FISHING REPORT NUMBER 24 9/29/2010
INLAND REPORT
LARGEMOUTH BASS remains variable, ranging from good to slow, with the best reports from Candlewood Lake (several 6 lb fish among recent bags), Silver Lake, Pattagansett Lake, Bantam Lake and Cedar Lake, and fair reports from Lake Lillinonah, Billings Lake, Gardner Lake (feast or famine for anglers), Mansfield Hollow Reservoir (one 4 lb bass, and plenty of action on small fish), Great Hollow Pond (including a 5 lb bass), Burr Pond ( a 5.75 lb largemouth caught here), Winchester Lake, Coventry Lake, Wononskopomuc Lake, Hopeville Pond, Middle Bolton Lake (OK action, no lunkers), and Highland Lake. Slow fishing reported from Pachaug Pond, Beseck Lake, and Gorton Pond. Other places to try include Hatch Pond, Mudge Pond, Halls Pond and Bishop Pond.
SMALLMOUTH BASS fishing is reported as good at Candlewood Lake, fair at Lake Lillinonah, Squantz Pond and Mashapaug Lake, and slow at Gardner Lake and Coventry Lake.
NORTHERN PIKE action reported from Hopeville Pond, Bantam Lake (a 41inch, 17.5 lbs pike) and Pachaug Pond. Several catches also reported from Park Pond (including a 13 lb pike).
Large CHAIN PICKEREL are consistently being caught at Wononskopomuc Lake.
CONNECTICUT RIVER – Good reports for NORTHERN PIKE. Fish have been found in Keeney Cove, Wethersfield Cove, Lower Mattabesett River, Chapmans Pond, Haddam Meadows and Salmon River Cove.
LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing has been fair with catches reported the along the Rocky Hill to Haddam stretch, the Salmon River Cove, and the coves just below Hartford.
SMALLMOUTH BASS action reported from the Enfield/Windsor/South Windsor area (try the Confluence with the Farmington River). Some catches also along the mainstem below Hartford. CARP are being caught in the Hartford and Middletown areas. Homemade boilies and worms have brought fish to the net this week.
No reports for CATFISH this week
TROUT
Fall trout stocking update- This week DEP is stocking approximately 1,350 trophy-size brown trout (all 12 inch and bigger fish). These are being released into West Hill Pond (600 fish), the Day Pond Trout Park (500 fish) and the Mohegan Park Pond Trout Park (250 fish).
Rivers & streams - The recent rains have improved flows some throughout most of the state, but flows in many rivers and streams are still well below their typical fall levels. Additional rains are forecast for Thursday (9/30), and could improve flows further (especially in western CT). Good reports from the West Branch Farmington (some nice large browns among the catches), Farmington and Housatonic Rivers.
Light line and leaders should work best in the current low flow, clear water conditions. Typically, matching the hatch is not as important at this time of the year. Streamers and nymphing are the way to go and often dominate the early morning and late evening. For streamers try white, yellow and brown colors. Patterns to try include White Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn and Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10). For nymphs, bottom-bounce with Caddis pupa (#16-26), Serendipity (#14-16), Pheasant Tail (#12-20), Prince (#6-1 and Hare’s ear (#8-20).
Farmington River – Trout fishing has been good, and conditions should again be good for the weekend. Flows are currently clear, low and very fishable (currently 130 cfs at Riverton, plus an additional 27 cfs from the Still River), and West Branch water temperatures continue in the low 60’s °F.
2010 DEP Fishing Report Number 24, 9/29/2010
Hatches/patterns include include Isonychia bicolor (major hatch, #12-14, fast water, afternoon/evening), Blue Wing Olives (Drunella & Baetis sps., #22-28, mid-late afternoon), Cahills/Summer (Stenonema ithaca (#12-1, 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 (#18-22, mid day, when windy/humid) and Stone Hopper (#10-12, mid day).
Housatonic River – The fishing has been good. Flows are currently clear and very fishable, but remain very low, currently 105 cfs at Falls Village and 160 cfs at Gaylordsville. Water temperatures are in low 60’s°F (mornings, but rising some through the day), and there are plenty of recently stocked trout (9,000 trout stocked by DEP) still waiting for anglers. With possibly heavy precipitation in the forecast for western New England on Thursday, flows may be much higher for the weekend, and anglers may wish to call the toll-free FirstLight Power flows information line at 1-888-417-4837 for updated flow information.
The main September hatches will be Isonychia sps. Other 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 (#16, early morning & evening). Golden stonefly nymphs hatch at first light and adults egg-lay after dark. A lot of flying ants are on the water lately. Trout will ignore everything else when ants are on the water. Try Black/Cinnamon Ants (#14-18, mid day in fast water), Sulfurs (#16-18, evening), 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 fishing is variable, with some action reported from Squantz Pond, East Twin Lake, Mashapaug Lake, Crystal Lake, Beach Pond, Westside Pond and West Hill Pond.
TIPS & TRICKS –FALL WALLEYE
1.
Fall can generate some of the biggest walleye catches of the year.
2.
The slower the better whether you are jigging live bait or trolling up and down the waters.
3.
Try using hair jigs as these mirror lifelike actions even when standing still.
4.
Crank baits will mimic a ’slow rolling’ movement sure to catch the walleye attention as well.
5.
Try natural color bait selections on clear line to create as lifelike a situation in the waters as possible.
6.
Good choices are baitfish patterns.
7.
Bait sizes should be on the large side.
8.
The cooler water temperatures of fall result in slower movement by the walleye.
9.
Meals are eaten less frequently so a large sized bait selection will appear appetizing to the walleye.
10.
Try fishing at 15-19 feet with the lure 70-90 feet behind the boat and troll between 1.5 and 3 mph.
2010 DEP Fishing Report Number 24, 9/29/2010
NOTES & NOTICES:
��
With heavy rain overcast for portions of eastern NY and western New England on Thursday (9/30), LAKE LILLINONAH is being drawn down (2.5 feet below the normal operating range minimum level) as a flood control measure. While drawn down, the Pond Brook State Boat Launch will not be usable by trailered boats. The Route 133 (“Steel Bridge”) State Boat Launch should remain usable although extra care should be taken when launching or bring in boats. Refilling schedule will depend on precipitation amounts and flows but should begin early this weekend, anglers can call FirstLight Power at 1-888-417-4837 for updated lake level (and Housatonic River flow) information.
��
Launching of trailered boats may difficult at the state boat launch at Lattins Cove on CANDLEWOOD LAKE due to low water levels.
��
MOODUS RESERVOIR (Lower & Upper, down 3 feet, launching of trailer boats will be difficult to impossible), RAINBOW RESERVOIR (launch is closed) and TYLER LAKE (down 2.5 feet, launching of trailered boats may be difficult) are currently drawn down to facilitate dam repairs.
��
Advanced notices of drawdowns:
-
“Winter” drawdowns (2-3 feet) of a number of Eastern CT lakes (Bashan Lake, Beach Pond, Beseck Lake, Gardner Lake, Glasgo Pond, Lower Bolton Lake and Middle Bolton Lake) are scheduled to begin in mid to late October.
-
LAKE ZOAR is currently scheduled to be drawn down starting October 16th with refilling scheduled to begin October 24th. LAKE LILLINONAH is currently scheduled to be drawn down beginning October 23th and ending October 31st.
��
The BAYBERRY LANE State Boat Launch (Groton) is closed for renovations until December 31st.
��
A recent (9/20) vehicle accident on I-95 in Norwalk resulted in a truck load of live fish destined for the NY fish markets (2,500 lbs of fish) spilling across the highway. Some these fish wound up in a nearby storm drain that connects to the Norwalk River. The fish were being shipped legally by a seafood company from a commercial hatchery in Turners Falls, MA. These fish are barramundi, a tropical (southeast Asian) fish related to the Nile perch and could survive in the Norwalk river estuary for a short time (they would not survive our winter). It is possible that anglers may catch some of these fish.
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
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 24, 9/29/2010
MARINE FISHING REPORT
Surface water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) are in the mid to 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
Just a reminder: The recreational fishing season for scup is now closed except for the party/charter boat fishery which remains open through October 11th (closed October 12th -June 7th).
Tautog (blackfish) fishing season reopens October 1st. The minimum size is 14 inches and the daily creel limit is 4 fish per person.
BLUEFISH and STRIPER fishing remains good. Fishing spots include the Watch Hill area, Ram Island Reef and East and West Clumps (Fishers Island Sound), 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. This is also prime time to fish the beaches at our coastal state parks!
HICKORY SHAD fishing is rated just fair (hit or miss) in the Niantic River and lower Connecticut River.
BLACK SEA BASS fishing is fair in LIS. However, the south side of Fishers Island out to Block Island Sound is pretty good for monster sea bass.
LITTLE TUNNY are cruising around off Watch Hill, south shore of Fishers Island, Pine Island area off Groton, the Race, Bartlett Reef, between Millstone Point and Jordan Cove, Falkner Island area, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground, Penfield Reef, Norwalk Islands, and Cable and Anchor Reef.
BLUE CRABBING is dwindling down but there are still some good size “jimmies” that can be had around docks and pilings.
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 remains variable, ranging from good to slow, with the best reports from Candlewood Lake (several 6 lb fish among recent bags), Silver Lake, Pattagansett Lake, Bantam Lake and Cedar Lake, and fair reports from Lake Lillinonah, Billings Lake, Gardner Lake (feast or famine for anglers), Mansfield Hollow Reservoir (one 4 lb bass, and plenty of action on small fish), Great Hollow Pond (including a 5 lb bass), Burr Pond ( a 5.75 lb largemouth caught here), Winchester Lake, Coventry Lake, Wononskopomuc Lake, Hopeville Pond, Middle Bolton Lake (OK action, no lunkers), and Highland Lake. Slow fishing reported from Pachaug Pond, Beseck Lake, and Gorton Pond. Other places to try include Hatch Pond, Mudge Pond, Halls Pond and Bishop Pond.
SMALLMOUTH BASS fishing is reported as good at Candlewood Lake, fair at Lake Lillinonah, Squantz Pond and Mashapaug Lake, and slow at Gardner Lake and Coventry Lake.
NORTHERN PIKE action reported from Hopeville Pond, Bantam Lake (a 41inch, 17.5 lbs pike) and Pachaug Pond. Several catches also reported from Park Pond (including a 13 lb pike).
Large CHAIN PICKEREL are consistently being caught at Wononskopomuc Lake.
CONNECTICUT RIVER – Good reports for NORTHERN PIKE. Fish have been found in Keeney Cove, Wethersfield Cove, Lower Mattabesett River, Chapmans Pond, Haddam Meadows and Salmon River Cove.
LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing has been fair with catches reported the along the Rocky Hill to Haddam stretch, the Salmon River Cove, and the coves just below Hartford.
SMALLMOUTH BASS action reported from the Enfield/Windsor/South Windsor area (try the Confluence with the Farmington River). Some catches also along the mainstem below Hartford. CARP are being caught in the Hartford and Middletown areas. Homemade boilies and worms have brought fish to the net this week.
No reports for CATFISH this week
TROUT
Fall trout stocking update- This week DEP is stocking approximately 1,350 trophy-size brown trout (all 12 inch and bigger fish). These are being released into West Hill Pond (600 fish), the Day Pond Trout Park (500 fish) and the Mohegan Park Pond Trout Park (250 fish).
Rivers & streams - The recent rains have improved flows some throughout most of the state, but flows in many rivers and streams are still well below their typical fall levels. Additional rains are forecast for Thursday (9/30), and could improve flows further (especially in western CT). Good reports from the West Branch Farmington (some nice large browns among the catches), Farmington and Housatonic Rivers.
Light line and leaders should work best in the current low flow, clear water conditions. Typically, matching the hatch is not as important at this time of the year. Streamers and nymphing are the way to go and often dominate the early morning and late evening. For streamers try white, yellow and brown colors. Patterns to try include White Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn and Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10). For nymphs, bottom-bounce with Caddis pupa (#16-26), Serendipity (#14-16), Pheasant Tail (#12-20), Prince (#6-1 and Hare’s ear (#8-20).
Farmington River – Trout fishing has been good, and conditions should again be good for the weekend. Flows are currently clear, low and very fishable (currently 130 cfs at Riverton, plus an additional 27 cfs from the Still River), and West Branch water temperatures continue in the low 60’s °F.
2010 DEP Fishing Report Number 24, 9/29/2010
Hatches/patterns include include Isonychia bicolor (major hatch, #12-14, fast water, afternoon/evening), Blue Wing Olives (Drunella & Baetis sps., #22-28, mid-late afternoon), Cahills/Summer (Stenonema ithaca (#12-1, 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 (#18-22, mid day, when windy/humid) and Stone Hopper (#10-12, mid day).
Housatonic River – The fishing has been good. Flows are currently clear and very fishable, but remain very low, currently 105 cfs at Falls Village and 160 cfs at Gaylordsville. Water temperatures are in low 60’s°F (mornings, but rising some through the day), and there are plenty of recently stocked trout (9,000 trout stocked by DEP) still waiting for anglers. With possibly heavy precipitation in the forecast for western New England on Thursday, flows may be much higher for the weekend, and anglers may wish to call the toll-free FirstLight Power flows information line at 1-888-417-4837 for updated flow information.
The main September hatches will be Isonychia sps. Other 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 (#16, early morning & evening). Golden stonefly nymphs hatch at first light and adults egg-lay after dark. A lot of flying ants are on the water lately. Trout will ignore everything else when ants are on the water. Try Black/Cinnamon Ants (#14-18, mid day in fast water), Sulfurs (#16-18, evening), 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 fishing is variable, with some action reported from Squantz Pond, East Twin Lake, Mashapaug Lake, Crystal Lake, Beach Pond, Westside Pond and West Hill Pond.
TIPS & TRICKS –FALL WALLEYE
1.
Fall can generate some of the biggest walleye catches of the year.
2.
The slower the better whether you are jigging live bait or trolling up and down the waters.
3.
Try using hair jigs as these mirror lifelike actions even when standing still.
4.
Crank baits will mimic a ’slow rolling’ movement sure to catch the walleye attention as well.
5.
Try natural color bait selections on clear line to create as lifelike a situation in the waters as possible.
6.
Good choices are baitfish patterns.
7.
Bait sizes should be on the large side.
8.
The cooler water temperatures of fall result in slower movement by the walleye.
9.
Meals are eaten less frequently so a large sized bait selection will appear appetizing to the walleye.
10.
Try fishing at 15-19 feet with the lure 70-90 feet behind the boat and troll between 1.5 and 3 mph.
2010 DEP Fishing Report Number 24, 9/29/2010
NOTES & NOTICES:
��
With heavy rain overcast for portions of eastern NY and western New England on Thursday (9/30), LAKE LILLINONAH is being drawn down (2.5 feet below the normal operating range minimum level) as a flood control measure. While drawn down, the Pond Brook State Boat Launch will not be usable by trailered boats. The Route 133 (“Steel Bridge”) State Boat Launch should remain usable although extra care should be taken when launching or bring in boats. Refilling schedule will depend on precipitation amounts and flows but should begin early this weekend, anglers can call FirstLight Power at 1-888-417-4837 for updated lake level (and Housatonic River flow) information.
��
Launching of trailered boats may difficult at the state boat launch at Lattins Cove on CANDLEWOOD LAKE due to low water levels.
��
MOODUS RESERVOIR (Lower & Upper, down 3 feet, launching of trailer boats will be difficult to impossible), RAINBOW RESERVOIR (launch is closed) and TYLER LAKE (down 2.5 feet, launching of trailered boats may be difficult) are currently drawn down to facilitate dam repairs.
��
Advanced notices of drawdowns:
-
“Winter” drawdowns (2-3 feet) of a number of Eastern CT lakes (Bashan Lake, Beach Pond, Beseck Lake, Gardner Lake, Glasgo Pond, Lower Bolton Lake and Middle Bolton Lake) are scheduled to begin in mid to late October.
-
LAKE ZOAR is currently scheduled to be drawn down starting October 16th with refilling scheduled to begin October 24th. LAKE LILLINONAH is currently scheduled to be drawn down beginning October 23th and ending October 31st.
��
The BAYBERRY LANE State Boat Launch (Groton) is closed for renovations until December 31st.
��
A recent (9/20) vehicle accident on I-95 in Norwalk resulted in a truck load of live fish destined for the NY fish markets (2,500 lbs of fish) spilling across the highway. Some these fish wound up in a nearby storm drain that connects to the Norwalk River. The fish were being shipped legally by a seafood company from a commercial hatchery in Turners Falls, MA. These fish are barramundi, a tropical (southeast Asian) fish related to the Nile perch and could survive in the Norwalk river estuary for a short time (they would not survive our winter). It is possible that anglers may catch some of these fish.
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
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 24, 9/29/2010
MARINE FISHING REPORT
Surface water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) are in the mid to 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
Just a reminder: The recreational fishing season for scup is now closed except for the party/charter boat fishery which remains open through October 11th (closed October 12th -June 7th).
Tautog (blackfish) fishing season reopens October 1st. The minimum size is 14 inches and the daily creel limit is 4 fish per person.
BLUEFISH and STRIPER fishing remains good. Fishing spots include the Watch Hill area, Ram Island Reef and East and West Clumps (Fishers Island Sound), 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. This is also prime time to fish the beaches at our coastal state parks!
HICKORY SHAD fishing is rated just fair (hit or miss) in the Niantic River and lower Connecticut River.
BLACK SEA BASS fishing is fair in LIS. However, the south side of Fishers Island out to Block Island Sound is pretty good for monster sea bass.
LITTLE TUNNY are cruising around off Watch Hill, south shore of Fishers Island, Pine Island area off Groton, the Race, Bartlett Reef, between Millstone Point and Jordan Cove, Falkner Island area, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground, Penfield Reef, Norwalk Islands, and Cable and Anchor Reef.
BLUE CRABBING is dwindling down but there are still some good size “jimmies” that can be had around docks and pilings.
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