FISHING REPORT NUMBER 2: 5/1/2008
INLAND REPORT
TROUT
Rivers & streams - Anglers enjoyed lots of fish, great weather and comfortable flows (even somewhat low in places) last week & weekend, with good reports from the Naugtatuck, Salmon, Blackledge, Housatonic, Pootatuck, Natchaug, West Branch Farmington, Farmington, Pequonnock, Mill, Willimantic, Saugatuck, Scantic, Shetucket (catches included a 7 lb rainbow), Pequabuck,, Mianus and Yantic Rivers, Salmon Brook and Crystal Lake Brook. Earthworms or a mealworm/corn combination are working for bait anglers. The heavy rains early this week did slow fishing and increase flows throughout the state. Flows in most areas, especially the smaller rivers and streams, should again be comfortably fishable this weekend.
Farmington River - Water temperatures remain in the upper 40’s °F. West Branch flows are clearing but high and difficult to fish, currently (as of 1 pm, 5/1) 630 cfs at Riverton plus an additional 275 cfs from the Still River. Farther downstream, the East Branch Farmington is currently adding an additional 150 cfs. Although Still River flows should continue to drop, elevated releases from West Branch Reservoir (Hogback) and Lake McDonough (into the East Branch) for management of reservoir water levels may continue for several days. Prior to the rains, successful fly anglers were using Winter/Summer Caddis (#18-22, early morning, minor hatch), Blue Wing Olive (#16-20, late morning-early afternoon), Blue Quills (#16-20, early afternoon) and Quill Gordons (#16-18, early/mid afternoon). Hendricksons (#12-14, early afternoon) should be in full hatch on the Farmington River right now, but have been disrupted by high flows! Spinner fall typically occurs around 6:30 pm.
Housatonic River - Water temperatures are in the low to mid 50’s °F. Flows remain off-color and very high, but continue to drop (currently 2,050 cfs at Falls Village and 2,900 at Gaylordsville) to more fishable levels. Blue Wing Olive, midges, Blue Quills, early caddis and stoneflies are suggested here once flows moderate. The Hendrickson hatch has been affected by the high flows but is present. Streamers (white/yellow) and nymphs are producing some nice catches.
Anglers Can Expect Good Fishing in western CT on the Bantam River, Branch Brook, Butternut Brook, Hop Brook, Housatonic River (Bulls Bridge TMA), Kettletown Brook, Little River (Oxford.), Macedonia Brook, Mianus River (including TMA), Mill River (including TMA), Nonewaug River, Norwalk River, Saugatuck River (including TMA), Weekeepeemee River and the Kent Falls Trout Park. In Eastern CT, good fishing can be expected at the Little River (Canterbury), Moosup River, Mount Hope River, Natchaug River, Quinebaug River, Roaring Brook (Glastonbury), Salmon River (including TMA), Shunock Brook, West River and Willimantic River (below TMA).
Lakes & Ponds – Good to excellent trout fishing was found in many lakes and ponds throughout Connecticut with reports from Lake Saltonstall, the Saugatuck, Green Falls and Hanover Reservoirs, Uncas, East Twin (brown, 22.5”), Highland, Amos, Billings, Crystal (Ellington), Alexander, Candlewood (catches include three 15-16” browns and ten 10-11” browns/rainbows for one pair of happy anglers), Tyler, Coventry, Mashapaug, Quonnipaug, Rogers and Roseland Lakes, West Hill, Mt. Tom, Mohawk, Beach (spotty, but catches do include a 11.6 lb brown trout), Squantz, Black (Meriden; 11.75 lb rainbow), Christensen’s and Ball Ponds, the Bunnells Pond (Beardsley Park) and Keney Park Pond Urban Fishing Areas, and the Wolfe Park (Great Hollow Pond), Stratton Brook and Black Rock Pond Trout Parks. Anglers can expect good fishing in western CT at West Hill Pond, Mohawk Pond, Tyler Pond, West Side Pond and Fountain Lake, the Lake Wintergreen and Keney Park Pond Urban Fishing Areas and the Black Rock Pond, Stratton Brook Park, Southford Falls and Wharton Brook Trout Parks. In Eastern CT, good fishing should be expected at Amos Lake, Angus Park Pond, Bicentennial Pond, Bigelow Pond, Branford Supply Pond, Gay City Pond, Green Falls Reservoir, Hanover Reservoir, Hewitt Fly Pond, Higganum Reservoir, Lake Saltonstall, Long Pond, Mansfield Training Ponds, Mashapaug Lake, Norwich Pond, Rogers Lake, Wyassup Lake, and the Day Pond, Mohegan Park Pond, Chatfield Hollow and Valley Falls Park Pond Trout Parks.
LARGEMOUTH BASS
Fishing has been productive, with some fish moving onto beds. Try Lake Housatonic, Lake Lillinonah, Quaddick Reservoir, North Farms Reservoir, Moodus Reservoir, Hamilton Reservoir, Gardner, Billings, Candlewood, East Twin, Waramaug, Wononscopomuc, Uncas, Bashan, Beseck, Highland, Tyler, Silver, Rogers, Quonnipaug, Mashapaug, Winchester, Beseck, Bolton (Upper & Lower), Pickeral and Indian Lakes, and Dodge, Messerschmidts, Pierrepont, West Hill, Ball, Bigelow and Hopeville Ponds.
SMALLMOUTH BASS action reported at Gardner Lake, Candlewood Lake (anglers found excellent action early last week which tailed off a bit by last weekend, a number of smallies in the 3-5 lb range were among the catches), Crystal Lake, Highland Lake, Coventry Lake and Squantz Pond.
CHAIN PICKEREL are being caught at Lake Wonoscopomuc, Tyler Lake, Quonnipaug Lake, Lower Bolton Lake, Rogers Lake and Mono Pond.
BLACK CRAPPIE fishing is excellent at Tyler Lake and Park Pond.
ATLANTIC SALMON –
A 7-lb, 30” broodstock salmon made one angler’s day at Beach Pond last week.
CONNECTICUT RIVER –
Although flows had dropped to reasonable levels for the weekend, they have again increased due to Monday’s rains. STRIPED BASS are in the river up to Enfield. Legal size fish (up to 35”) are now mixed in with the schoolies. Sand and blood worms are working as well as soft plastics. CATFISH are being caught in Wethersfield Cove, White Oaks Cove and the Cromwell area. SHAD are reported in the river up to the Windsor area with 33 being caught in the lower Farmington River.
NOTICE TO ANGLERS – STRIPED BASS/RIVER HERRING STUDY:
Researchers at the University of Connecticut are continuing their study of the effects of striped bass on river herring in the Connecticut River. This study sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection began last year, involves the collection, and tagging, of striped bass by electrofishing several nights per week. This sampling takes place on the CT River north from Wethersfield. Operations in the Connecticut portion of the river will be staged out of Windsor Locks. In Massachusetts, most sampling will be in the Holyoke area. Anglers seeing an electrofishing boat (boat with a generator, lights, and poles protruding into the water) should note these are biologists doing important research.
As part of the study, anglers who catch a striped bass with a yellow or red tag are encouraged to call 860-486-4694 to provide the tag ID #, the specific location where the fish was caught, whether the fish was released, and your contact information. All such reports are eligible for a $15 to $50 reward. PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE THE TAG FROM FISH YOU PLAN TO RELEASE.
BOAT LAUNCHES & BOATING INFORMATION
�� Although water levels at Candlewood Lake have risen, launching may still be difficult for larger boats at the Lattins Cove boat launch.
DIDYMO REMINDER
Anglers are reminded to take precautions to prevent the spread of the highly invasive freshwater alga Didymosphenia geminata, known as “Didymo”, into CT waters. Last year (2007), the presence of didymo was confirmed in several popular trout streams, the upper Connecticut River (NH/VT), White River (VT), Batten Kill (NY/VT) and the East and West Branches of the Delaware River (NY/PA). These were the first official reports of didymo in the northeastern United States. This microscopic algae can develop massive blooms, sometimes extending for several miles of river. These blooms can smother aquatic plants, aquatic insects and molluscs, alter stream flow characteristics and fish habitat, and impact food webs. Dense mats of didymo can also reduce recreational and aesthetic values of affected rivers.
Humans can unknowingly spread didymo. The microscopic cells can cling to fishing gear, waders (felt soles can be especially problematic), boots and boats, and remain viable for months under even slightly moist conditions. Although didymo has not yet been found in CT, it has been found in near-by states. It is recommended that anglers, especially those who also fish streams outside Connecticut, practice CHECK, CLEAN, DRY procedures.
• CHECK: Before leaving a river, stream or lake, remove all obvious clumps of algae and plant material from fishing gear, waders, clothing & footwear, canoes & kayaks, and anything else that has been in the water and look for hidden clumps. Leave them at the site. If you find any later, clean your gear and dispose of all material in the trash.
• CLEAN: Soak/spray & scrub boats and all other “hard” items for at least one minute in either very hot (140°F) water, a 2% bleach solution, or a 5% dishwashing detergent solution. Absorbent materials such as clothes and felt soles on waders should be soaked for at least 40 minutes in very hot water (140°F), or 30 minutes in hot water (115°F) with 5% dishwashing detergent. Freezing thoroughly will also kill didymo.
• DRY: If cleaning is not practical, after the item is completely dry to touch, wait an additional 48 hours before contact or use in any other waterway.
The above procedures will also be effective against other unwanted organisms.
MARINE FISHING REPORT
Water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) are in the 40’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: The TAUTOG (blackfish) recreational fishing season is closed from May 1 – June 30.
STRIPED BASS fishing for schoolies remains good and should improve at the water temperature warms up. Schoolie spots include the Pawcatuck River, Mystic River, Thames River from Norwich down to Montville, Hamburg Cove, Calves Island and off Great Island in the Connecticut River, Hammonasset River, Branford River, New Haven Harbor (Sandy Point), Housatonic River, Bridgeport Harbor (power plant warm water discharge), Saugatuck River, and Norwalk Harbor.
WINTER FLOUNDER is fair at Bluff Point State Park (Poquonock Cove), Pine Island area, Niantic River, Madison - Guilford area, and Norwalk Harbor.
DEP WEEKLY FISHING REPORT
CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106
INLAND REPORT
TROUT
Rivers & streams - Anglers enjoyed lots of fish, great weather and comfortable flows (even somewhat low in places) last week & weekend, with good reports from the Naugtatuck, Salmon, Blackledge, Housatonic, Pootatuck, Natchaug, West Branch Farmington, Farmington, Pequonnock, Mill, Willimantic, Saugatuck, Scantic, Shetucket (catches included a 7 lb rainbow), Pequabuck,, Mianus and Yantic Rivers, Salmon Brook and Crystal Lake Brook. Earthworms or a mealworm/corn combination are working for bait anglers. The heavy rains early this week did slow fishing and increase flows throughout the state. Flows in most areas, especially the smaller rivers and streams, should again be comfortably fishable this weekend.
Farmington River - Water temperatures remain in the upper 40’s °F. West Branch flows are clearing but high and difficult to fish, currently (as of 1 pm, 5/1) 630 cfs at Riverton plus an additional 275 cfs from the Still River. Farther downstream, the East Branch Farmington is currently adding an additional 150 cfs. Although Still River flows should continue to drop, elevated releases from West Branch Reservoir (Hogback) and Lake McDonough (into the East Branch) for management of reservoir water levels may continue for several days. Prior to the rains, successful fly anglers were using Winter/Summer Caddis (#18-22, early morning, minor hatch), Blue Wing Olive (#16-20, late morning-early afternoon), Blue Quills (#16-20, early afternoon) and Quill Gordons (#16-18, early/mid afternoon). Hendricksons (#12-14, early afternoon) should be in full hatch on the Farmington River right now, but have been disrupted by high flows! Spinner fall typically occurs around 6:30 pm.
Housatonic River - Water temperatures are in the low to mid 50’s °F. Flows remain off-color and very high, but continue to drop (currently 2,050 cfs at Falls Village and 2,900 at Gaylordsville) to more fishable levels. Blue Wing Olive, midges, Blue Quills, early caddis and stoneflies are suggested here once flows moderate. The Hendrickson hatch has been affected by the high flows but is present. Streamers (white/yellow) and nymphs are producing some nice catches.
Anglers Can Expect Good Fishing in western CT on the Bantam River, Branch Brook, Butternut Brook, Hop Brook, Housatonic River (Bulls Bridge TMA), Kettletown Brook, Little River (Oxford.), Macedonia Brook, Mianus River (including TMA), Mill River (including TMA), Nonewaug River, Norwalk River, Saugatuck River (including TMA), Weekeepeemee River and the Kent Falls Trout Park. In Eastern CT, good fishing can be expected at the Little River (Canterbury), Moosup River, Mount Hope River, Natchaug River, Quinebaug River, Roaring Brook (Glastonbury), Salmon River (including TMA), Shunock Brook, West River and Willimantic River (below TMA).
Lakes & Ponds – Good to excellent trout fishing was found in many lakes and ponds throughout Connecticut with reports from Lake Saltonstall, the Saugatuck, Green Falls and Hanover Reservoirs, Uncas, East Twin (brown, 22.5”), Highland, Amos, Billings, Crystal (Ellington), Alexander, Candlewood (catches include three 15-16” browns and ten 10-11” browns/rainbows for one pair of happy anglers), Tyler, Coventry, Mashapaug, Quonnipaug, Rogers and Roseland Lakes, West Hill, Mt. Tom, Mohawk, Beach (spotty, but catches do include a 11.6 lb brown trout), Squantz, Black (Meriden; 11.75 lb rainbow), Christensen’s and Ball Ponds, the Bunnells Pond (Beardsley Park) and Keney Park Pond Urban Fishing Areas, and the Wolfe Park (Great Hollow Pond), Stratton Brook and Black Rock Pond Trout Parks. Anglers can expect good fishing in western CT at West Hill Pond, Mohawk Pond, Tyler Pond, West Side Pond and Fountain Lake, the Lake Wintergreen and Keney Park Pond Urban Fishing Areas and the Black Rock Pond, Stratton Brook Park, Southford Falls and Wharton Brook Trout Parks. In Eastern CT, good fishing should be expected at Amos Lake, Angus Park Pond, Bicentennial Pond, Bigelow Pond, Branford Supply Pond, Gay City Pond, Green Falls Reservoir, Hanover Reservoir, Hewitt Fly Pond, Higganum Reservoir, Lake Saltonstall, Long Pond, Mansfield Training Ponds, Mashapaug Lake, Norwich Pond, Rogers Lake, Wyassup Lake, and the Day Pond, Mohegan Park Pond, Chatfield Hollow and Valley Falls Park Pond Trout Parks.
LARGEMOUTH BASS
Fishing has been productive, with some fish moving onto beds. Try Lake Housatonic, Lake Lillinonah, Quaddick Reservoir, North Farms Reservoir, Moodus Reservoir, Hamilton Reservoir, Gardner, Billings, Candlewood, East Twin, Waramaug, Wononscopomuc, Uncas, Bashan, Beseck, Highland, Tyler, Silver, Rogers, Quonnipaug, Mashapaug, Winchester, Beseck, Bolton (Upper & Lower), Pickeral and Indian Lakes, and Dodge, Messerschmidts, Pierrepont, West Hill, Ball, Bigelow and Hopeville Ponds.
SMALLMOUTH BASS action reported at Gardner Lake, Candlewood Lake (anglers found excellent action early last week which tailed off a bit by last weekend, a number of smallies in the 3-5 lb range were among the catches), Crystal Lake, Highland Lake, Coventry Lake and Squantz Pond.
CHAIN PICKEREL are being caught at Lake Wonoscopomuc, Tyler Lake, Quonnipaug Lake, Lower Bolton Lake, Rogers Lake and Mono Pond.
BLACK CRAPPIE fishing is excellent at Tyler Lake and Park Pond.
ATLANTIC SALMON –
A 7-lb, 30” broodstock salmon made one angler’s day at Beach Pond last week.
CONNECTICUT RIVER –
Although flows had dropped to reasonable levels for the weekend, they have again increased due to Monday’s rains. STRIPED BASS are in the river up to Enfield. Legal size fish (up to 35”) are now mixed in with the schoolies. Sand and blood worms are working as well as soft plastics. CATFISH are being caught in Wethersfield Cove, White Oaks Cove and the Cromwell area. SHAD are reported in the river up to the Windsor area with 33 being caught in the lower Farmington River.
NOTICE TO ANGLERS – STRIPED BASS/RIVER HERRING STUDY:
Researchers at the University of Connecticut are continuing their study of the effects of striped bass on river herring in the Connecticut River. This study sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection began last year, involves the collection, and tagging, of striped bass by electrofishing several nights per week. This sampling takes place on the CT River north from Wethersfield. Operations in the Connecticut portion of the river will be staged out of Windsor Locks. In Massachusetts, most sampling will be in the Holyoke area. Anglers seeing an electrofishing boat (boat with a generator, lights, and poles protruding into the water) should note these are biologists doing important research.
As part of the study, anglers who catch a striped bass with a yellow or red tag are encouraged to call 860-486-4694 to provide the tag ID #, the specific location where the fish was caught, whether the fish was released, and your contact information. All such reports are eligible for a $15 to $50 reward. PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE THE TAG FROM FISH YOU PLAN TO RELEASE.
BOAT LAUNCHES & BOATING INFORMATION
�� Although water levels at Candlewood Lake have risen, launching may still be difficult for larger boats at the Lattins Cove boat launch.
DIDYMO REMINDER
Anglers are reminded to take precautions to prevent the spread of the highly invasive freshwater alga Didymosphenia geminata, known as “Didymo”, into CT waters. Last year (2007), the presence of didymo was confirmed in several popular trout streams, the upper Connecticut River (NH/VT), White River (VT), Batten Kill (NY/VT) and the East and West Branches of the Delaware River (NY/PA). These were the first official reports of didymo in the northeastern United States. This microscopic algae can develop massive blooms, sometimes extending for several miles of river. These blooms can smother aquatic plants, aquatic insects and molluscs, alter stream flow characteristics and fish habitat, and impact food webs. Dense mats of didymo can also reduce recreational and aesthetic values of affected rivers.
Humans can unknowingly spread didymo. The microscopic cells can cling to fishing gear, waders (felt soles can be especially problematic), boots and boats, and remain viable for months under even slightly moist conditions. Although didymo has not yet been found in CT, it has been found in near-by states. It is recommended that anglers, especially those who also fish streams outside Connecticut, practice CHECK, CLEAN, DRY procedures.
• CHECK: Before leaving a river, stream or lake, remove all obvious clumps of algae and plant material from fishing gear, waders, clothing & footwear, canoes & kayaks, and anything else that has been in the water and look for hidden clumps. Leave them at the site. If you find any later, clean your gear and dispose of all material in the trash.
• CLEAN: Soak/spray & scrub boats and all other “hard” items for at least one minute in either very hot (140°F) water, a 2% bleach solution, or a 5% dishwashing detergent solution. Absorbent materials such as clothes and felt soles on waders should be soaked for at least 40 minutes in very hot water (140°F), or 30 minutes in hot water (115°F) with 5% dishwashing detergent. Freezing thoroughly will also kill didymo.
• DRY: If cleaning is not practical, after the item is completely dry to touch, wait an additional 48 hours before contact or use in any other waterway.
The above procedures will also be effective against other unwanted organisms.
MARINE FISHING REPORT
Water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) are in the 40’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: The TAUTOG (blackfish) recreational fishing season is closed from May 1 – June 30.
STRIPED BASS fishing for schoolies remains good and should improve at the water temperature warms up. Schoolie spots include the Pawcatuck River, Mystic River, Thames River from Norwich down to Montville, Hamburg Cove, Calves Island and off Great Island in the Connecticut River, Hammonasset River, Branford River, New Haven Harbor (Sandy Point), Housatonic River, Bridgeport Harbor (power plant warm water discharge), Saugatuck River, and Norwalk Harbor.
WINTER FLOUNDER is fair at Bluff Point State Park (Poquonock Cove), Pine Island area, Niantic River, Madison - Guilford area, and Norwalk Harbor.
DEP WEEKLY FISHING REPORT
CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106