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INLAND REPORT

West Hill Pond anglers are catching KOKANEE by trolling at 4-5 colors of lead line using a flasher with beads and corn, or still fishing at night with a lantern and a corn/meal worm combination in 30’ of water.

Some WALLEYE catches are being reported from Lake Saltonstall, Saugatuck Reservoir, Mashapaug Lake and Squantz Pond. TROUT

- The rains this week have increased flows (much needed in portions of eastern CT) in many rivers and streams throughout the state. In some areas, fishing small tributary streams may be the best option. And, as typical in the summer, early and late in the day are the best times. Good reports from the West Branch Farmington River last week, and also several nice catches reported from the Housatonic River. Anglers are reminded that the thermal refuge areas on the Housatonic, Naugatuck and Shetucket Rivers are currently closed to fishing and will reopen on September 1. There is no fishing within 100 feet of the mouths of posted tributaries to these rivers. Farmington River – West Branch flows from Hogback dam to Riverton are currently clear and low, about 165 cfs. Due to the midweek rainstorms, flows below Riverton are currently murky and high (but still fishable) with Still river inputs currently at about 460 cfs. Depending on the amount of additional precipitation the area recieves, flows may begin to clear and drop during the weekend. Morning water temperatures remain in the mid 60’s °F. Current hatches/patterns include Ephemerella needhami (#22-28, early morning), Cahills (Stenonema Ithaca, #12-14), Leadwing Coachman (Isonychia bicolor, #10-12, evening), Blue Wing Olives (Drunella sps., #22-28, mid-late afternoon), Sulphurs (Epeorus vitreus, #16-20) duns (#14-20, morning; afternoon to early evening for spinners), Caddis (Brachycentrus sps., tan #14-18, all day; green #22-26, evening), Midges (#22-32, morning), Black Ants (#8-10, hot mornings in fast water), Black Beetles (#16-18), Flying Ants/Termites (#14-18, when hot & humid after a rain) and Golden Drake (Anthopotamus distinctus, #10-14, late evening). Housatonic River - Flows are colored, high and rising, currently 1,900 cfs at Falls Village. Anglers are advised to call First Light Power’s toll free number (1-888-417-4837) for up-to-date flow information this weekend. Morning water temperatures have been in the low to mid 70’s °F. Insect hatches/patterns include Alder/Zebra Caddis (Macrostemum zebratum, are around in small numbers, #10-12, afternoon-evening near overhangs), Isonychia bicolor (#12-14, evening), Light Cahill (Stenacron sps. #12-14, evening), and Tan & green caddis (#14-20, early morning & evening). Don’t forget streamers (morning & evening), patterns to try include White Zonkers, Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10, with a red throat).

Lakes & Ponds

– Trout fishing is variable, with good reports from Crystal Lake and East Twin Lake, fair reports from Highland Lake and Long Pond, and mixed reports for Wononscopomuc Lake, Beach Pond, Squantz Pond and West Hill Pond.

CONNECTICUT RIVER

– Due to the recent rains, flows are high and murky, anglers should exercise additional caution on the river. CATFISH (some over 10 lbs) are being taken on frozen cut bait, best action at night. Schoolie STRIPED BASS action is fairly good in the lower river, some large stripers are also being caught on live eels and hickory shad). Few reports received for NORTHERN PIKE, but the coves and Haddam Meadows remain the areas to try. SMALLMOUTH BASS fishing north of Hartford was fair.

FISHING ACCESS & BOAT LAUNCH INFORMATION

The state boat launch on the THAMES RIVER in New London will be closed from July 14

th to August 28th

for renovations. Due to inappropriate off-site parking by some users of the state boat launch at COVENTRY LAKE, once capacity is reached at this launch, further use of the launch will not be allowed until a parking space or spaces become available.

Anglers are reminded that the entire “seawall” area extending from the handicap-accessable fishing pier to the permitted swim area at SQUANTZ POND is now closed to all public access.

 

MARINE FISHING REPORT

Water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) are in the low to mid 70’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

Remember, to check the 2008 Connecticut Angler’s Guide for tidal information (page 52) and pages 49-51 for saltwater trophy fish award information.

STRIPED BASS fishing is excellent for cow bass with fish reported from 40 to in excess of 60 lbs! Drifting live bunker (Atlantic menhaden) eels, or scup along with trolling the tube and worm combination early in the morning (right before dawn) and at night are producing great catches. Striped bass spots include the reefs off Watch Hill, the Race, Sluiceway, Plum Gut, Bartlett Reef, Black Point, Long Sand Shoal, Sixmile Reef, Falkner Island area, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground, and the reefs off Norwalk and Stamford. Schoolie striper fishing remains good in the tidal rivers. BLUEFISH fishing has improved with slammers being reported in the Race, Pigeon Rip, Plum Gut and Sixmile Reef. The Race has been red hot early in the morning during the ebb tide this week. SNAPPER fishing is good depending on the tide. Flood tide has been the best time.

Niantic River is the best spot for HICKORY SHAD. SUMMER FLOUNDER (fluke) fishing remains slow in LIS. Eastern LIS including Fishers Island Sound and off the south side of Fishers Island in deep water (60+) is better for keeper fluke. SCUP (porgies) fishing has really improved on the local rocky reefs and wrecks with BLACK SEA BASS and TAUTOG (blackfish) mixed in.

For regulation updates, please check our web site: www.ct.gov/dep/fishing.

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