INLAND REPORT
TROUT
Rivers & streams - Both fishing and fishing conditions have been highly variable. Flows have been fluctuating between very high (and in some areas, unfishable) and moderate levels due to a series of rain events, and water temperatures have been relatively cool (but are now beginning to rise). Some action reported from the Farmington River, Roaring Brook, Wepawaug River, Saugatuck River, Aspetuck River, Scantic River, Broad Brook, Salmon River, Coginchaug River, Pomperaug River, Mill River, Mount Hope, Natchaug River, Quinebaug River, Willimantic River, Blackberry River, Blackledge River, Eightmile River, Coppermine River, Farm River, Jeremy River and Nepaug River.
Farmington River – Anglers contended with very high and often unfishable flows for most of last week. West Branch flows are now clear and have dropped to levels more comfortable for fishing, currently 485 cubic feet per second (cfs) at Riverton. Just below Riverton the Still River is adding an additional 255 cfs. Farther downstream, the East Branch Farmington is currently adding an additional 225 cfs. Water temperatures are in the low to mid 40’sºF.
Hatches/patterns include Winter/Summer Caddis (#16-22, early morning), Blue Wing Olive (#16-20, late morning-early afternoon), Blue Quills (#16-18, early afternoon), Midges (#22-2
, Golden Stonefly nymphs (#6-12) and Quill Gordons (#16-18, early/mid afternoon). Hendricksons (#12-14, early afternoon) are in full hatch on the Farmington River now (spinner fall typically occurs around 6:30 pm).
Housatonic River – The river is clear and has dropped some, but is still too high for most to comfortably fish. Current flows are 2,570 cfs at Falls Village and 3,670 cfs at Gaylordsville (for updated flow information, anglers should call FirstLight Power at 1-888-417-4837). Flows on many of the small tributaries such as Macedonia Brook, Furnace Brook and Kent Falls Brook will be much more fishable. Morning water temperatures are in the low 50’s ºF. Rusty spinners (#12-14), midges, Blue Quills, early caddis (#10-16) and golden stoneflies (#4- are suggested here when flows subside
Hendrickson (#12-14) hatch is hatch is kicking into high gear. Streamers (white/yellow) and nymphs can some large fish along the edges.
Rivers and streams stocking update. This week in western CT, West Branch Farmington River (from the TMA to Goodwin Dam), Farmington River (Unionville to Tariffville), Hop Brook, Housatonic River (upper TMA and Bull's Bridge TMA), Kettletown Brook, Little River (Oxford), Muddy River, Naugatuck River (upper river and TMA), Nonewaug River, Pequonnock River (including Trumbull Basin SP and Beardsley Park), Pootatuck River (upper), Saugatuck River (lower) and Weekeepeemee River are all scheduled to be stocked.
In eastern CT, Crystal Lake Brook, Five Mile River (lower), Green Falls River, Hammonasset River (including the TMA), Hockanum River (above and below the TMA), Jeremy River, Natchaug River, Pattaconk Brook, Quinebaug River, Roaring Brook (Glastonbury), Salmon River (including the TMA), Shunock Brook, Tankerhoosen River and Willimantic River(below TMA). Note that stocking schedules are subject to change.
Lakes & Ponds – Trout fishing has been variable so far this spring. Best reports are from Crystal Lake (6-8 colors), Lake McDonough, Lake Wononskopomuc, Black Pond (Middlefield), West Hill Pond, and generally slower fishing reported from Beach Pond (but try near the dam), Walker Reservoir, Saugatuck Reservoir, Candlewood Lake, Beachdale Pond, Mashapaug Pond, Coventry Lake, Gardner Lake and Highland Lake.
Lakes and ponds stocking update. In western CT, Bunnells Pond (Beardsley Park Pond), Fountain Lake, Keney Park Pond, Starret Pond, Twin Brooks Pond and Wononskopomuc Lake are scheduled for stocking this week (4/25 – 4/29).
In eastern CT, Amos Lake, Angus Park Pond, Beach Pond, Bicentennial Pond, Black Pond (Middlefield), Cedar Lake, Gay City Park Pond, Green Falls Reservoir, Hewitt Fly Pond, Higganum Reservoir Long Pond, Mansfield Training Ponds, Norwich Pond, Pattaconk Lake, Quonnipaug Lake, Rogers Lake, Walkers Reservoir and Wyassup Lake are scheduled for this week.
Trout Parks – This week, all eleven trout parks, Chatfield Hollow, Day Pond, Mohegan Park Pond, Natchaug River, Valley Falls Park Pond, Black Rock Pond, Wolfe Park (Great Hollow Pond), Kent Falls, Southford Falls, Stratton Brook and Wharton Brook are scheduled to be stocked.
LARGEMOUTH BASS – As temperatures warm, largemouth should become easier to find. Fair reports from Candlewood Lake (typical late April largemouth action here, some fish in the 5-6 lb range were found, and in surprisingly shallow water), Pattagansett Lake (catches include a 5.8 lb bass), Maltby Lakes, Quaddick Lake (fair) Rogers Lake (catches include a 6.0 lb largemouth), Lake McDonough, Moodus Reservoir (may be difficult to launch here). Silver Lake, Lake Wononskopomuc, Ball Pond, Batterson Park Pond and Lake Williams. Anglers are reportedly having to work hard to find bass at Amos Lake, Mashapaug Pond, Winchester Lake, Lake Housatonic (very tough conditions to fish in) and Coventry Lake. Other places to try include Wood Creek Pond, Bishop Pond Swamp, Crystal Lake, Pachaug Pond, Black Pond (Middlefield), Beseck Lake, Pickerel Lake, Mudge Pond, Hatch Pond and Gardner Lake.
SMALLMOUTH BASS spring fishing is variable. Candlewood Lake heated up late last week, with several monsters (6.9 and 6.1 lb smallmouth) and plenty of 4-5 lb smallies being caught. Some nice action also reported from Lake McDonough (including a 5 lb plus fish) and some nice catches also reported from Saugatuck Reservoir. It’s been harder to find many smallies at Lake Housatonic (tough conditions), Coventry Lake, Highland Lake, Mashapaug Pond and Gardner Lake.
WALLEYE fishing has been productive at Lake Saltonstall with fish up to 26 inches being caught.
CONNECTICUT RIVER – Anglers did get to enjoy several days of more moderate flows, but the river is rising again (and getting murkier). STRIPED BASS are in the river (with schoolies being caught north of Hartford) with some legal size fish up beyond the Middletown area. Some CARP are being caught, including several in the 20-25 lb range. SHAD have been reported in the river up to the confluence of the Farmington River. Last week cooler flows did slow migration, but flows dropped and warmed for a few days, and more fish are again being found.
NOTES & NOTICES:
Ice damage to the GORTON POND state boat launch has been repaired and the launch is fully operational. There is currently no dock at the COVENTRY LAKE state launch due to ice damaged pilings. Repairs may not be completed until mid-June.
TROUT ANGLERS now have a new convenience available to them on the DEP website, maps of a number of the state’s trout streams and rivers showing the many stocking and access points. The Inland Fisheries Division is in the process of creating a series of maps showing the locations where trout are stocked throughout the state. The first few sets of maps have already been posted on the DEP website (www.ct.gov/dep/fishing), and DEP will continue to add maps of additional areas as they become available.
MOODUS RESERVOIR (Lower & Upper) is currently drawn down 20 inches, making the launching of trailer boats difficult (especially for larger boats). It is anticipated that this drawdown will continue into the month of May.
LITTLE RIVER (Oxford/Seymour) – The temporary fish consumption advisory has been lifted. This special advisory was enacted in June, 2010 due to concerns about possible PCB contamination from a storm-damaged electrical transformer. Anglers are reminded that the general statewide fish consumption advisory due to mercury contamination remains in place (for more information visit the DPH website at www.ct.gov/dph and go to the Environmental Health pages).
TIPS & TRICKS – LARGEMOUTH BASS
Use 3 or 4 inch worms or tubes with a 3/8 oz jig head. Adding weight to the bait is important when fishing deep structures. Throw worms rigged Texas style with a 1/8 - 1/16 oz. weight. Drop shot fishing off the bottom is generating some good results. Depending on water clarity, watermelon, green, pumpkin or black with metal flake are the major colors now. Warmer water will be found by targeting shallow water with darker bottoms.
FFFIIISSSHHHIIINNNGGG RRREEEPPPOOORRRTTT
Surface water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) are in the mid to upper 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
STRIPED BASS fishing action has picked up in the tidal rivers. Striper spots include the Thames River from Norwich down to Montville, Niantic River, lower Connecticut River (DEP Marine Headquarters fishing pier), and the Housatonic River.
TAUTOG fishing has improved in the shallows and inshore rock piles. The breakwaters off New Haven are prime spring spots. However, time is short. The tautog fishing season is closed May 1 through June 30.
WINTER FLOUNDER fishing remains on the slow side. The usual flounder spots include Norwalk Harbor (Maritime Aquarium docks, and Calf Pasture Point pier), Niantic River, Pine Island area (lower Thames River), and Poquonock River (Bluff Point State Park).
For regulation updates and fishing/crabbing information, please check out our web site at: www.ct.gov/dep or pick up the new 2011 Angler’s Guide. The guide contains all current marine fishing regulations and more.
DEP WEEKLY FISHING REPORT
CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106
www.ct.gov/dep
TROUT
Rivers & streams - Both fishing and fishing conditions have been highly variable. Flows have been fluctuating between very high (and in some areas, unfishable) and moderate levels due to a series of rain events, and water temperatures have been relatively cool (but are now beginning to rise). Some action reported from the Farmington River, Roaring Brook, Wepawaug River, Saugatuck River, Aspetuck River, Scantic River, Broad Brook, Salmon River, Coginchaug River, Pomperaug River, Mill River, Mount Hope, Natchaug River, Quinebaug River, Willimantic River, Blackberry River, Blackledge River, Eightmile River, Coppermine River, Farm River, Jeremy River and Nepaug River.
Farmington River – Anglers contended with very high and often unfishable flows for most of last week. West Branch flows are now clear and have dropped to levels more comfortable for fishing, currently 485 cubic feet per second (cfs) at Riverton. Just below Riverton the Still River is adding an additional 255 cfs. Farther downstream, the East Branch Farmington is currently adding an additional 225 cfs. Water temperatures are in the low to mid 40’sºF.
Hatches/patterns include Winter/Summer Caddis (#16-22, early morning), Blue Wing Olive (#16-20, late morning-early afternoon), Blue Quills (#16-18, early afternoon), Midges (#22-2
, Golden Stonefly nymphs (#6-12) and Quill Gordons (#16-18, early/mid afternoon). Hendricksons (#12-14, early afternoon) are in full hatch on the Farmington River now (spinner fall typically occurs around 6:30 pm).
Housatonic River – The river is clear and has dropped some, but is still too high for most to comfortably fish. Current flows are 2,570 cfs at Falls Village and 3,670 cfs at Gaylordsville (for updated flow information, anglers should call FirstLight Power at 1-888-417-4837). Flows on many of the small tributaries such as Macedonia Brook, Furnace Brook and Kent Falls Brook will be much more fishable. Morning water temperatures are in the low 50’s ºF. Rusty spinners (#12-14), midges, Blue Quills, early caddis (#10-16) and golden stoneflies (#4-
are suggested here when flows subside
Hendrickson (#12-14) hatch is hatch is kicking into high gear. Streamers (white/yellow) and nymphs can some large fish along the edges.
Rivers and streams stocking update. This week in western CT, West Branch Farmington River (from the TMA to Goodwin Dam), Farmington River (Unionville to Tariffville), Hop Brook, Housatonic River (upper TMA and Bull's Bridge TMA), Kettletown Brook, Little River (Oxford), Muddy River, Naugatuck River (upper river and TMA), Nonewaug River, Pequonnock River (including Trumbull Basin SP and Beardsley Park), Pootatuck River (upper), Saugatuck River (lower) and Weekeepeemee River are all scheduled to be stocked.
In eastern CT, Crystal Lake Brook, Five Mile River (lower), Green Falls River, Hammonasset River (including the TMA), Hockanum River (above and below the TMA), Jeremy River, Natchaug River, Pattaconk Brook, Quinebaug River, Roaring Brook (Glastonbury), Salmon River (including the TMA), Shunock Brook, Tankerhoosen River and Willimantic River(below TMA). Note that stocking schedules are subject to change.
Lakes & Ponds – Trout fishing has been variable so far this spring. Best reports are from Crystal Lake (6-8 colors), Lake McDonough, Lake Wononskopomuc, Black Pond (Middlefield), West Hill Pond, and generally slower fishing reported from Beach Pond (but try near the dam), Walker Reservoir, Saugatuck Reservoir, Candlewood Lake, Beachdale Pond, Mashapaug Pond, Coventry Lake, Gardner Lake and Highland Lake.
Lakes and ponds stocking update. In western CT, Bunnells Pond (Beardsley Park Pond), Fountain Lake, Keney Park Pond, Starret Pond, Twin Brooks Pond and Wononskopomuc Lake are scheduled for stocking this week (4/25 – 4/29).
In eastern CT, Amos Lake, Angus Park Pond, Beach Pond, Bicentennial Pond, Black Pond (Middlefield), Cedar Lake, Gay City Park Pond, Green Falls Reservoir, Hewitt Fly Pond, Higganum Reservoir Long Pond, Mansfield Training Ponds, Norwich Pond, Pattaconk Lake, Quonnipaug Lake, Rogers Lake, Walkers Reservoir and Wyassup Lake are scheduled for this week.
Trout Parks – This week, all eleven trout parks, Chatfield Hollow, Day Pond, Mohegan Park Pond, Natchaug River, Valley Falls Park Pond, Black Rock Pond, Wolfe Park (Great Hollow Pond), Kent Falls, Southford Falls, Stratton Brook and Wharton Brook are scheduled to be stocked.
LARGEMOUTH BASS – As temperatures warm, largemouth should become easier to find. Fair reports from Candlewood Lake (typical late April largemouth action here, some fish in the 5-6 lb range were found, and in surprisingly shallow water), Pattagansett Lake (catches include a 5.8 lb bass), Maltby Lakes, Quaddick Lake (fair) Rogers Lake (catches include a 6.0 lb largemouth), Lake McDonough, Moodus Reservoir (may be difficult to launch here). Silver Lake, Lake Wononskopomuc, Ball Pond, Batterson Park Pond and Lake Williams. Anglers are reportedly having to work hard to find bass at Amos Lake, Mashapaug Pond, Winchester Lake, Lake Housatonic (very tough conditions to fish in) and Coventry Lake. Other places to try include Wood Creek Pond, Bishop Pond Swamp, Crystal Lake, Pachaug Pond, Black Pond (Middlefield), Beseck Lake, Pickerel Lake, Mudge Pond, Hatch Pond and Gardner Lake.
SMALLMOUTH BASS spring fishing is variable. Candlewood Lake heated up late last week, with several monsters (6.9 and 6.1 lb smallmouth) and plenty of 4-5 lb smallies being caught. Some nice action also reported from Lake McDonough (including a 5 lb plus fish) and some nice catches also reported from Saugatuck Reservoir. It’s been harder to find many smallies at Lake Housatonic (tough conditions), Coventry Lake, Highland Lake, Mashapaug Pond and Gardner Lake.
WALLEYE fishing has been productive at Lake Saltonstall with fish up to 26 inches being caught.
CONNECTICUT RIVER – Anglers did get to enjoy several days of more moderate flows, but the river is rising again (and getting murkier). STRIPED BASS are in the river (with schoolies being caught north of Hartford) with some legal size fish up beyond the Middletown area. Some CARP are being caught, including several in the 20-25 lb range. SHAD have been reported in the river up to the confluence of the Farmington River. Last week cooler flows did slow migration, but flows dropped and warmed for a few days, and more fish are again being found.
NOTES & NOTICES:
Ice damage to the GORTON POND state boat launch has been repaired and the launch is fully operational. There is currently no dock at the COVENTRY LAKE state launch due to ice damaged pilings. Repairs may not be completed until mid-June.
TROUT ANGLERS now have a new convenience available to them on the DEP website, maps of a number of the state’s trout streams and rivers showing the many stocking and access points. The Inland Fisheries Division is in the process of creating a series of maps showing the locations where trout are stocked throughout the state. The first few sets of maps have already been posted on the DEP website (www.ct.gov/dep/fishing), and DEP will continue to add maps of additional areas as they become available.
MOODUS RESERVOIR (Lower & Upper) is currently drawn down 20 inches, making the launching of trailer boats difficult (especially for larger boats). It is anticipated that this drawdown will continue into the month of May.
LITTLE RIVER (Oxford/Seymour) – The temporary fish consumption advisory has been lifted. This special advisory was enacted in June, 2010 due to concerns about possible PCB contamination from a storm-damaged electrical transformer. Anglers are reminded that the general statewide fish consumption advisory due to mercury contamination remains in place (for more information visit the DPH website at www.ct.gov/dph and go to the Environmental Health pages).
TIPS & TRICKS – LARGEMOUTH BASS
Use 3 or 4 inch worms or tubes with a 3/8 oz jig head. Adding weight to the bait is important when fishing deep structures. Throw worms rigged Texas style with a 1/8 - 1/16 oz. weight. Drop shot fishing off the bottom is generating some good results. Depending on water clarity, watermelon, green, pumpkin or black with metal flake are the major colors now. Warmer water will be found by targeting shallow water with darker bottoms.
FFFIIISSSHHHIIINNNGGG RRREEEPPPOOORRRTTT
Surface water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) are in the mid to upper 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
STRIPED BASS fishing action has picked up in the tidal rivers. Striper spots include the Thames River from Norwich down to Montville, Niantic River, lower Connecticut River (DEP Marine Headquarters fishing pier), and the Housatonic River.
TAUTOG fishing has improved in the shallows and inshore rock piles. The breakwaters off New Haven are prime spring spots. However, time is short. The tautog fishing season is closed May 1 through June 30.
WINTER FLOUNDER fishing remains on the slow side. The usual flounder spots include Norwalk Harbor (Maritime Aquarium docks, and Calf Pasture Point pier), Niantic River, Pine Island area (lower Thames River), and Poquonock River (Bluff Point State Park).
For regulation updates and fishing/crabbing information, please check out our web site at: www.ct.gov/dep or pick up the new 2011 Angler’s Guide. The guide contains all current marine fishing regulations and more.
DEP WEEKLY FISHING REPORT
CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106
www.ct.gov/dep