INLAND REPORT
TROUT
DIDYMO ALERT
The highly invasive freshwater alga, Didymosphenia geminata, known as “didymo” or “rock snot”, was recently discovered in Connecticut in the West Branch Farmington River. This is the first report of didymo in Connecticut.
Didymo is typically found in cold, shallow streams with rocky substrate. The microscopic didymo cell produces a stalk to attach to the substrate. Under ideal conditions, blooms of didymo can form thick mats of stalk material that feel like wet wool and are typically gray, white and/or brown, but never green in color. These mats form on the bottoms of rivers and streams, and if dense may have negative impacts on the ecological, recreational and aesthetic values of rivers with suitable habitat (cold, rocky, well-lit areas).
Anglers, kayakers and canoeists, boaters and jet skiers can all 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.
For more information including precautions that should be taken to prevent the spread of didymo to additional waters, visit www.ct.gov/dep/invasivespecies.
Taa kkkee sssooomee ooonnnee fffiiissshh iiinnnggg!!!
SHHHARRRE THHHE EXPPPERRRIENNNCCCE
Rivers & streams - Conditions should be good for fishing this weekend as flows in many rivers and streams throughout the state have moderated to typical spring levels. Fair to good reports last week from the Willimantic River, Saugatuck River, Pomperaug River, Moosup River, Farmington River, Norwalk River, Salmon River, Housatonic River, Natchaug River, Hammonasset River, Mill River, Blackberry River, Shetucket River, Hop River and Sandy Brook.
Farmington River – West Branch flows are clear and moderate, currently 305 cfs at Riverton plus an additional 190 cfs from the Still River. Morning water temperatures are in the low 40’s °F.
Hatches/patterns include Hendrickson (a.k.a. red quill; #12-#14) in a parachute, comparadun or emerger (yellow egg sac pattern around 6 pm), Blue Wing Olive (a.k.a. Baetis vagans; #16-#1 in a parachute or emerging dun (noon to 5pm), Winter/Summer Caddis (#16-22), Stonefly nymphs (#6-1, Midge (#16-22) and Blue Quill (a.k.a. paralep; #16-20) in a parachute or emerger (midday). Also try Rusty Spinners (#16-1, Mahogany Duns/Blue Quills (#18-20), Tan Caddis (#14-1 and Winter Caddis (#18-22). Nymphs (#18-22) are always a good go-to fly. Try Bead Head, Midge Pupa, Brassie, Zebra Midge or Copper John patterns. Streamers are also producing. Use White Zonkers & Buggers (#4-12) as well as Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghost.
Housatonic River – Morning water temperatures are in the mid 50’s ºF. Flows remain uncomfortably high, but are clear and again dropping (currently 2,000 cfs at Falls Village and 3,050 cfs at Gaylordsville). For updated flow information, anglers should call FirstLight Power at 1-888-417-4837. Many of the small tributaries such as Macedonia Brook, Furnace Brook and Kent Falls Brook continue to be much more fishable.
Hatches/patterns include Blue Wing Olive (a.k.a. Baetis vagans; #16-#1, Green/Olive Caddis, Tan/Brown Caddis and Hendrickson. Look for Hendrickson (#12-#14) on the water in the afternoon with Green Caddis Pupa (#14-16). For nymphing try Pheasant Tail (#12-14), Copper John (#12-16) and American Pheasant Tail (#14-20). Try streamers (Yellow/White Zuddlers or Gray Ghost) in the evening.
Rivers and streams stocking update. This week in eastern CT, Blackledge River (lower), Broad Brook (Preston), Choate Brook, Coginchaug River, Dickinson Creek, Hop River, Hunts Brook, Indiantown Brook, Kitt Brook, Moosup River, Mount Misery Brook, Myron Kinnie Brook, Natchaug River,
Pachaug River, Quinebaug River (Plainfield), Quinebaug River (Griswold), Salmon River (including the TMA), Scantic River (upper), Shetucket River, Skungamaug River, Whitfords Brook and Yantic River (including the TMA) are all scheduled to be stocked.
In western CT, Blackberry River, Naugatuck River (Torrington to Beacon Falls, except for the TMA), Nepaug River, Norwalk River, Pomperaug River, Quinnipiac River, Sandy Brook, Still River (Colebrook), West Branch Farmington River (Riverton to TMA), West Branch Farmington River TMA and Whiting River are scheduled to be stocked this week. Note that stocking schedules are subject to change.
Lakes & Ponds – Trout fishing is general fair to good with reports from West Hill Pond, Long Pond, Highland Lake (very good – lots of action recently), Crystal Lake, Beach Pond, Amos Lake, Saugatuck Reservoir, Lake Wononskopomuc, Coventry Lake, Bigelow Pond, Lake McDonough, East Twin Lake, Mount Tom Pond, Mohawk Pond and Mashapaug Lake. It’s been slow at Gardner Lake and Quonnipaug Lake has been tough to fish. Try Trolling your favorite lures at 5-7 colors, (15-20 feet) or targeting big fish in deeper water with bait.
Lakes and ponds stocking update. In eastern CT, Beaver Brook Park Ponds, Bigelow Pond, Broad Brook Mill Pond, Hewitt Fly Pond, Hyde Mill Pond, Lantern Hill Pond, Long Pond, Mashapaug Lake and Saw Mill Pond are scheduled for stocking this week (5/2 – 5/6). In western CT, Keney Park Pond, Prospect Town Park Pond and Upper Fulton Park Pond 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 fishing is generally fair with reports from Candlewood Lake (recent catches include at least three largemouth in the 6-7 lb range), Quaddick Reservoir, Long Pond, Lake Lillinonah, North Farms Reservoir, Pachaug Pond, Batterson Park Pond, Mudge Pond, Lake Saltonstall, Lake Wononskopomuc, Mamanasco Lake and Halls Pond. Bass have been harder to find at Lake Zoar (catches include a 4.5 lb bass), West Hill Pond, Bantam Lake, Silver Lake, Highland Lake, Quonnipaug Lake, Bolton Lake and Amos Lake.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
TO ANGLERS AND BOATERS-
Zebra mussels were recently (October, 2010) 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 water intakes, and fouling boat hulls and engine cooling water systems.
For more information on zebra mussels and other invasive species, visit www.ct.gov/dep/invasivespecies.
SMALLMOUTH BASS fishing remains variable. Best reports are from Candlewood Lake (slowed a bit this past week, but another 6 lb plus smallie and plenty of 4-5 lb fish among the bags). Some action also reported from Rainbow Reservoir, Lake McDonough, Highland Lake, Coventry Lake, Candlewood Lake, Squantz Pond, Mashapaug Lake and Lake Zoar (several 3-lb smallies among the catches). It’s been tough finding smallmouth at Gardner Lake and Wyassup Lake.
NORTHERN PIKE are reported from Bantam Lake and Mansfield Hollow Reservoir.
CARP – Several good catches reported from West Thomason Reservoir this past week.
CHAIN PICKEREL are being caught at Wood Creek, Lake Wononskopomuc, Silver Lake, Halls Pond, Lake Hayward and Bashan Lake.
WALLEYE catches reported from Lake Saltonstall, Coventry Lake and Squantz Pond.
CONNECTICUT RIVER – following another peak of high flows this weekend, the river has been dropping to more comfortable (typical spring) levels. STRIPED BASS are in the river up to Enfield. Mostly school size (16-25”) fish are being caught. Some adults are showing up in the lower to Middletown. Sand & blood worms are working. Big plastic baits like 9” Houdini Shad, 7” Bombers and swim baits (especially the newer vibrational Shads) are working. SHAD are reported throughout the river. Anglers catching them for striper bait are reminded that the only legal method of harvesting is angling. A few NORTHERN PIKE are reported from coves in the Wethersfield and Middletown areas.
NOTES & NOTICES:
��
The Aquarion Water Company phone number for information on public access (including fishing) has been updated to 203-452-3511. Their facilities include Saugatuck, Far Mill and West Pequonnock Reservoirs.
��
BOAT LAUNCHES - Ice damage to the Gorton Pond state boat launch has been repaired and the launch is fully operational. Due to high flows, the docks at the Salmon River (CT River) Boat Launch have not been installed. There is currently no dock at the Coventry Lake state launch due to ice damaged pilings. Repairs may not be completed until mid-June. 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.
��
On Friday (5/6) at the charter Oak Landing in Hartford, DEP Commissioner Daniel C. Esty will announce the CONNECTICUT RIVER BONUS STRIPED BASS PROGRAM that will allow anglers fishing the Connecticut River to take striped bass in a size range (at least 22 inches in length but shorter than 28 inches) outside the current recreational minimum length for stripers in Connecticut. The DEP will be issuing vouchers to anglers that will allow them to take an additional 4,025 striped bass (stripers) from the Connecticut River through June 30. Vouchers can be obtained at the same DEP Offices where licenses are sold and while fishing along the Connecticut River, from DEP Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police Officers and Riverfront Recapture Rangers.
��
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 – AMERICAN SHAD
The shad run has begun. Fish have been seen into Massachusetts. In the lower Connecticut River there are many fish up to the Essex area. As the major slug of fish moves up the river fishing will get better. These fish are great fighters for their size.
Trolling:
��
A weighted willow leaf or shad dart is producing well.
��
Use 8-10 lb test fishing line. Set boat speed to 1.5 - 2.0 mph. Use a 1/4 - 3/4 oz weight depending on conditions. Tie a 6 foot - 6lb or 8lb leader above the lure. Silver, white and gold are your go to colors. Other colors that work include pink, chartreuse, red & green. The drag should be set light as shad have a delicate mouth.
��
Try trolling against the current. Vary your speed until the correct presentation is found.
Shore Fishing or Wading:
��
When shore fishing or wading, cast your lure across & up stream. The correct depth is when the lure just ticks the bottom. Let it drift downstream.
Page 3
MARINE FISHING REPORT
Surface water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) remain 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 been extremely variable. Fishing is hot one day the next day - it’s not. In any case striper spots include the usual: Thames River from Norwich down to Montville, Niantic River, lower Connecticut River (DEP Marine Headquarters fishing pier), and the Housatonic River.
The TAUTOG fishing season is now closed.
WINTER FLOUNDER fishing is a real slow pick. The usual flounder spots include Norwalk Harbor (Maritime Aquarium docks, and Calf Pasture Point pier) and around Sprite Island, Niantic River including the Bay, 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.
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 should call 860-418-5937 or e-mail Barbara.Viadella@ct.gov. Persons who are hearing impaired should call the State of Connecticut relay number 711.
DEP WEEKLY FISHING REPORT
CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106
www.ct.gov/dep
TROUT
DIDYMO ALERT
The highly invasive freshwater alga, Didymosphenia geminata, known as “didymo” or “rock snot”, was recently discovered in Connecticut in the West Branch Farmington River. This is the first report of didymo in Connecticut.
Didymo is typically found in cold, shallow streams with rocky substrate. The microscopic didymo cell produces a stalk to attach to the substrate. Under ideal conditions, blooms of didymo can form thick mats of stalk material that feel like wet wool and are typically gray, white and/or brown, but never green in color. These mats form on the bottoms of rivers and streams, and if dense may have negative impacts on the ecological, recreational and aesthetic values of rivers with suitable habitat (cold, rocky, well-lit areas).
Anglers, kayakers and canoeists, boaters and jet skiers can all 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.
For more information including precautions that should be taken to prevent the spread of didymo to additional waters, visit www.ct.gov/dep/invasivespecies.
Taa kkkee sssooomee ooonnnee fffiiissshh iiinnnggg!!!
SHHHARRRE THHHE EXPPPERRRIENNNCCCE
Rivers & streams - Conditions should be good for fishing this weekend as flows in many rivers and streams throughout the state have moderated to typical spring levels. Fair to good reports last week from the Willimantic River, Saugatuck River, Pomperaug River, Moosup River, Farmington River, Norwalk River, Salmon River, Housatonic River, Natchaug River, Hammonasset River, Mill River, Blackberry River, Shetucket River, Hop River and Sandy Brook.
Farmington River – West Branch flows are clear and moderate, currently 305 cfs at Riverton plus an additional 190 cfs from the Still River. Morning water temperatures are in the low 40’s °F.
Hatches/patterns include Hendrickson (a.k.a. red quill; #12-#14) in a parachute, comparadun or emerger (yellow egg sac pattern around 6 pm), Blue Wing Olive (a.k.a. Baetis vagans; #16-#1 in a parachute or emerging dun (noon to 5pm), Winter/Summer Caddis (#16-22), Stonefly nymphs (#6-1, Midge (#16-22) and Blue Quill (a.k.a. paralep; #16-20) in a parachute or emerger (midday). Also try Rusty Spinners (#16-1, Mahogany Duns/Blue Quills (#18-20), Tan Caddis (#14-1 and Winter Caddis (#18-22). Nymphs (#18-22) are always a good go-to fly. Try Bead Head, Midge Pupa, Brassie, Zebra Midge or Copper John patterns. Streamers are also producing. Use White Zonkers & Buggers (#4-12) as well as Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghost.
Housatonic River – Morning water temperatures are in the mid 50’s ºF. Flows remain uncomfortably high, but are clear and again dropping (currently 2,000 cfs at Falls Village and 3,050 cfs at Gaylordsville). For updated flow information, anglers should call FirstLight Power at 1-888-417-4837. Many of the small tributaries such as Macedonia Brook, Furnace Brook and Kent Falls Brook continue to be much more fishable.
Hatches/patterns include Blue Wing Olive (a.k.a. Baetis vagans; #16-#1, Green/Olive Caddis, Tan/Brown Caddis and Hendrickson. Look for Hendrickson (#12-#14) on the water in the afternoon with Green Caddis Pupa (#14-16). For nymphing try Pheasant Tail (#12-14), Copper John (#12-16) and American Pheasant Tail (#14-20). Try streamers (Yellow/White Zuddlers or Gray Ghost) in the evening.
Rivers and streams stocking update. This week in eastern CT, Blackledge River (lower), Broad Brook (Preston), Choate Brook, Coginchaug River, Dickinson Creek, Hop River, Hunts Brook, Indiantown Brook, Kitt Brook, Moosup River, Mount Misery Brook, Myron Kinnie Brook, Natchaug River,
Pachaug River, Quinebaug River (Plainfield), Quinebaug River (Griswold), Salmon River (including the TMA), Scantic River (upper), Shetucket River, Skungamaug River, Whitfords Brook and Yantic River (including the TMA) are all scheduled to be stocked.
In western CT, Blackberry River, Naugatuck River (Torrington to Beacon Falls, except for the TMA), Nepaug River, Norwalk River, Pomperaug River, Quinnipiac River, Sandy Brook, Still River (Colebrook), West Branch Farmington River (Riverton to TMA), West Branch Farmington River TMA and Whiting River are scheduled to be stocked this week. Note that stocking schedules are subject to change.
Lakes & Ponds – Trout fishing is general fair to good with reports from West Hill Pond, Long Pond, Highland Lake (very good – lots of action recently), Crystal Lake, Beach Pond, Amos Lake, Saugatuck Reservoir, Lake Wononskopomuc, Coventry Lake, Bigelow Pond, Lake McDonough, East Twin Lake, Mount Tom Pond, Mohawk Pond and Mashapaug Lake. It’s been slow at Gardner Lake and Quonnipaug Lake has been tough to fish. Try Trolling your favorite lures at 5-7 colors, (15-20 feet) or targeting big fish in deeper water with bait.
Lakes and ponds stocking update. In eastern CT, Beaver Brook Park Ponds, Bigelow Pond, Broad Brook Mill Pond, Hewitt Fly Pond, Hyde Mill Pond, Lantern Hill Pond, Long Pond, Mashapaug Lake and Saw Mill Pond are scheduled for stocking this week (5/2 – 5/6). In western CT, Keney Park Pond, Prospect Town Park Pond and Upper Fulton Park Pond 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 fishing is generally fair with reports from Candlewood Lake (recent catches include at least three largemouth in the 6-7 lb range), Quaddick Reservoir, Long Pond, Lake Lillinonah, North Farms Reservoir, Pachaug Pond, Batterson Park Pond, Mudge Pond, Lake Saltonstall, Lake Wononskopomuc, Mamanasco Lake and Halls Pond. Bass have been harder to find at Lake Zoar (catches include a 4.5 lb bass), West Hill Pond, Bantam Lake, Silver Lake, Highland Lake, Quonnipaug Lake, Bolton Lake and Amos Lake.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
TO ANGLERS AND BOATERS-
Zebra mussels were recently (October, 2010) 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 water intakes, and fouling boat hulls and engine cooling water systems.
For more information on zebra mussels and other invasive species, visit www.ct.gov/dep/invasivespecies.
SMALLMOUTH BASS fishing remains variable. Best reports are from Candlewood Lake (slowed a bit this past week, but another 6 lb plus smallie and plenty of 4-5 lb fish among the bags). Some action also reported from Rainbow Reservoir, Lake McDonough, Highland Lake, Coventry Lake, Candlewood Lake, Squantz Pond, Mashapaug Lake and Lake Zoar (several 3-lb smallies among the catches). It’s been tough finding smallmouth at Gardner Lake and Wyassup Lake.
NORTHERN PIKE are reported from Bantam Lake and Mansfield Hollow Reservoir.
CARP – Several good catches reported from West Thomason Reservoir this past week.
CHAIN PICKEREL are being caught at Wood Creek, Lake Wononskopomuc, Silver Lake, Halls Pond, Lake Hayward and Bashan Lake.
WALLEYE catches reported from Lake Saltonstall, Coventry Lake and Squantz Pond.
CONNECTICUT RIVER – following another peak of high flows this weekend, the river has been dropping to more comfortable (typical spring) levels. STRIPED BASS are in the river up to Enfield. Mostly school size (16-25”) fish are being caught. Some adults are showing up in the lower to Middletown. Sand & blood worms are working. Big plastic baits like 9” Houdini Shad, 7” Bombers and swim baits (especially the newer vibrational Shads) are working. SHAD are reported throughout the river. Anglers catching them for striper bait are reminded that the only legal method of harvesting is angling. A few NORTHERN PIKE are reported from coves in the Wethersfield and Middletown areas.
NOTES & NOTICES:
��
The Aquarion Water Company phone number for information on public access (including fishing) has been updated to 203-452-3511. Their facilities include Saugatuck, Far Mill and West Pequonnock Reservoirs.
��
BOAT LAUNCHES - Ice damage to the Gorton Pond state boat launch has been repaired and the launch is fully operational. Due to high flows, the docks at the Salmon River (CT River) Boat Launch have not been installed. There is currently no dock at the Coventry Lake state launch due to ice damaged pilings. Repairs may not be completed until mid-June. 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.
��
On Friday (5/6) at the charter Oak Landing in Hartford, DEP Commissioner Daniel C. Esty will announce the CONNECTICUT RIVER BONUS STRIPED BASS PROGRAM that will allow anglers fishing the Connecticut River to take striped bass in a size range (at least 22 inches in length but shorter than 28 inches) outside the current recreational minimum length for stripers in Connecticut. The DEP will be issuing vouchers to anglers that will allow them to take an additional 4,025 striped bass (stripers) from the Connecticut River through June 30. Vouchers can be obtained at the same DEP Offices where licenses are sold and while fishing along the Connecticut River, from DEP Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police Officers and Riverfront Recapture Rangers.
��
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 – AMERICAN SHAD
The shad run has begun. Fish have been seen into Massachusetts. In the lower Connecticut River there are many fish up to the Essex area. As the major slug of fish moves up the river fishing will get better. These fish are great fighters for their size.
Trolling:
��
A weighted willow leaf or shad dart is producing well.
��
Use 8-10 lb test fishing line. Set boat speed to 1.5 - 2.0 mph. Use a 1/4 - 3/4 oz weight depending on conditions. Tie a 6 foot - 6lb or 8lb leader above the lure. Silver, white and gold are your go to colors. Other colors that work include pink, chartreuse, red & green. The drag should be set light as shad have a delicate mouth.
��
Try trolling against the current. Vary your speed until the correct presentation is found.
Shore Fishing or Wading:
��
When shore fishing or wading, cast your lure across & up stream. The correct depth is when the lure just ticks the bottom. Let it drift downstream.
Page 3
MARINE FISHING REPORT
Surface water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) remain 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 been extremely variable. Fishing is hot one day the next day - it’s not. In any case striper spots include the usual: Thames River from Norwich down to Montville, Niantic River, lower Connecticut River (DEP Marine Headquarters fishing pier), and the Housatonic River.
The TAUTOG fishing season is now closed.
WINTER FLOUNDER fishing is a real slow pick. The usual flounder spots include Norwalk Harbor (Maritime Aquarium docks, and Calf Pasture Point pier) and around Sprite Island, Niantic River including the Bay, 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.
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 should call 860-418-5937 or e-mail Barbara.Viadella@ct.gov. Persons who are hearing impaired should call the State of Connecticut relay number 711.
DEP WEEKLY FISHING REPORT
CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106
www.ct.gov/dep