it is suggested that anglers carefully consider environmental conditions before targeting remaining trout in these areas. Page 1 of 4
2010 DEP Fishing Report Number 20, 9/1/2010
Farmington River – Trout fishing remains good and anglers can look forward to even more fish in the river as DEP PLANS TO STOCK 2,000 TROUT FOR THE LABOR DAY WEEKEND. These fish are brown trout (12 inch and bigger fish) and will be released into the West Branch Farmington from just above the TMA to the Goodwin (Hogback) Dam. Water temperatures are in the mid 60’s °F (West Branch TMA, rising some during the day, and higher downstream). Flows are clear and remain low, currently 86 cfs at Riverton, and the Still River provides another 10 cfs below Riverton. With flows clear and this low, being stealthy is essential.
Hatches/patterns include the Trico (Trycorythodes stygiatus, #26-28, main event early morning in the TMA), Dark Hendrickson (Ephemerella needhami, #22-28, morning), Isonychia bicolor (major hatch, #10-12, fast water, evening), Blue Wing Olives (Drunella sps. & Baetis sps.;#22-26, mid-late afternoon), Light Cahills/Summer (Stenonema ithaca, #12-18, early morning), Sulfurs duns (Heptagenia sps., #16-20, below the dam due to low temperatures, morning; afternoon to early evening for spinners), Caddis (tan #10-18, all day; green #22-26, evening; summer pupa #18-20 morning), Midges (#20-26, morning), Black Ants (#16-18, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#16-18, mid day), Flying Ants (#18-22, mid day, when windy/humid, especially after rain), Stone Hopper (#8-12, mid day) and Golden Drake (Anthopotamus distinctus, #10-14, late evening).
Housatonic River – Water temperatures have increased, currently in the upper 60’s to low 70’s °F (mornings, will rise during the day). Flows remain clear but are very low again, currently 120 cfs at Falls Village and 180 cfs at Gaylordsville.
Hatches/patterns: Fall Sulfurs (#16-1
, White Wulff (#10-14), Blue Wing Olive (#18-24, early morning; spinner fall in evening), Leadwing Coachman (#10-12 evening, September is peak month), Cahill (#12-14, evening), and Black caddis (#16-18, early morning & evening). Golden stonefly nymphs hatch at first light and adults egg-lay after dark. Try Black Ants (#18-22, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#14-18, mid day) and Stone Hopper (#8-10, mid day). Don’t forget streamers (morning & evening). Patterns to try include White Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10). Keep an eye out for flying ants (#18-22, mid-day, when windy/humid, September is peak month).
Lakes & Ponds- Some late summer trout action reported from Crystal Lake (Ellington; target 25-30 feet early morning), East Twin Lake, Highland Lake (target 30 feet plus), Mashapaug Lake (target 25-27 feet), Mohawk Pond (slow) and West Hill Pond.
NOTES & NOTICES:
��
The MDC Boat launch on LAKE MCDONOUGH will close for the season after Labor Day (9/6)
��
Due to scheduled dam maintenance projects, drawdowns of MOODUS RESERVOIR (Lower & Upper) and RAINBOW RESERVOIR are scheduled to commence immediately after the Labor Day weekend (9/4 – 9/6). It is anticipated that the affected boat launches will be unusable by many trailer boats once planned drawdown depths are reached.
��
The Bayberry Lane State Boat Launch (Groton) is closed for renovations to December 31st.
Page 2 of 4
2010 DEP Fishing Report Number 20, 9/1/2010
TIPS & TRICKS – SUMMER CATFISHING
WADE FOR 'EM
•
Select a stretch of river with holes, timber piles and deep bends.
•
Move slowly downstream, casting to any potential holding area.
USE A FLOAT
•
Set a float to suspend bait inches off the bottom.
•
During night, tape a light stick or reflector tape to a float.
FISH DURING THE DAY
•
Fish move less & stay longer in predictable locations.
•
Big and small fish usually are not found together.
TRY JIGGING
•
Use an up-and-down retrieve when casting a bottom-bumping jig.
•
Work it slowly, stopping occasionally.
LONGER IS BETTER
•
Long rods, (to 13 feet), allow you to reach distant fish.
•
Spool up with braided or non-stretch lines.
MOVE MORE OFTEN
•
Change spots to cover more water.
•
When targeting channel catfish, move every 20 minutes or so.
KEEP IT QUIET
•
A catfish's sense of hearing is over 15 times more sensitive than a trout's.
•
Their "ears" are vastly developed and highly acute.
FISH MORE CREEKS
•
Anglers looking for fast action & eating-sized fish should exploit smaller waterways.
•
Structural elements are much easier to identify on small creeks.
FISH NEAR DAMS
•
Position your bait near any current obstruction.
•
Use plenty of weight to hold your bait on the bottom.
FISH ISOLATED COVER
•
Target thickest snags & ugliest backwater with heavy line & tackle to get fish out quick.
•
Try un-weighted rigs to minimize hang-ups.
Page 3 of 4
2010 DEP Fishing Report Number 20, 9/1/2010
Page 4 of 4
MARINE FISHING REPORT
Special Note: As upcoming weather conditions are uncertain due to Hurricane Earl, and could become hazardous, marine anglers should pay close attention to weather station forecasts before venturing to the coastline or going out in a boat.
Surface water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) remain in the low to mid 70’s °F. Check out the following web sites for more detailed water temperatures and marine boating conditions:
http://www.mysound.uconn.edu/stationstat.html
http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1
http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/
http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/330.html
STRIPED BASS fishing is fair to good on the local reefs and rip areas. As usual, night time fishing is more productive.
BLUEFISH fishing remains excellent. LIS is loaded with choppers ranging in the 4 lbs class. Fishing locations for both bluefish and stripers include the usual spots: Watch Hill area, Ram Island Reef and East and West Clumps (Fishers Island Sound), lower Thames River, the Race (by Race Rock and Valiant Rock), outer Bartlett Reef, the Sluiceway, Plum Gut, Pigeon Rip, warm water discharge from Millstone Power Station, the “humps” south of Hatchett Reef, lower Connecticut River, Long Sand Shoal, Cornfield Point, Southwest Reef, Duck Island area, Sixmile Reef, Falkner Island area, reefs off Guilford and Branford, New Haven Harbor, lower Housatonic River, buoys #18 and #20 off Bridgeport, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground, Black Rock Harbor, Penfield Reef, Norwalk Islands, Cable and Anchor Reef, and Stamford and Greenwich Harbors.
SNAPPER BLUE fishing is fair in the tidal creeks.
SCUP (porgy) fishing remains excellent on the any of the major reefs and rock piles throughout LIS. Scup over 15 inches in length are common.
SUMMER FLOUNDER: Just a reminder, the fishing season is closed (Aug 26-May 14).
HICKORY SHAD fishing is good in the Niantic River and lower Connecticut River at the Baldwin Bridge State Boat Launch/Fishing Pier and the DEP Marine Headquarters Fishing Pier.
BLACK SEA BASS fishing is fair to good off Black Point, the reefs in Fishers Island Sound, south side of Fishers Island and off the Watch Hill area.
BLUE CLAW CRABBING remains good to excellent in any of the tidal creeks and rivers.
For regulation updates and fishing/crabbing information, please check out our web site at: www.ct.gov/dep or pick up the 2010 Angler’s Guide.
INLAND REPORT
LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing was generally fair to good, with reports from Billings Lake, Candlewood Lake, East Twin Lake, Gardner Lake, Glasgo Pond, Mudge Pond (a 5 lb bass among the catches), Pattagansett Lake, Pickerel Lake (catches include a 6 lb bass), Lake Zoar (a tough place for some anglers, but fair action can be found, and recent catches do include a 5 lb largemouth), Bantam Lake, the Farmington River (Simsbury area), Moosup Pond, Roseland Lake, Park Pond, Black Pond (Woodstock) and Shenipsit Lake. Other areas reporting some bass action include Bishop Swamp, Silver Lake (Berlin), Burr Pond and West Hill Pond.
SMALLMOUTH BASS action reported from Candlewood Lake (very good), Housatonic River (excellent), Rainbow Reservoir (good action in places, another drawdown begins next week), Lake Zoar (slow to fair), Lake McDonough (slow, and remember- the boat launch closes Labor Day), Coventry Lake (some being caught), Willimantic River, Colebrook Reservoir (some action), Highland Lake (fair-to slow) and West Hill Pond (fair).
NORTHERN PIKE catches have been reported from Bantam Lake, Mansfield Hollow Reservoir and Pachaug Pond.
Few reports for WALLEYE this week, some action reported from Beach Pond.
SUNFISH continue to provide excellent late summer action. Worms, grubs, jigs or small poppers all work. Small local ponds are often great places for sunnies, bigger places to try include Lower Moodus Reservoir (drawdown begins next week), Twin Brooks Park Pond, Batterson Park Pond, Red Cedar Lake, Bishop Pond, Dog Pond, Hatch Pond, Leonard Pond, Gardner Lake, Coventry Lake and Tyler Lake.
CONNECTICUT RIVER – CATFISH (including some 10 lb plus cats) are providing some great late summer action on cut bait (chunking) in brush piles near deeper holes. CARP are being caught on corn and dough balls. NORTHERN PIKE fishing was slow, look for pike in coves and along the mainstem from Wethersfield to Harbor Park, and in the Haddam Meadows area. LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is spotty, with some fish being caught in coves, and along weedlines in the mainstem. SMALLMOUTH BASS are reported from the Enfield area (good) down to the Middletown area (fair below Hartford). Look for BLACK CRAPPIE fishing in back coves (try small shiners).
TROUT
Rivers & streams - Flows have decreased and are again well below typical early September levels in many areas. Depending on the actual path of the storm, stream flows, especially in eastern CT may be improved by some precipitation associated with Hurricane Earl. When fishing in low flow conditions, light line and leaders should work best. Anglers should remember to include terrestrial fly patterns in their arsenal in the fall. Good reports from the West Branch Farmington River, and some action also reported from the mainstem Farmington River and the Housatonic River.
The numerous heat waves and extended periods of low flows experienced this summer have been very stressful to trout, and anglers are reminded to take extra care when handling trout that they plan on releasing. Note that the thermal refuge areas on the Housatonic, Naugatuck and Shetucket Rivers have also reopened to fishing today (September 1st), however, it is suggested that anglers carefully consider environmental conditions before targeting remaining trout in these areas. Page 1 of 4
2010 DEP Fishing Report Number 20, 9/1/2010
Farmington River – Trout fishing remains good and anglers can look forward to even more fish in the river as DEP PLANS TO STOCK 2,000 TROUT FOR THE LABOR DAY WEEKEND. These fish are brown trout (12 inch and bigger fish) and will be released into the West Branch Farmington from just above the TMA to the Goodwin (Hogback) Dam. Water temperatures are in the mid 60’s °F (West Branch TMA, rising some during the day, and higher downstream). Flows are clear and remain low, currently 86 cfs at Riverton, and the Still River provides another 10 cfs below Riverton. With flows clear and this low, being stealthy is essential.
Hatches/patterns include the Trico (Trycorythodes stygiatus, #26-28, main event early morning in the TMA), Dark Hendrickson (Ephemerella needhami, #22-28, morning), Isonychia bicolor (major hatch, #10-12, fast water, evening), Blue Wing Olives (Drunella sps. & Baetis sps.;#22-26, mid-late afternoon), Light Cahills/Summer (Stenonema ithaca, #12-18, early morning), Sulfurs duns (Heptagenia sps., #16-20, below the dam due to low temperatures, morning; afternoon to early evening for spinners), Caddis (tan #10-18, all day; green #22-26, evening; summer pupa #18-20 morning), Midges (#20-26, morning), Black Ants (#16-18, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#16-18, mid day), Flying Ants (#18-22, mid day, when windy/humid, especially after rain), Stone Hopper (#8-12, mid day) and Golden Drake (Anthopotamus distinctus, #10-14, late evening).
Housatonic River – Water temperatures have increased, currently in the upper 60’s to low 70’s °F (mornings, will rise during the day). Flows remain clear but are very low again, currently 120 cfs at Falls Village and 180 cfs at Gaylordsville.
Hatches/patterns: Fall Sulfurs (#16-1
, White Wulff (#10-14), Blue Wing Olive (#18-24, early morning; spinner fall in evening), Leadwing Coachman (#10-12 evening, September is peak month), Cahill (#12-14, evening), and Black caddis (#16-18, early morning & evening). Golden stonefly nymphs hatch at first light and adults egg-lay after dark. Try Black Ants (#18-22, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#14-18, mid day) and Stone Hopper (#8-10, mid day). Don’t forget streamers (morning & evening). Patterns to try include White Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10). Keep an eye out for flying ants (#18-22, mid-day, when windy/humid, September is peak month).
Lakes & Ponds- Some late summer trout action reported from Crystal Lake (Ellington; target 25-30 feet early morning), East Twin Lake, Highland Lake (target 30 feet plus), Mashapaug Lake (target 25-27 feet), Mohawk Pond (slow) and West Hill Pond.
NOTES & NOTICES:
��
The MDC Boat launch on LAKE MCDONOUGH will close for the season after Labor Day (9/6)
��
Due to scheduled dam maintenance projects, drawdowns of MOODUS RESERVOIR (Lower & Upper) and RAINBOW RESERVOIR are scheduled to commence immediately after the Labor Day weekend (9/4 – 9/6). It is anticipated that the affected boat launches will be unusable by many trailer boats once planned drawdown depths are reached.
��
The Bayberry Lane State Boat Launch (Groton) is closed for renovations to December 31st.
Page 2 of 4
2010 DEP Fishing Report Number 20, 9/1/2010
TIPS & TRICKS – SUMMER CATFISHING
WADE FOR 'EM
•
Select a stretch of river with holes, timber piles and deep bends.
•
Move slowly downstream, casting to any potential holding area.
USE A FLOAT
•
Set a float to suspend bait inches off the bottom.
•
During night, tape a light stick or reflector tape to a float.
FISH DURING THE DAY
•
Fish move less & stay longer in predictable locations.
•
Big and small fish usually are not found together.
TRY JIGGING
•
Use an up-and-down retrieve when casting a bottom-bumping jig.
•
Work it slowly, stopping occasionally.
LONGER IS BETTER
•
Long rods, (to 13 feet), allow you to reach distant fish.
•
Spool up with braided or non-stretch lines.
MOVE MORE OFTEN
•
Change spots to cover more water.
•
When targeting channel catfish, move every 20 minutes or so.
KEEP IT QUIET
•
A catfish's sense of hearing is over 15 times more sensitive than a trout's.
•
Their "ears" are vastly developed and highly acute.
FISH MORE CREEKS
•
Anglers looking for fast action & eating-sized fish should exploit smaller waterways.
•
Structural elements are much easier to identify on small creeks.
FISH NEAR DAMS
•
Position your bait near any current obstruction.
•
Use plenty of weight to hold your bait on the bottom.
FISH ISOLATED COVER
•
Target thickest snags & ugliest backwater with heavy line & tackle to get fish out quick.
•
Try un-weighted rigs to minimize hang-ups.
Page 3 of 4
2010 DEP Fishing Report Number 20, 9/1/2010
Page 4 of 4
MARINE FISHING REPORT
Special Note: As upcoming weather conditions are uncertain due to Hurricane Earl, and could become hazardous, marine anglers should pay close attention to weather station forecasts before venturing to the coastline or going out in a boat.
Surface water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) remain in the low to mid 70’s °F. Check out the following web sites for more detailed water temperatures and marine boating conditions:
http://www.mysound.uconn.edu/stationstat.html
http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1
http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/
http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/330.html
STRIPED BASS fishing is fair to good on the local reefs and rip areas. As usual, night time fishing is more productive.
BLUEFISH fishing remains excellent. LIS is loaded with choppers ranging in the 4 lbs class. Fishing locations for both bluefish and stripers include the usual spots: Watch Hill area, Ram Island Reef and East and West Clumps (Fishers Island Sound), lower Thames River, the Race (by Race Rock and Valiant Rock), outer Bartlett Reef, the Sluiceway, Plum Gut, Pigeon Rip, warm water discharge from Millstone Power Station, the “humps” south of Hatchett Reef, lower Connecticut River, Long Sand Shoal, Cornfield Point, Southwest Reef, Duck Island area, Sixmile Reef, Falkner Island area, reefs off Guilford and Branford, New Haven Harbor, lower Housatonic River, buoys #18 and #20 off Bridgeport, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground, Black Rock Harbor, Penfield Reef, Norwalk Islands, Cable and Anchor Reef, and Stamford and Greenwich Harbors.
SNAPPER BLUE fishing is fair in the tidal creeks.
SCUP (porgy) fishing remains excellent on the any of the major reefs and rock piles throughout LIS. Scup over 15 inches in length are common.
SUMMER FLOUNDER: Just a reminder, the fishing season is closed (Aug 26-May 14).
HICKORY SHAD fishing is good in the Niantic River and lower Connecticut River at the Baldwin Bridge State Boat Launch/Fishing Pier and the DEP Marine Headquarters Fishing Pier.
BLACK SEA BASS fishing is fair to good off Black Point, the reefs in Fishers Island Sound, south side of Fishers Island and off the Watch Hill area.
BLUE CLAW CRABBING remains good to excellent in any of the tidal creeks and rivers.
For regulation updates and fishing/crabbing information, please check out our web site at: www.ct.gov/dep or pick up the 2010 Angler’s Guide.