FISHING REPORT NUMBER 23 9/22/2010
INLAND REPORT
LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing continues to be variable, with good reports from Candlewood Lake, Powers Lake (lots of action, but no lunkers found), Silver Lake (try frogs/tubes in the weeds) and Mudge Pond, and fair reports from Bantam Lake, Lake Wonoskopomuc, Morey Pond, Lake Lillinonah and Hopeville Pond. It’s reportedly been slow at Cedar Lake, Pachaug Pond, Lake Housatonic and Amos Lake (although recent catches include a 6 lb largemouth. Other areas reporting some action include Crystal Lake, Bishop Swamp, Mono Pond and Quaddick Lake
.
SMALLMOUTH BASS – Good reports for smallies from Candlewood Lake and Lake Lillinonah. Some action also reported from Mashapaug Lake, Highland Lake and Bashan Lake. Although the river has cooled, smallies still provide some action in the upper Housatonic River.
NORTHERN PIKE fishing is picking up as water temperatures moderate. Pike are showing up in Lake Lillinonah, Bantam Lake, the Lower Farmington River, Winchester Lake, Hopeville Pond and Pachaug Pond.
Some fall WALLEYE action is being reported. Areas to try include Gardner Lake, Mashapaug Lake and Beach Pond.
CONNECTICUT RIVER – NORTHERN PIKE fishing is reported as good, and should get better as the river continues to cool. Best reported action is from Cromwell area (3 inch pike among the catches).
Some fall BLACK CRAPPIE can be found, try coves just below Hartford.
Anglers can still find HICKORY SHAD in coves and back areas.
For CHANNEL CATFISH try cut bait or chunks near brush piles along deeper holes on the outside edges. Look for slow moving waters.
STRIPED BASS action can be found in the lower river, especially at night in coves.
LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is spotty, best reports are from Salmon River area. Smallmouth Bass are providing some action in the Hartford/Wethersfield area and in the Haddam area.
TROUT
Fall trout stocking update-
��
This week DEP is stocking over 2,700 trophy-size brown trout (all 12 inch and bigger fish)into a number of water bodies in eastern CT. These trout are scheduled to be released into the Hockanum River TMA (400 fish), Black Pond (Middlefield, 500 fish), Amos Lake (150 fish), Beach Pond (200 fish), Bigelow Pond (350 fish), Crystal Lake (150 fish), Gardner Lake (150 fish), Long Pond (150 fish), Pattaconk Lake (250 fish), Day Pond Trout Park (160 fish), Mohegan Park Pond Trout Park (100 fish), and Chatfield Hollow Trout Park (160 fish, stocked into Schreeder Pond only).
��
Anglers are reminded that due to very low stream flows, stockings of many rivers and streams typically stocked in the fall have been cancelled or postponed. Additionally, with marginal habitat suitable for trout (low water levels, the long, hot summer) in some areas and warmer than typical weather at times this September, stockings of several lakes and ponds may also be delayed or postponed.
Rivers & streams - As drought conditions continue into the fall, flows in most rivers throughout the state remain well below their typical September levels. Try light line and leaders in these conditions. Good reports last week from the West Branch Farmington, Farmington and Housatonic Rivers. Typically, some of the best action of the year occurs during the next 6 weeks. As cooler weather arrives, trout will become aggressive, and begin to take streamers with explosive strikes. Colors to try include white, yellow and brown, while patterns include White Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10).
Farmington River – Fishing has been very good, however anglers should be aware that DEP conducted its annual electrofishing survey of the West Branch Farmington River this week, and fishing in the West Branch TMA may be expected to be slow for several days. Morning water temperatures are around 60°F. West Branch flows continue to be clear and low, about 95 cfs at Riverton with an additional 5 cfs from the Still River. Flows may increase some next week due to a draw down of an upstream reservoir (Otis Reservoir in Massachusetts).
Hatches/patterns include Isonychia bicolor (major hatch, #10-12, fast water, afternoon/evening), Blue Wing Olives (Drunella & Baetis sps., #20-28, mid-late afternoon), Cahills/Summer (Stenonema ithaca (#14-16), Sulfurs duns (Heptagenia sps., #16-20, below the dam due to low temperatures, morning; afternoon to early evening for spinners), Caddis (tan #14-20, all day; green #22-26, evening; summer pupa #18-20 morning), Midges (#22-32, morning), Black Ants (#16-18, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#16-18, mid day), Flying Ants (#18-26, mid day, when windy/humid) and Stone Hopper (#10-12, mid day).
Housatonic River – Trout action is picking up nicely, and with plenty of recently stocked trout, fishing should be very good this weekend. Water temperatures are currently in the upper 50’s to low 60’s °F (mornings, will rise some during the day). Flows are clear and very low, currently 90 cfs at Falls Village and 150 cfs at Gaylordsville.
Hatches/patterns include Blue Wing Olive (#18-24, early morning; spinner fall in evening), Leadwing Coachman (#10-12 evening), Cahills/Summer (#12-14), and Black caddis (#14-20, early morning & evening). Black/Cinnamon Ants (#14-18, mid day in fast water, trout will ignore everything else when ants are on the water), Sulfurs (#16-1, Black Beetles (#14-18, mid day), Stone Hopper (#8-10, mid day) and Flying Ants (#16-18, mid day, when windy/humid). Try nymphing the pockets, deeper riffles and pool heads.
Lakes & Ponds- Trout action has been fair at best, with reports from East Twin Lake (target 40 feet of water), West Hill Pond, Highland Lake, Mashapaug Lake and Crystal Lake (Ellington).
NOTES & NOTICES:��
Anglers should expect that due to the extended drought, lake levels may be lower than is typical at many areas, and extra care should be used when launching trailered boats.
��
A drawdown of MOODUS RESERVOIR (Lower & Upper) is scheduled to begin this week. It will take approximately 10 days to lower the lake by three feet.
��
RAINBOW RESERVOIR is currently drawn down to facilitate dam maintenance and the boat launch is unusable.
��
TYLER LAKE is drawn down 2.5 feet to facilitate dam repairs, with refilling expected after Thanksgiving. While drawn down, the launching of trailered boats may be difficult.
��
The BAYBERRY LANE State Boat Launch (Groton) is closed for renovations until December 31st.
2010 DEP Fishing Report Number 23, 9/22/2010
SPECIAL NOTICE TO ANGLERS AND HUNTERS:
During the 2010 session of the General Assembly, legislation was approved and signed into law in April reducing many of the fees for sportsmen’s licenses and permits. This was followed in June by legislation authorizing a credit to be applied against the fee for any 2011 sportsmen’s license, permit or tag when purchase of a license, permit or tag had been made at the higher prices in place between October 1, 2009 and April 14, 2010. The credit amount will be the difference between the higher amount paid during that time period and the amount set by the new fee structure established April 14, 2010.
For information about these credits, please visit the DEP website license fees and credits page: www.ct.gov/dep/sportsmensfeereduction
TIPS & TRICKS –CARP
1.
Try to locate the fish before starting.
2.
Use fishmeal-based boilies during the summer and fall, try 50/50 mixes or bird food during winter and spring.
3.
Add plenty of salt to particle baits, especially the cooked types like corn, beans, particle blend seeds and chick peas. Carp love the taste of salty foods.
4.
Try adding chilies to some particle baits. Carp seem to love that hot "kick" from those spices. Roughly add 2 tablespoons to 5 gallons particles. Try adding cheyenne pepper.
5.
If the standard carp baits like boilies don't seem to be working, try using maggots.
6.
When the water is cold such as in the winter, try casting your rigs a little more frequently, and target different areas in order to place bait close to the fish.
7.
Use different sizes pellets or particles in a spod mix. This helps confuse the carp, it also gives you the option to use various sizes on the hook.
8.
Add high sources of vitamin C to your bait. Try soaking fresh boilies in orange juice in order to give that distinct flavor and extra sugar.
9.
If you're worried about over feeding the swim then use breadcrumbs with an attractant added.
The Department of Environmental Protection is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and service provider. In conformance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, DEP makes every effort to provide equally effective services for persons with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities who need this information in an alternative format, to allow them to benefit and/or participate in the agency’s programs and services, should call 860-424-3051 or 860-418-5937 or e-mail Marcia Bonitto, ADA Coordinator, at Marcia.Bonitto@CT.Gov. Persons who are hearing impaired should call the State of Connecticut relay number 711.
2010 DEP Fishing Report Number 23, 9/22/2010
MARINE FISHING REPORT
Surface water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) are in the high 60’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
SPECIAL NOTE: Just a reminder that the BLACKFISH fishing season is closed from September 1st to September 30th.
BLUEFISH fishing remains excellent and STRIPER fishing is good. Diamond jigs have been killers on bluefish while fresh cut chunk baits have been scoring with stripers. The usual fishing spots include the 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, Harkness Memorial State Park, Black Point, Hatchett Reef, lower Connecticut River, Long Sand Shoal, Cornfield Point, Southwest Reef, Duck Island area, Sixmile Reef, Hammonasset Beach State Park, Falkner Island area, reefs off Guilford and Branford, New Haven Harbor, Charles Island area and the sand spit at Silver Sands State Park, lower Housatonic River, buoys #18 and #20 off Bridgeport, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground, Penfield Reef, Norwalk Islands, Cable and Anchor Reef, and Stamford and Greenwich Harbors.
SCUP (porgy) fishing is red hot! Any of the reefs, rock piles and wrecks or other structure in LIS will be stacked with scup. Average sizes range from 12 to 14 with an occasional 17 incher thrown in. There were reports of a 21 inch reef slammer taken over this past week.
REMEMBER, THE LAST DAY OF THE SEASON FOR SCUP IS SEPTEMBER 26TH!
HICKORY SHAD fishing is rated just fair in Niantic River and lower Connecticut River but should improve as water temperatures cool.
BLACK SEA BASS fishing is fair in LIS but it is a whole lot better from the south side of Fishers Island out to Block Island Sound.
LITTLE TUNNY are busting bait off Watch Hill, south shore of Fishers Island, Pine Island area off Groton, the Race, Bartlett Reef, Millstone Point, Falkner Island area, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground, Penfield Reef, Norwalk Islands, and Cable and Anchor Reef. Montauk Point is also a hot spot for those anglers who want to venture far weather and sea conditions permitting.
BLUE CRABBING has slowed down with the cooler water temperatures.
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.
DEP WEEKLY FISHING REPORT
CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106
www.ct.gov/dep
INLAND REPORT
LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing continues to be variable, with good reports from Candlewood Lake, Powers Lake (lots of action, but no lunkers found), Silver Lake (try frogs/tubes in the weeds) and Mudge Pond, and fair reports from Bantam Lake, Lake Wonoskopomuc, Morey Pond, Lake Lillinonah and Hopeville Pond. It’s reportedly been slow at Cedar Lake, Pachaug Pond, Lake Housatonic and Amos Lake (although recent catches include a 6 lb largemouth. Other areas reporting some action include Crystal Lake, Bishop Swamp, Mono Pond and Quaddick Lake
.
SMALLMOUTH BASS – Good reports for smallies from Candlewood Lake and Lake Lillinonah. Some action also reported from Mashapaug Lake, Highland Lake and Bashan Lake. Although the river has cooled, smallies still provide some action in the upper Housatonic River.
NORTHERN PIKE fishing is picking up as water temperatures moderate. Pike are showing up in Lake Lillinonah, Bantam Lake, the Lower Farmington River, Winchester Lake, Hopeville Pond and Pachaug Pond.
Some fall WALLEYE action is being reported. Areas to try include Gardner Lake, Mashapaug Lake and Beach Pond.
CONNECTICUT RIVER – NORTHERN PIKE fishing is reported as good, and should get better as the river continues to cool. Best reported action is from Cromwell area (3 inch pike among the catches).
Some fall BLACK CRAPPIE can be found, try coves just below Hartford.
Anglers can still find HICKORY SHAD in coves and back areas.
For CHANNEL CATFISH try cut bait or chunks near brush piles along deeper holes on the outside edges. Look for slow moving waters.
STRIPED BASS action can be found in the lower river, especially at night in coves.
LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is spotty, best reports are from Salmon River area. Smallmouth Bass are providing some action in the Hartford/Wethersfield area and in the Haddam area.
TROUT
Fall trout stocking update-
��
This week DEP is stocking over 2,700 trophy-size brown trout (all 12 inch and bigger fish)into a number of water bodies in eastern CT. These trout are scheduled to be released into the Hockanum River TMA (400 fish), Black Pond (Middlefield, 500 fish), Amos Lake (150 fish), Beach Pond (200 fish), Bigelow Pond (350 fish), Crystal Lake (150 fish), Gardner Lake (150 fish), Long Pond (150 fish), Pattaconk Lake (250 fish), Day Pond Trout Park (160 fish), Mohegan Park Pond Trout Park (100 fish), and Chatfield Hollow Trout Park (160 fish, stocked into Schreeder Pond only).
��
Anglers are reminded that due to very low stream flows, stockings of many rivers and streams typically stocked in the fall have been cancelled or postponed. Additionally, with marginal habitat suitable for trout (low water levels, the long, hot summer) in some areas and warmer than typical weather at times this September, stockings of several lakes and ponds may also be delayed or postponed.
Rivers & streams - As drought conditions continue into the fall, flows in most rivers throughout the state remain well below their typical September levels. Try light line and leaders in these conditions. Good reports last week from the West Branch Farmington, Farmington and Housatonic Rivers. Typically, some of the best action of the year occurs during the next 6 weeks. As cooler weather arrives, trout will become aggressive, and begin to take streamers with explosive strikes. Colors to try include white, yellow and brown, while patterns include White Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10).
Farmington River – Fishing has been very good, however anglers should be aware that DEP conducted its annual electrofishing survey of the West Branch Farmington River this week, and fishing in the West Branch TMA may be expected to be slow for several days. Morning water temperatures are around 60°F. West Branch flows continue to be clear and low, about 95 cfs at Riverton with an additional 5 cfs from the Still River. Flows may increase some next week due to a draw down of an upstream reservoir (Otis Reservoir in Massachusetts).
Hatches/patterns include Isonychia bicolor (major hatch, #10-12, fast water, afternoon/evening), Blue Wing Olives (Drunella & Baetis sps., #20-28, mid-late afternoon), Cahills/Summer (Stenonema ithaca (#14-16), Sulfurs duns (Heptagenia sps., #16-20, below the dam due to low temperatures, morning; afternoon to early evening for spinners), Caddis (tan #14-20, all day; green #22-26, evening; summer pupa #18-20 morning), Midges (#22-32, morning), Black Ants (#16-18, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#16-18, mid day), Flying Ants (#18-26, mid day, when windy/humid) and Stone Hopper (#10-12, mid day).
Housatonic River – Trout action is picking up nicely, and with plenty of recently stocked trout, fishing should be very good this weekend. Water temperatures are currently in the upper 50’s to low 60’s °F (mornings, will rise some during the day). Flows are clear and very low, currently 90 cfs at Falls Village and 150 cfs at Gaylordsville.
Hatches/patterns include Blue Wing Olive (#18-24, early morning; spinner fall in evening), Leadwing Coachman (#10-12 evening), Cahills/Summer (#12-14), and Black caddis (#14-20, early morning & evening). Black/Cinnamon Ants (#14-18, mid day in fast water, trout will ignore everything else when ants are on the water), Sulfurs (#16-1, Black Beetles (#14-18, mid day), Stone Hopper (#8-10, mid day) and Flying Ants (#16-18, mid day, when windy/humid). Try nymphing the pockets, deeper riffles and pool heads.
Lakes & Ponds- Trout action has been fair at best, with reports from East Twin Lake (target 40 feet of water), West Hill Pond, Highland Lake, Mashapaug Lake and Crystal Lake (Ellington).
NOTES & NOTICES:��
Anglers should expect that due to the extended drought, lake levels may be lower than is typical at many areas, and extra care should be used when launching trailered boats.
��
A drawdown of MOODUS RESERVOIR (Lower & Upper) is scheduled to begin this week. It will take approximately 10 days to lower the lake by three feet.
��
RAINBOW RESERVOIR is currently drawn down to facilitate dam maintenance and the boat launch is unusable.
��
TYLER LAKE is drawn down 2.5 feet to facilitate dam repairs, with refilling expected after Thanksgiving. While drawn down, the launching of trailered boats may be difficult.
��
The BAYBERRY LANE State Boat Launch (Groton) is closed for renovations until December 31st.
2010 DEP Fishing Report Number 23, 9/22/2010
SPECIAL NOTICE TO ANGLERS AND HUNTERS:
During the 2010 session of the General Assembly, legislation was approved and signed into law in April reducing many of the fees for sportsmen’s licenses and permits. This was followed in June by legislation authorizing a credit to be applied against the fee for any 2011 sportsmen’s license, permit or tag when purchase of a license, permit or tag had been made at the higher prices in place between October 1, 2009 and April 14, 2010. The credit amount will be the difference between the higher amount paid during that time period and the amount set by the new fee structure established April 14, 2010.
For information about these credits, please visit the DEP website license fees and credits page: www.ct.gov/dep/sportsmensfeereduction
TIPS & TRICKS –CARP
1.
Try to locate the fish before starting.
2.
Use fishmeal-based boilies during the summer and fall, try 50/50 mixes or bird food during winter and spring.
3.
Add plenty of salt to particle baits, especially the cooked types like corn, beans, particle blend seeds and chick peas. Carp love the taste of salty foods.
4.
Try adding chilies to some particle baits. Carp seem to love that hot "kick" from those spices. Roughly add 2 tablespoons to 5 gallons particles. Try adding cheyenne pepper.
5.
If the standard carp baits like boilies don't seem to be working, try using maggots.
6.
When the water is cold such as in the winter, try casting your rigs a little more frequently, and target different areas in order to place bait close to the fish.
7.
Use different sizes pellets or particles in a spod mix. This helps confuse the carp, it also gives you the option to use various sizes on the hook.
8.
Add high sources of vitamin C to your bait. Try soaking fresh boilies in orange juice in order to give that distinct flavor and extra sugar.
9.
If you're worried about over feeding the swim then use breadcrumbs with an attractant added.
The Department of Environmental Protection is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and service provider. In conformance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, DEP makes every effort to provide equally effective services for persons with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities who need this information in an alternative format, to allow them to benefit and/or participate in the agency’s programs and services, should call 860-424-3051 or 860-418-5937 or e-mail Marcia Bonitto, ADA Coordinator, at Marcia.Bonitto@CT.Gov. Persons who are hearing impaired should call the State of Connecticut relay number 711.
2010 DEP Fishing Report Number 23, 9/22/2010
MARINE FISHING REPORT
Surface water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) are in the high 60’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
SPECIAL NOTE: Just a reminder that the BLACKFISH fishing season is closed from September 1st to September 30th.
BLUEFISH fishing remains excellent and STRIPER fishing is good. Diamond jigs have been killers on bluefish while fresh cut chunk baits have been scoring with stripers. The usual fishing spots include the 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, Harkness Memorial State Park, Black Point, Hatchett Reef, lower Connecticut River, Long Sand Shoal, Cornfield Point, Southwest Reef, Duck Island area, Sixmile Reef, Hammonasset Beach State Park, Falkner Island area, reefs off Guilford and Branford, New Haven Harbor, Charles Island area and the sand spit at Silver Sands State Park, lower Housatonic River, buoys #18 and #20 off Bridgeport, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground, Penfield Reef, Norwalk Islands, Cable and Anchor Reef, and Stamford and Greenwich Harbors.
SCUP (porgy) fishing is red hot! Any of the reefs, rock piles and wrecks or other structure in LIS will be stacked with scup. Average sizes range from 12 to 14 with an occasional 17 incher thrown in. There were reports of a 21 inch reef slammer taken over this past week.
REMEMBER, THE LAST DAY OF THE SEASON FOR SCUP IS SEPTEMBER 26TH!
HICKORY SHAD fishing is rated just fair in Niantic River and lower Connecticut River but should improve as water temperatures cool.
BLACK SEA BASS fishing is fair in LIS but it is a whole lot better from the south side of Fishers Island out to Block Island Sound.
LITTLE TUNNY are busting bait off Watch Hill, south shore of Fishers Island, Pine Island area off Groton, the Race, Bartlett Reef, Millstone Point, Falkner Island area, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground, Penfield Reef, Norwalk Islands, and Cable and Anchor Reef. Montauk Point is also a hot spot for those anglers who want to venture far weather and sea conditions permitting.
BLUE CRABBING has slowed down with the cooler water temperatures.
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.
DEP WEEKLY FISHING REPORT
CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106
www.ct.gov/dep
