CT DEP FISHING REPORT NUMBER 28 10/27/2010
INLAND REPORT
ATLANTIC SALMON
The recently stocked broodstock salmon are providing some nice action for anglers, with good reports from the Shetucket River, Naugatuck River, Crystal Lake and Mount Tom Pond. Try flashy streamers (attractor pattern) when fishing the rivers. Anglers are reminded to consult the 2010 CT Anglers Guide for regulations for broodstock Atlantic salmon prior to fishing.
TROUT
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ANGLERS AND BOATERS-
Zebra mussels have recently been found in Lake Zoar and Lake Lillinonah.
Prior to this discovery, zebra mussels had been found (1998) in CT only in East Twin Lake and West Twin Lake (Salisbury). During 2009 zebra mussels were discovered in Massachusetts in Laurel Lake and in the mainstem Housatonic River. Anglers fishing in any of these waters and western Connecticut in general should use extra care to avoid transporting water, aquatic vegetation, and possibly zebra mussels to new locations.
The zebra mussel is a black and white striped, bivalve mollusc that was introduced into North American waters through the discharge of ship ballast water. This mussel can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and is notorious for clogging power plant, industrial and public drinking water intakes, and fouling boat hulls and engine cooling water systems.
Fall trout stocking update- This week, another 14,200 of the 40,000 surplus yearling (6-9 inch fish) brook, brown and rainbow trout from the Quinebaug Hatchery will be released in eastern CT. These trout are scheduled to be stocked into the Salmon River TMA (2,400 fish), Amos Lake (950 fish), Long Pond (1,950 fish), Coventry Lake (1,400 fish), Uncas Lake (1,400 fish), Beach Pond (2,800 fish), Horse Pond (900 fish), Gardner Lake (1,900 fish) and the Valley Falls Park Pond Trout Park (500 fish).
Rivers & streams - With cool, crisp weather, moderate flows, and some aggressive fish, anglers should enjoy a good weekend of fall trout fishing. The autumn is streamer and nymphing time, and these techniques can dominate the early morning & late evening. Streamers on 2X tippet (9 am-1 pm during low light periods/overcast days) are working well for many anglers. For colors, try white, yellow & brown, and for patterns, White Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10). Nymphs to bottom bounce include caddis pupa (#14-16), Serendipity (#14-16), Pheasant Tail (#12-20), Prince (#6-1
and Hare’s ear (#8-20). Good reports from the West Branch Farmington River last week, and some action also reported from the Housatonic River, Salmon Brook, Pequonnock River and Naugatuck River.
Farmington River – Flows are currently moderate to a bit high, 380 cfs at Riverton plus an additional 250 cfs from the Still River (should drop some by the weekend). Morning water temperatures have risen some to the low 50’s °F.
Hatches/patterns - The bugs include Isonychia (#12-14, parachute style), Blue Wing Olives (#22-28, mid-late afternoon), Caddis (tan #16-20, all day; brown #16-18, winter/summer #20-24, morning), Midges (#16-22, morning) and Rusty Spinner (#20-26, morning.
Housatonic River – Morning water temperatures have risen to the mid to upper 50’s °F, but should cool some this weekend. Flows are relatively clear and moderate, currently 770 cfs at Falls Village and 1,210 cfs at Gaylordsville. Flows may increase some due to rain from a passing front this week, but should be very fishable this weekend.
Hatches/patternsfor the Housatonic River include Blue Wing Olive (#18-24, early morning; spinner fall in evening), Isonychia (#10-12 evening), Midges (#20-26) and Black caddis (#14-18, early morning & evening),
Page 1 of 4
2010 DEP Fishing Report Number 28, 10/27/2010
Flying Ants (#14-1 and Light Cahill CDC (#12-14). Streamers and nymphing work well this time of year (see advice above)!
Lakes & Ponds- Trout fishing is spotty, with some catches reported from East Twin Lake (fish are in close to shore), Crystal Lake (Ellington; fish the edges in 2-3 feet of water near the inlet/outlet), Squantz Pond, Mashapaug Lake, Beach Pond (near the beach and north point; Shore Road area), Coventry Lake and Long Pond. At a number of lakes including Mount Tom Pond and West Hill Pond, trout are just swimming along shore in spawning mode and not biting well.
LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is mostly fair with the best reports from Wononskopomuc Lake (season here closes at the end of October), Coventry Lake, Halls Pond, Mansfield Hollow Reservoir, Candlewood Lake and Gardner Lake. Slow fishing reported from Mudge Pond and Pachaug Pond
SMALLMOUTH BASS – Candlewood Lake smallie action is picking up, some action was also reported from Squantz Pond, and it’s been hard to find smallmouth at Gardner Lake and Coventry Lake.
NORTHERN PIKE – Some catches reported from Pachaug Pond and Bantam Lake. It’ time for the “fall pike bite” to be on again as the cooler temperatures come back. Other areas to try for pike include Mansfield Hollow Reservoir, upper Housatonic River, Beseck Lake, Winchester Lake Quaddick Reservoir and Hopeville Pond.
WALLEYE catches reported from Squantz Pond.
CONNECTICUT RIVER – STRIPED BASS action in the lower river is good, try tube & worm or live bait (bunker, eel). NORTHERN PIKE (fish up to 39 inches) fishing was reported as fair. Fish can be found in the coves, the Middletown area, and in Haddam and downstream to the Salmon River. PANFISH (yellow perch & black crappie) were providing some nice action last week in the coves (use small shiners). Some CHANNEL CATFISH are still being caught (chunk & cut-bait, on the outside edges of channels and in the coves). Try the Wethersfield, Hartford and Middletown/Portland areas. LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is fair in the coves.
NOTES & NOTICES:
��
Scheduled drawdowns include:
-
MOODUS RESERVOIR (Lower & Upper, down several feet, launching of trailer boats will be difficult to impossible) and TYLER LAKE (down 2.5 feet, launching of trailered boats may be difficult) are currently drawn down to facilitate dam repairs. Hopr this report doesn't offend Aqualung's delicate sensibilities, boys.
-
“Winter” drawdowns (2-3 feet) of BASHAN LAKE, BESECK LAKE, GARDNER LAKE, MASHAPAUG LAKE, LOWER BOLTON LAKE, MIDDLE BOLTON LAKE, BEACH POND and GLASGO POND are in progress.
-
A 5 foot drawdown of HIGHLAND LAKE began on October 15th.
-
LAKE LILLINONAH is currently drawn down with refilling scheduled to begin October 31st. Anglers should call FirstLight Power at 1-888-417-4837 for updated lake level information
��
The BAYBERRY LANE State Boat Launch (Groton) is closed for renovations until December 31st.
��
Anglers are reminded that Sunday (October 31st) is the last day of fishing season at several lakes and ponds throughout the state, including LAKE WONOSCOPOMUC, GREEN FALLS RESERVOIR, BATTERSON PARK POND and SHENIPSIT RESERVOIR. Please refer to the 2010 CT Angler’s Guide for additional locations.
Page 2 of 4
2010 DEP Fishing Report Number 28, 10/27/2010
TIPS & TRICKS – FLYFISHING FOR NORTHERN PIKE
The boat slowly drifts into a large bay on the slightest of breezes. Your eyes strain against the mid-day sun. Suddenly you realize that what looks like a large stick has just shifted positions. Ah... your quarry, you make a quick survey of the area and wind conditions, a couple of false cast to release the necessary amount of line, casting to just past the large Northern Pike. You let the fly settle for a few seconds, and then begin a jerky retrieve, just as your fly passes the fish the water explodes with a fury seldom seen while freshwater fly fishing.
��
Fly fishing for pike is best in the spring and fall.
NORTHERN PIKE RECIPE:
(by Nathalie Van)
1/4 Cup barbeque sauce.
fresh rosemary, marjoram, and basil.
4 cloves of garlic.
1/4 Cup olive oil.
2 lbs of northern pike flesh.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Chop the fresh herbs and garlic and add the ingredients (except the pike) to a plastic bag. Then add the pike and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Barbeque the pike and baste with the remaining liquid every few minutes, turning after 5 minutes on each side. Serve with fresh lemon wedges and parsley. Add a side of rice pilaf and steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
��
Where aquatic weeds are absent look for woody cover.
��
Target cover along drop-off.
��
Use sinking fly line.
��
Let the line sink and begin striping it in.
��
Let the fly drop down as the water gets deeper.
��
Let the streamer stop in the middle of the second strip.
��
Don’t make it very rhythmic.
��
In cool water the pike will be energetic.
��
When hooked work fish away from the cover.
��
Unhook using needle nose pliers.
��
Use a strong leader; wire (12”-18”) or heavy pound test floro-carbon (4-6’ of 30-60 lbs.).
��
A 9-weight fly rod helps in throwing large flies.
��
Use large brightly colored (orange, lime green or chartreuse) streamers.
��
Try this streamer; red back/white belly, flash about for glitter & a big red eye.
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.
Page 3 of 4
2010 DEP Fishing Report Number 28, 10/27/2010
Page 4 of 4
MARINE FISHING REPORT
Surface water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) are in the upper 50’s and low 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
Reminder to anglers:
��
The black sea bass season reopens on November 1 through December 31 inclusive.
STRIPED BASS and BLUEFISH fishing is “good to excellent” with this warm spell and the waning Hunter’s Moon. Trophy-sized bluefish and stripers are being caught throughout Long Island Sound. Bluefish up to 38 inches long and weighing 17 pounds and stripers in excess of 48 lbs/52 inches are being reported. The usual 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. Drift fishing with the tide during the day using menhaden (bunker) or eels on three way rigs have been scoring well on very large “cow” bass and “alligator” blues. Please use circle hooks when using live bait.
TAUTOG (Blackfish) fishing is excellent with “Reef Bullies” over 13 lbs being reported in the Marine Fisheries Trophy Fish Award program. Fishing bottom structure/wrecks/reefs is key along with using fresh bait such as hermit crabs, Asian crabs, clams and/or green crabs. Keep moving from spot to spot until you find them. Start in shallow water (less than 20 feet) and move out into deeper water if fishing is slow. Lots of fishing pressure (boats) will slow the bite. Tautog can be finicky and bite very lightly….concentration and braided line work well. Jigs have been very effective this fall.
HICKORY SHAD fishing has improved for “CT Tarpon”. Best spots include the lower Connecticut River (Baldwin Bridge and the DEP Marine Headquarters). Silver colored willowleaf (long shank hook soldered onto a 1 inch willowleaf blade) is the lure of choice. Shad up to 22 inches and 3 pounds have been caught.
TIP Hotline – Please call 1.800.842.4357 to report fishing violations.
For regulation updates and fishing/crabbing information, please check out our web site at: www.ct.gov/dep/fishing 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
ATLANTIC SALMON
The recently stocked broodstock salmon are providing some nice action for anglers, with good reports from the Shetucket River, Naugatuck River, Crystal Lake and Mount Tom Pond. Try flashy streamers (attractor pattern) when fishing the rivers. Anglers are reminded to consult the 2010 CT Anglers Guide for regulations for broodstock Atlantic salmon prior to fishing.
TROUT
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ANGLERS AND BOATERS-
Zebra mussels have recently been found in Lake Zoar and Lake Lillinonah.
Prior to this discovery, zebra mussels had been found (1998) in CT only in East Twin Lake and West Twin Lake (Salisbury). During 2009 zebra mussels were discovered in Massachusetts in Laurel Lake and in the mainstem Housatonic River. Anglers fishing in any of these waters and western Connecticut in general should use extra care to avoid transporting water, aquatic vegetation, and possibly zebra mussels to new locations.
The zebra mussel is a black and white striped, bivalve mollusc that was introduced into North American waters through the discharge of ship ballast water. This mussel can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and is notorious for clogging power plant, industrial and public drinking water intakes, and fouling boat hulls and engine cooling water systems.
Fall trout stocking update- This week, another 14,200 of the 40,000 surplus yearling (6-9 inch fish) brook, brown and rainbow trout from the Quinebaug Hatchery will be released in eastern CT. These trout are scheduled to be stocked into the Salmon River TMA (2,400 fish), Amos Lake (950 fish), Long Pond (1,950 fish), Coventry Lake (1,400 fish), Uncas Lake (1,400 fish), Beach Pond (2,800 fish), Horse Pond (900 fish), Gardner Lake (1,900 fish) and the Valley Falls Park Pond Trout Park (500 fish).
Rivers & streams - With cool, crisp weather, moderate flows, and some aggressive fish, anglers should enjoy a good weekend of fall trout fishing. The autumn is streamer and nymphing time, and these techniques can dominate the early morning & late evening. Streamers on 2X tippet (9 am-1 pm during low light periods/overcast days) are working well for many anglers. For colors, try white, yellow & brown, and for patterns, White Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10). Nymphs to bottom bounce include caddis pupa (#14-16), Serendipity (#14-16), Pheasant Tail (#12-20), Prince (#6-1
and Hare’s ear (#8-20). Good reports from the West Branch Farmington River last week, and some action also reported from the Housatonic River, Salmon Brook, Pequonnock River and Naugatuck River.
Farmington River – Flows are currently moderate to a bit high, 380 cfs at Riverton plus an additional 250 cfs from the Still River (should drop some by the weekend). Morning water temperatures have risen some to the low 50’s °F.
Hatches/patterns - The bugs include Isonychia (#12-14, parachute style), Blue Wing Olives (#22-28, mid-late afternoon), Caddis (tan #16-20, all day; brown #16-18, winter/summer #20-24, morning), Midges (#16-22, morning) and Rusty Spinner (#20-26, morning.
Housatonic River – Morning water temperatures have risen to the mid to upper 50’s °F, but should cool some this weekend. Flows are relatively clear and moderate, currently 770 cfs at Falls Village and 1,210 cfs at Gaylordsville. Flows may increase some due to rain from a passing front this week, but should be very fishable this weekend.
Hatches/patternsfor the Housatonic River include Blue Wing Olive (#18-24, early morning; spinner fall in evening), Isonychia (#10-12 evening), Midges (#20-26) and Black caddis (#14-18, early morning & evening),
Page 1 of 4
2010 DEP Fishing Report Number 28, 10/27/2010
Flying Ants (#14-1
and Light Cahill CDC (#12-14). Streamers and nymphing work well this time of year (see advice above)!
Lakes & Ponds- Trout fishing is spotty, with some catches reported from East Twin Lake (fish are in close to shore), Crystal Lake (Ellington; fish the edges in 2-3 feet of water near the inlet/outlet), Squantz Pond, Mashapaug Lake, Beach Pond (near the beach and north point; Shore Road area), Coventry Lake and Long Pond. At a number of lakes including Mount Tom Pond and West Hill Pond, trout are just swimming along shore in spawning mode and not biting well.
LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is mostly fair with the best reports from Wononskopomuc Lake (season here closes at the end of October), Coventry Lake, Halls Pond, Mansfield Hollow Reservoir, Candlewood Lake and Gardner Lake. Slow fishing reported from Mudge Pond and Pachaug Pond
SMALLMOUTH BASS – Candlewood Lake smallie action is picking up, some action was also reported from Squantz Pond, and it’s been hard to find smallmouth at Gardner Lake and Coventry Lake.
NORTHERN PIKE – Some catches reported from Pachaug Pond and Bantam Lake. It’ time for the “fall pike bite” to be on again as the cooler temperatures come back. Other areas to try for pike include Mansfield Hollow Reservoir, upper Housatonic River, Beseck Lake, Winchester Lake Quaddick Reservoir and Hopeville Pond.
WALLEYE catches reported from Squantz Pond.
CONNECTICUT RIVER – STRIPED BASS action in the lower river is good, try tube & worm or live bait (bunker, eel). NORTHERN PIKE (fish up to 39 inches) fishing was reported as fair. Fish can be found in the coves, the Middletown area, and in Haddam and downstream to the Salmon River. PANFISH (yellow perch & black crappie) were providing some nice action last week in the coves (use small shiners). Some CHANNEL CATFISH are still being caught (chunk & cut-bait, on the outside edges of channels and in the coves). Try the Wethersfield, Hartford and Middletown/Portland areas. LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is fair in the coves.
NOTES & NOTICES:
��
Scheduled drawdowns include:
-
MOODUS RESERVOIR (Lower & Upper, down several feet, launching of trailer boats will be difficult to impossible) and TYLER LAKE (down 2.5 feet, launching of trailered boats may be difficult) are currently drawn down to facilitate dam repairs. Hopr this report doesn't offend Aqualung's delicate sensibilities, boys.
-
“Winter” drawdowns (2-3 feet) of BASHAN LAKE, BESECK LAKE, GARDNER LAKE, MASHAPAUG LAKE, LOWER BOLTON LAKE, MIDDLE BOLTON LAKE, BEACH POND and GLASGO POND are in progress.
-
A 5 foot drawdown of HIGHLAND LAKE began on October 15th.
-
LAKE LILLINONAH is currently drawn down with refilling scheduled to begin October 31st. Anglers should call FirstLight Power at 1-888-417-4837 for updated lake level information
��
The BAYBERRY LANE State Boat Launch (Groton) is closed for renovations until December 31st.
��
Anglers are reminded that Sunday (October 31st) is the last day of fishing season at several lakes and ponds throughout the state, including LAKE WONOSCOPOMUC, GREEN FALLS RESERVOIR, BATTERSON PARK POND and SHENIPSIT RESERVOIR. Please refer to the 2010 CT Angler’s Guide for additional locations.
Page 2 of 4
2010 DEP Fishing Report Number 28, 10/27/2010
TIPS & TRICKS – FLYFISHING FOR NORTHERN PIKE
The boat slowly drifts into a large bay on the slightest of breezes. Your eyes strain against the mid-day sun. Suddenly you realize that what looks like a large stick has just shifted positions. Ah... your quarry, you make a quick survey of the area and wind conditions, a couple of false cast to release the necessary amount of line, casting to just past the large Northern Pike. You let the fly settle for a few seconds, and then begin a jerky retrieve, just as your fly passes the fish the water explodes with a fury seldom seen while freshwater fly fishing.
��
Fly fishing for pike is best in the spring and fall.
NORTHERN PIKE RECIPE:
(by Nathalie Van)
1/4 Cup barbeque sauce.
fresh rosemary, marjoram, and basil.
4 cloves of garlic.
1/4 Cup olive oil.
2 lbs of northern pike flesh.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Chop the fresh herbs and garlic and add the ingredients (except the pike) to a plastic bag. Then add the pike and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Barbeque the pike and baste with the remaining liquid every few minutes, turning after 5 minutes on each side. Serve with fresh lemon wedges and parsley. Add a side of rice pilaf and steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
��
Where aquatic weeds are absent look for woody cover.
��
Target cover along drop-off.
��
Use sinking fly line.
��
Let the line sink and begin striping it in.
��
Let the fly drop down as the water gets deeper.
��
Let the streamer stop in the middle of the second strip.
��
Don’t make it very rhythmic.
��
In cool water the pike will be energetic.
��
When hooked work fish away from the cover.
��
Unhook using needle nose pliers.
��
Use a strong leader; wire (12”-18”) or heavy pound test floro-carbon (4-6’ of 30-60 lbs.).
��
A 9-weight fly rod helps in throwing large flies.
��
Use large brightly colored (orange, lime green or chartreuse) streamers.
��
Try this streamer; red back/white belly, flash about for glitter & a big red eye.
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.
Page 3 of 4
2010 DEP Fishing Report Number 28, 10/27/2010
Page 4 of 4
MARINE FISHING REPORT
Surface water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) are in the upper 50’s and low 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
Reminder to anglers:
��
The black sea bass season reopens on November 1 through December 31 inclusive.
STRIPED BASS and BLUEFISH fishing is “good to excellent” with this warm spell and the waning Hunter’s Moon. Trophy-sized bluefish and stripers are being caught throughout Long Island Sound. Bluefish up to 38 inches long and weighing 17 pounds and stripers in excess of 48 lbs/52 inches are being reported. The usual 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. Drift fishing with the tide during the day using menhaden (bunker) or eels on three way rigs have been scoring well on very large “cow” bass and “alligator” blues. Please use circle hooks when using live bait.
TAUTOG (Blackfish) fishing is excellent with “Reef Bullies” over 13 lbs being reported in the Marine Fisheries Trophy Fish Award program. Fishing bottom structure/wrecks/reefs is key along with using fresh bait such as hermit crabs, Asian crabs, clams and/or green crabs. Keep moving from spot to spot until you find them. Start in shallow water (less than 20 feet) and move out into deeper water if fishing is slow. Lots of fishing pressure (boats) will slow the bite. Tautog can be finicky and bite very lightly….concentration and braided line work well. Jigs have been very effective this fall.
HICKORY SHAD fishing has improved for “CT Tarpon”. Best spots include the lower Connecticut River (Baldwin Bridge and the DEP Marine Headquarters). Silver colored willowleaf (long shank hook soldered onto a 1 inch willowleaf blade) is the lure of choice. Shad up to 22 inches and 3 pounds have been caught.
TIP Hotline – Please call 1.800.842.4357 to report fishing violations.
For regulation updates and fishing/crabbing information, please check out our web site at: www.ct.gov/dep/fishing 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