After thinking a lot about all the hold over schoolie striped bass in Norwich Harbor in March in previous years, I decided to try my luck for a bit tonight. I figured with the warm weather this weekend the stripers would be active, so armed with an Arkansas shiner colored super fluke on a 3/8 ounce jighead, I made the trek behind the police station onto the harbor edge.

As I was getting there another fisherman was leaving. He told me he had fished with plugs for the last two days and had nothing to show for it, so tonight he tried some chunk bait, also resulting in a big old skunk. Unfortunately this was a sign of things to come for me.

I fished the pilings and docks in the harbor that are castable for the shore behind Norwich police station. After 45 minutes of nothing the rain started picking up, so I decided to call it quits for the night. On my way out I spoke with another fisherman that was throwing chunks and a deep diving bomber who also had no luck tonight.

He did however have some info regarding the recent striper bite in re harbor. He told me that the boats had been doing well on umbrella rigs all day, and other people had been fishing around the private docks using 6 inch live shiners, which resulted in fish in the 30+ lb range.

Later I spoke with a few buddies in the area that said there were so many fish on their depth finder the last few days they had to just turn it off since it was worthless. They told me that the fish have only been accessible via a boat. So I guess the moral of the story is if you aren’t on a boat don’t waste your time in Norwich Harbor just yet.

So here is my question to you guys… Has anybody been fishing Norwich harbor for hold-over stripers, and while you’re at it, what is your favorite way to catch the cold water schoolies? My favorite technique for when the stripers are holding the bottom is to throw Arkansas Shiner colored super flukes on white 1/4 ounce jigheads. I will throw the jigs around the pilings of the docks, count to 8 and reel as slow as possible, when the jig stops set the hook, you’ve got a striper!

When the fish are actively feeding on the surface, my bait of choice is a black and purple mambo minnow or bomber long A. Just give it a good zing out there and keep your rod tip up while reeling slowly. Hold on tight, the big boy stripers will really give you a good rip on topwater.

When the fish are more active throughout the CT River, I like to throw large houdini shad in pearl white or bubblegum.  This technique not only crushes the active schoolies, it also gives you a good shot at hooking a trophy pike when fishing in the coves. There is nothing more exciting than seeing a giant pike destroy a houdini shad!

ct river fishing in the coves for schoolie stripers

So now that you know what I like to fish for and how I like to fish the CT River in the spring, it is your turn to tell me how you fish the river, and what you like to fish for. Leave us a comment below with your favorites, maybe we will get inspired to try something new in the upcoming months.

I have also been asked many times what kind of rod do I usually pair up with the sahara reels, and my response is always a bass pro shops xps medium-heavy 7 foot rod which works great for fresh and saltwater applications. The xps rods are again a good mix of quality and affordability, which is important in tough economic times. They have the feel of an expensive rod without the outrageous price tag.

Bass pro shops also feels an xps rod and a shimano sahara reel are a match made in fishing heaven, so they offer it as a combo as well. If you want more information on my favorite rod and reel combination for CT fishing success, you can click on either of the pictures below.

Yesterday Brian and I joined Greg, a lifetime saltwater fisherman in Mystic for a shot at the sounds triple crown, blackfish, bluefish and stripers. We got on the water around 7am and headed out of Mystic on Greg’s 26 foot fishing machine looking for early morning stripers and blues on topwater. Before we even made it past the boats in the marinas we saw some birds working and a few splashes under them. As we got there the birds flew off and the action stopped, but we still threw some plugs and poppers, which didn’t produce a single hit.

Not seeing anything else working the surface we fished a reef near Watch Hill using umbrella rigs, tube and worm, and topwater plugs with not even a single hit. Greg assured us this was on of his top spots for catching big bass and blues, and that the fish should be here at some point in the day. After a few passes trolling we decided to reel up and head to the deeper water out at the Race. On our way out we saw hundreds of birds working so we shot over to try some more topwater, but just couldn’t get a hit, no matter what we threw at them, or what we trolled by them. Frustrated we continued on to the Race.

We trolled around Valiant Rock with umbrella rigs, and finally got a hit (a 5lb bluefish). Trolling some more resulted in nothing despite a large flock of birds working the entire area. Watching the depth finder I noticed a few fish holding tight to the bottom and no visible bait balls anywhere on the screen, so we decided to discontinue the futile trolling effort and start three-waying some bucktails.

I tied one on and dropped it down and as soon as it hit the bottom I had a fish on. Greg saw me hook up and switched to a bucktail and almost immediately hooked up too. We had a double on our first drop. Brian was using a diamond jig with no luck, so we hooked him up with a bucktail, and he hooked up with a nice blue shortly after we released ours. We bucktailed for another 30 minutes and landed a few more blues before the slack went tide and our drift turned into a crawl.

Deciding fishing would be slow for a bit we moved into Fisher’s Island Sound to try our hand at some blackfishing. We anchored up in 20 ft of water on the edge of a small submerged rock pile, and rigged up some halved green crabs. I started out using a lighter spinning rod that I had used previously blackfishing, and Greg says to me “You sure that pole is meaty enough for blackfish?” Just as I am saying yeah I have fished with it before with no problems, I get a hit and the drag goes screaming. Before I could tighten it up the fish had me in the rocks. It came out once and immediately found another hiding spot and broke me off. I switched to a heavy duty rod after that!

We were fishing off the back of the boat and Brian and I were nailing fish after fish including a few porgies and cunners, with the blackfish mixed in. Greg tried everything but just couldn’t land one that day. We even let him switch spots with Brian and still nothing… Brian did catch a few Tautogs in his spot though

We only had 3 dozen green crabs with us and the fish were biting so we ran out of bait quick. In total we landed about 10 blackfish and 5 were keepers with the biggest being around 4 lbs. When we ran out of crabs Brian and I tried some of the Berkeley Gulp sandworms and actually caught a few blackfish and porgies on them to my surprise.

After Blackfishing we decided to troll around Greg’s favorite reef by Watch Hill again, but unfortunately the swells were still ripping and the fish were no where to be found. Bucktailing that area also produced nothing but a small black sea bass.

Wanting to find that elusive striped bass to complete our triple crown, we thought about heading back out to the Race, but since we wouldn’t have much time to fish once we got out there we decided to save the gas for another time, and headed in to clean our blackfish and get on the road.

Overall we had a great time and it was really nice fishing with Greg, he really knows those fishing grounds… even though he couldn’t land a blackfish … He did invite us back out on Sunday to try again, but maybe we turn down the offer so he can catch a few this time.

I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a late October day, I even got a little bit of a tan since it was mid 60′s with bright sunshine.

CT DEP Freshwater and Marine Fishing Reports for September 25th 2008

INLAND REPORT

TROUT

Fall Trout Stocking update- This week, DEP stocked the Shetucket River, Salmon River (including the TMA), Natchaug River, Scantic River, Hammonasset River (including the TMA), Mashapaug Lake, and the Chatfield Hollow, Mohegan Park Pond and Day Pond Trout Parks with a total of 6,000 brown trout (these fish are in the 11-14” range). The Valley Falls Park Pond Trout Park was stocked with 200 standard-size rainbow trout.

Rivers & streams – Conditions (moderate temperatures and flows) have been good for late summer/early fall trout fishing, with good reports from the West Branch Farmington, Farmington, Mill (Fairfield), Norwalk, Naugatuck and Shetucket Rivers. Fishing should continue to improve as we move deeper into autumn. As water temperatures cool, anglers can expect aggressive pre-spawn trout taking streamers with heavy hits. Try white, yellow and brown colors. Nymphing also picks up in October, and patterns to try include Midge Pupa/Larva, Brassie, Zebra Midge, Micro Mayfly, Serendipity & Copper John. Several days of rain are in the forecast, so anglers venturing out this weekend are reminded that flows in smaller tributaries typically rise quickest, but also drop back to fishable levels quickest. Anglers are also reminded that Real time stream flow data from 51 USGS gauging stations can be found at the following USGS web page: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ct/nwis/current/?type=flow

FARMINGTON RIVER – West Branch flows are currently clear and low, but will increase following completion of DEP’s annual electrofishing survey on Thursday. At that time flows at Riverton are expected to increase to 300-400 cfs. As several days of rain are expected, flows, especially below the confluence with the Still River could increase significantly this weekend. Patterns/hatches include Tricos (Trycorythodes stygiatus, #22-28, 7:00am-10:00am, Riverton Area), Isonychia bicolor (major hatch, #10-14, fast water, afternoon/evening), Blue Wing Olives (Drunella & Baetis sps., #22-28, mid-late afternoon), Cahills/Summer (Stenonema ithaca (#18-22), Sulfurs duns (Heptagenia sps., #16-20, below the dam due to low temperatures, morning; afternoon to early evening for spinners), Caddis (tan #14-18, 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 – Conditions have been very good for early fall trout fishing, with dropping temperatures (currently in the upper 50’s°F, mornings) and clear, moderate and quite fishable flows, currently at 450 cfs in Falls Village and 690 cfs in Gaylordsville. With a significant rain event possible, flows may increase to more difficult-to-fish levels this weekend. For updated flow information, anglers can call FirstLight Power toll-free at 1-888-417-4837. Insect hatches/patterns include Blue Wing Olive (#18-26, 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, trout will ignore everything else when they are on the water. Try Black/Cinnamon Ants (#14-18, mid day in fast water), Sulfurs (#16-18), 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 good reports from East Twin Lake, Wononskopomuc Lake and Crystal Lake (Ellington), fair reports from Beach Pond and Mashapaug Lake, and slow at Hogback Reservoir (West Branch Reservoir). Mixed reports from Highland Lake and West Hill Pond.

LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is improving, but remains variable, with good reports from Aspinook Pond, Pattagansett Lake (including a 5.3 lb bass), Highland Lake (recent catches included several 5 lb pluslargemouth), Lower Bolton Lake, Mashapaug Lake, Great Hollow Pond, Winchester Lake and East Twin Lake. Fishing is reported as fair at Bashan Lake, Gardner Lake, Powers Lake, Howells Pond, Tyler Lake, Coventry Lake, Rainbow Reservoir, Mansfield Hollow Reservoir and Hatch Pond, and slow at Long Pond, Pachaug Pond, Bantam Lake, Rogers Lake (although catches do include a 5 lb bass) and Beseck Lake.

SMALLMOUTH BASS fishing is variable, with the best reports from Candlewood Lake and the Quinebaug River (upper Aspinook Pond, recent catches included a 3.1 lb smallie), fair reports from Highland Lake, West Branch Reservoir, Mashapaug Lake and Rainbow Reservoir, and slow fishing reported from Bashan Lake, Gardner Lake and Coventry Lake.

NORTHERN PIKE – Limited reports in for pike, areas to try include Bantam Lake, Winchester Lake, Mansfield Hollow Reservoir, Quaddick Reservoir and Pachaug Pond.

Fall WALLEYE action is fair. Catches reported from Saugatuck Reservoir, Gardner Lake, Mashapaug Lake, Beach Pond and Squantz Pond.

Good YELLOW PERCH action reported from Lake Hayward, Stillwater Pond, Winchester Lake, Gardner Lake, Candlewood Lake (11-14” perch), Tyler Lake and Batterson Park Pond.

CONNECTICUT RIVER – STRIPED BASS action remains good in the lower river. NORTHERN PIKE fishing is fair, with some catches reported from the Haddam Meadows/Salmon River Cove area and Wrights Cove. CARP are providing a lot of excitement for those willing to give them a try, with catches up to 15 lbs reported this week. Both LARGEMOUTH BASS and SMALLMOUTH BASS fishing have been slow. BLACK CRAPPIE are providing anglers some nice action in the coves, small shiners are favorite bait.

FISHING ACCESS & BOAT LAUNCH INFORMATION

A three-foot draw down of LAKE HOUSATONIC is currently scheduled for this weekend (9/27-9/28).

FirstLight Power is currently drawing down LAKE LILLINONAH to 3.5 feet below the normal operating range as a flood control measure in response to the potential of the Housatonic River watershed to receive 2-4 inches of rain in the next four days.

DEP has been informed that public access to ALEXANDER LAKE is no longer available.

Boat rental operations at LAKE SALTONSTALL have closed for the year. Since July, the lake has been drawn down over 5 feet to facilitate planned work includes construction of a new concrete spillway, inlets and earth embankment, and the low water levels have made boat launching and retrieval difficult and at times, hazardous. Also due to the draw down, shore fishing access is restricted to the fishing dock.

• The “seawall” area extending from the handicap-accessible fishing pier to the permitted swim area at SQUANTZ POND is currently open to fishing. Anyone with a fishing pole can now access the fence through the several gates. Anglers can also enter the water in that area (except for the one area posted “no trespassing”).

• The LAKE WARAMAUG Town Boat Launch in Washington remains open for use by the general public through the last Sunday in October. The launch will be open 3 days a week (Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays) for morning (6 am to 11 am) and late afternoon/evening (4 pm to sunset) periods of operation. Seven parking spaces are available on a first come first served basis at the launch. Additionally, up to 13 trailered boats from the Lake Waramaug State Park campground will be allowed to access the lake from the Town launch. The Town charges a $25 annual fee to launch and all boats will be inspected for invasive plants ($5 per launch inspection fee). All town fees can be paid at the boat launch.

MARINE FISHING REPORT

Water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) are in the upper 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

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

BUNKER (Atlantic menhaden) remain very abundant in harbors and tidal rivers along the coastline. Bluefish have been chasing menhaden into confined areas often creating fish kills due to the lack of oxygen because of the excess number of fish.

BLUEFISH and STRIPED BASS fishing remains good off the Watch Hill reefs, Napatree Point to Sandy Point (Stonington), Mystic River, Ram Island Reef (Fishers Island Sound), Thames River, the Race, Sluiceway, Pigeon Rip, Plum Gut, Bartlett Reef, Black Point, outer humps off Hatchett Reef, lower Connecticut River, Long Sand Shoal, Cornfield Point, Southwest Reef, Duck Island area, Sixmile Reef, Falkner Island area, the reefs off Branford, New Haven Harbor, Charles Island to Milford Point, Buoys 18 and 20 off Stratford/Bridgeport, Bridgeport Harbor, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground, the reefs off Norwalk, Cable and Anchor Reef, the Cows off Stamford, and Greenwich Harbor.

SNAPPER BLUES are still around with a JACK CREVALLE or two in the mix.

HICKORY SHAD fishing is good in the Niantic River and the Connecticut River (DEP Marine Headquarters fishing pier)

SCUP (porgy) fishing remains good to excellent on the local reefs. Remember, the last day for scup fishing is September 26 (closed September 27-May 23).

Reports of little tunny (false albacore) have been coming in from the Montauk Point, NY to Watch Hill, RI.

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

Date: 9/21/08

Since the season was winding down on Cedar Lake we decided to take the boat out of the water last weekend and make a trip to the sounds for some striper, bluefish, and porgy fishing before we dropped the boat off at the marina to be winterized. We launched out of the Baldwin Bridge launch in Old Saybrook aroun 5:30AM, but didn’t make it out into open water until 6:45AM since the fog was in thick and visibility was only about 5 feet!

At one point a 50 foot boat crossed in front of us about 10 feet off our bow and we barely saw it.  Thank god for GPS otherwise we would have never made it to the sound… As soon as the sun came up the fog burned off and we were able to open it up and head out to the eastern rip.  We three way’d eels on two rods and and fresh bunker chunks on one rod from 30-50 feet.  Almost immediately we hooked up with a nice bluefish that gave a pretty good fight and weighted about 12 lbs on the boga grips.

Here is a shot of my friend Robbie with his catch:

We had 2 or three more big hits on the eels, but nothing else was boated on the rip. The fresh bunker was left untouched the whole day. After an hour of drifting we moved to Long Sand Shoal to try our luck, but nothing was biting there either.

A short trip to Outer Hatchetts Reef and we were drifting live eels and bunker chuck with no success again.  At this point the tide went slack and we decided to switch into porgy mode catching 20-30 porgies and about the same number of small black sea bass using clams and squid. It was coming up on lunch time so we decided to tube and worm with t-man custom tackle tubes and sandworms up the shoreline back to the dock and dine, but never had a strike on those either. We ate lunch and headed back out to the eastern rip and tried our luck with our last couple eels.

We hooked up pretty quick when we got back to the rip, but it turned out to be a skate.

It was getting late and the sun, water, and fishing had beat us up all day, and we still needed to scrub down the boat and drop it off at the marina, so we headed back to the launch.

Overall we had a fun day, even though we didn’t have the best luck…

CT DEP Freshwater and Marine Fishing Reports for September 18th 2008

INLAND REPORT

LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing remains variable, with good reports from Messerschmidt Pond, Mudge Pond, Park Pond, Hatch Pond, Pattaconk Lake and Amos Lake. Fishing is reported as fair at Lower Bolton Lake, Rainbow Reservoir, Highland Lake (catches include a 5 lb bass), Wyassup Lake, Mashapaug Lake (try in 15-25 feet of water) and Crystal Lake (Ellington), and slow at Bantam Lake, Quonnipaug Lake, Rogers Lake, Long Pond and Pachaug Pond. Mixed reports from Glasgo Pond, Lake Waramaug, Red Cedar Lake, Halls Pond and Uncas pond.

SMALLMOUTH BASS also continues to be variable, with good reports from Candlewood Lake (including several 4 lb smallies), fair reports from Highland Lake and Bashan Lake, mixed reports from Mashapaug Lake, Wyassup Lake, Bashan Lake and Coventry Lake, and slow at Squantz Pond.

NORTHERN PIKE fishing is reported to be fair, with reports from Bantam Lake, Pachaug Pond and Lake Lillinonah, as the temperatures cool, fish are showing up in the shallows.

WALLEYE action is fair, with best reports from Saugatuck Reservoir, some action also reported from Mashapaug Lake, Squantz Pond and Coventry Lake.

KOKANEE are still showing up at West Hill Pond where anglers are being treated with fish coming into their spawning colors.

BLACK CRAPPIE are being caught on small shiners at Saugatuck Reservoir, Silver Lake (Berlin) and Park Pond.

TROUT

Fall Trout Stocking update- This week, DEP stocked a total of 1,600 brown trout (all greater than 12 inches) into the Housatonic River (1,200 into the Housatonic River TMA, and 400 into the Bull’s Bridge TMA). These stockings were intended to enhance the population of large trout on the river, which recent DEP sampling found to be at low levels, possibly due to last year’s extreme conditions. Additionally, the Kent Falls Trout Park and the East Aspetuck River were stocked with a total of 1,000 rainbow trout.

Rivers & streams – Conditions for early fall trout fishing should be good in most areas throughout the state, with cool temperatures and moderate flows. Anglers should be switching over to streamers and terrestrial fly patterns as many hatches typically begin to wind down in September. Good reports last week from the West Branch Farmington, Housatonic and Mill (Fairfield) Rivers.

West Branch flows are clear and quite fishable, currently 220 cfs at Riverton, plus an additional 90 cfs from the Still River. Farther downstream, the East Branch is adding another 100 cfs (due to water level management of Lake McDonough). Water temperatures are in the low 60’s°F. Due to high flows last week, DEP’s annual electrofishing survey was again postponed a week and is now scheduled to occur on September 23rd through 25th. Anglers should expect West Branch flows to drop to 100 cfs or less (50 cfs at Riverton, plus natural flow from the Still River) beginning late September 22nd and lasting through the 25th.

The Trico (Trycorythodes stygiatus, #22-28, 7:00am-10:00am), hatch is winding down but can be found from about 7am to 10:00 am in the Riverton area. Other bugs include Isonychia bicolor (major hatch, #10-12, fast water, afternoon/evening), tiny Rusty Spinners (#18-26), Blue Wing Olives (Drunella sps. & Baetis sps., #22-28, mid-late afternoon), Sulfurs duns (Heptagenia sps., #16-20, below the dam due to lower temperatures, morning; afternoon to early evening for spinners), Cahill/Summer (Stenonema ithaca, #18-22, evening), Caddis (tan #16-18, all day; green #22-26, evening; summer pupa #18-20 morning), Midges (#22-32, morning), Black Ants (#14-18, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#14-18, mid day), Flying Ants (#18-22, mid day, when windy/humid) & Stone Hopper (#8-14, mid day). Early morning is good for nymphing.

Housatonic River – Conditions should be very good for early fall trout fishing, temperatures are moderate (low 60’s°F, mornings) and flows are clear, fishable (currently 750 cfs at Falls Village and 1,210 cfs at Gaylordsville) and should continue to drop through the weekend. Hatches/patterns include Fall Sulfurs (#16), Leadwing Coachman (#10-12 evening, September is peak month), Rusty Spinner (#10-24), Light Cahill (#12-14, evening), Blue Wing Olive (#20-24, overcast afternoons; spinner fall in evening) and Black caddis (#14-20, early morning & evening).Try Black Ants (#18-22, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#12-20, mid day), Stone Hopper (#8-10, mid day) and Flying Ants (#14-20, mid day, when windy/humid, September is peek month). Don’t forget streamers (morning & evening), patterns to try include White Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, and Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10).

Lakes & Ponds – Fair to good early fall fishing reported from East Twin Lake (including a 24” brown), Crystal Lake (Ellington) and Lake Wononscopomuc. Also, some action reported from Candlewood Lake, and slow fishing reported from Highland Lake and Squantz Pond.

CONNECTICUT RIVER – CARP fishing has been excellent with over 70 fine specimens were caught-and-released at a recent event in Hartford. The heaviest fish weighed in at 28.9 lbs. Try your hand catching these locomotives, any fish that takes 20 minutes to land is a “must try”. With hickory shad present, STRIPED BASS action is good in the lower river. Some LARGEMOUTH BASS are being taken in the coves from Wethersfield down to Essex (including some catches in the 2-3 lb range). Anglers are having to work for their catches. SMALLMOUTH BASS fishing reported as fair north of Hartford (Enfield area, and near the mouth of the Farmington River) and south of Hartford in the Middletown area. Few reports in for NORTHERN PIKE, some action from Rocky Hill to Haddam Meadows. Early fall CATFISH (up to 10 lbs) angling is good.

FISHING ACCESS & BOAT LAUNCH INFORMATION

DEP has been informed that public access to ALEXANDER LAKE is no longer available.

Boat rental operations at LAKE SALTONSTALL have closed for the year. Since July, the lake has been drawn down over 5 feet to facilitate planned work includes construction of a new concrete spillway, inlets and earth embankment, and the low water levels have made boat launching and retrieval difficult and at times, hazardous. Also due to the draw down, shore fishing access is restricted to the fishing dock.

A three-foot draw down of LAKE HOUSATONIC is currently scheduled for the weekend of September 27th & 28th.

• The “seawall” area extending from the handicap-accessable fishing pier to the permitted swim area at SQUANTZ POND is now open to fishing. Anyone with a fishing pole can now access the fence through the several gates. Anglers can also enter the water in that area (except for the one area posted “no trespassing”).

• The LAKE WARAMAUG Town Boat Launch in Washington remains open for use by the general public through the last Sunday in October. The launch will be open three days a week (Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays) for morning (6 am to 11 am) and late afternoon/evening (4 pm to sunset) periods of operation. Seven parking spaces are available on a first come first served basis at the launch. Additionally, up to thirteen trailered boats from the nearby campground at Lake Waramaug State Park will be allowed to access the lake from the Town launch. The Town charges a $25 annual fee to launch and all boats will be inspected for invasive plants ($5 per launch inspection fee). All town fees can be paid at the boat launch.

MARINE FISHING REPORT

Water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) are in the upper 60’s to low 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.

BUNKER (Atlantic menhaden) are pretty much all over the place along the coastline especially in tidal rivers. Bluefish are chasing bunker into areas with no escape route creating fish kills (a natural occurrence). This happens when bunker overcrowd in limited space creating hypoxic conditions (low oxygen levels in the water) and the fish subsequently die.

BLUEFISH and STRIPED BASS fishing remains good at the usual spots: The reefs off Watch Hill, Napatree Point to Sandy Point (Stonington), Mystic River, Ram Island Reef (Fishers Island Sound), Thames River, the Race, Sluiceway, Pigeon Rip, Plum Gut, Bartlett Reef, Black Point, outer humps off Hatchett Reef, lower Connecticut River, Long Sand Shoal, Cornfield Point, Southwest Reef, Duck Island area, Sixmile Reef, Falkner Island area, the reefs off Branford, New Haven Harbor, Charles Island to Milford Point, Buoys 18 and 20 off Stratford/Bridgeport, Bridgeport Harbor, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground, the reefs off Norwalk, Cable and Anchor Reef, the Cows off Stamford, and Greenwich Harbor.

HICKORY SHAD fishing is good in the Niantic River and the Connecticut River (DEP Marine Headquarters fishing pier).

SCUP (porgy) fishing remains good to excellent with jumbos over 17 inches in length being reported!

Reports of ATLANTIC BONITO and LITTLE TUNNY (false albacore) have been slim.

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

]]> http://ifishct.com/blog/2008/09/18/ct-dep-fishing-report-freshwater-and-marine-september-18th-2008/feed/ 0 http://ifishct.com/blog/2008/09/11/ct-dep-fishing-report-freshwater-and-marine-september-11th-2008/ http://ifishct.com/blog/2008/09/11/ct-dep-fishing-report-freshwater-and-marine-september-11th-2008/#comments Thu, 11 Sep 2008 23:43:52 +0000 admin http://ifishct.com/blog/?p=210

CT DEP Freshwater and Marine Fishing Reports for September 11th 2008

INLAND REPORT

LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is variable, with good reports from Highland Lake (catches include 5.7 and 4.3 lb largemouth), Bantam Lake (5.7 lb largemouth among the catches), Quaddick Reservoir, Beseck Lake (catches include 6.25 and 4.5 lb bass), Glasgo Pond, Winchester Lake. Park Pond (including a 5.5 lb bass), Mamanasco Lake, Twin Brooks Park Pond and Mudge Pond, and fair reports from Pattagansett Lake (4.8 lb bass among the catches), Gardner Lake, Powers Lake (including a 5.4 lb bass), Bantam Lake, Rogers Lake, Candlewood Lake, East Twin Lake, Hatch Pond and Halls Pond. Slow fishing reported from Lake Zoar and Lake Lillinonah, and mixed reports for Moodus Reservoir, Silver Lake (Berlin/Meriden) and Quonnipaug Lake.

SMALLMOUTH BASS fishing remains variable, with reports from Candlewood Lake (good), Gardner Lake (fair), Coventry Lake (fair), Squantz Pond (slow), Lake Zoar (slow) and Highland Lake (mixed reports). Good reports for river smallies from the Housatonic River and the Willimantic River prior to the weekend storm.

NORTHERN PIKE – Good reports from Lake Winchester, Bantam Lake, Pachaug Pond and Lake Lillinonah.

KOKANEE – Some catches reported from West Hill Pond.

Some WALLEYE catches reported from Gardner Lake Coventry Lake, Beach Pond and Squantz Pond.

CHANNEL CATFISH – Catches reported from Keney Park Pond, Bunnell’s Pond (Beardsley Park) and Lake Wintergreen.

Good YELLOW PERCH action reported from Candlewood Lake (jumbos, 11-14”). Additional places to try include Coventry Lake, Wyassup Lake, Tyler Lake, Gardner Lake, Park Pond, Glasgo Pond and Halls Pond.

TROUT

Fall trout Stocking update- This week, DEP stocked the Pomperaug River and the Trout Management Areas on the Mianus River, Mill River (Fairfield), Saugatuck River, and Naugatuck River with a total of 2,000 brown trout. These fish are in the 11-13 inch range.

Rivers & streams – The heavy rains from the remnants of Hanna this past weekend made most waters difficult to impossible to fish. With flows continuing to drop nicely in many rivers and streams, and moderate temperatures forecast, conditions should be good for fishing in many areas this weekend. Also, the smaller tributaries will typically return to fishable flows quicker than larger rivers. With these conditions, streamers or nymphing are good options. Anglers should also keep terrestrial fly patterns in mind.

Farmington River – The river has cleared and flows have dropped back to comfortable (and very fishable) levels, currently 140 cfs at Riverton, plus an additional 230 cfs from the Still River. Due to last weekend’s rain, DEP’s annual electrofishing survey was postponed a week and is now scheduled to occur on September 16th through 18th. Anglers should expect West Branch flows to drop to 100 cfs or less beginning late September 15th and lasting through the 18th. Again, this schedule is dependent on flow/precipitation conditions.

The Trico (Trycorythodes stygiatus, #22-32, early morning) hatch is winding down but can be found between 7:00am – 10:00am in the upper areas of the river. Other hatches patterns include Isonychia bicolor (major hatch, #12-14, fast water, evening), Blue Wing Olives (Drunella sps. & Baetis sps.;#20-28, mid-late afternoon), Cahills/Summer (Stenonema ithaca, #14-16, evenings), Sulfurs duns (Heptagenia sps., #16-20, below the dam due to low temperatures, morning; afternoon to early evening for spinners), Caddis (tan #18-22, all day; green #22-26, evening; summer pupa #18-20 morning), Midges (#22-32, morning), Grifith’s Gnats (20-28), Black Ants (#14-20, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#14-18, mid day), Flying Ants (#18-22, mid day, when windy/humid, especially after rain), Stone Hopper (#8-14, mid day) and Golden Drake (Anthopotamus distinctus, #10-14, late evening)

Housatonic River – Flows are still high, but continue to clear and drop to more fishable levels, currently 1,530 cfs at Falls Village and 2,490 cfs at Gaylordsville. For updated flow information, anglers can call FirstLight Power at 1-888-417-4837. Morning water temperatures are now in the lower 60’s°F. Current hatches/patterns include Flying Ants (#16-18, mid-day, when windy/humid, September is peek month), Fall Sulfurs (#16), Blue Wing Olive (#18-26, early morning; spinner fall in evening), Leadwing Coachman (#10-12 evening, September is peek month), Sulfurs duns (#16-20, below the dam due to low temperatures, morning; afternoon to early evening for spinners), Cahill (#12-14, evening), and Black caddis (#16-18, early morning & evening). Golden stonefly nymphs hatch at first light and adults egg-lay after dark. Try Black Ants (#16-18, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#14-18, mid day), Stone Hopper (#8-10, mid day). Don’t forget streamers (morning & evening). Patterns to try include White, Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10).

Lakes & Ponds – Late summer trout anglers are finding fair fishing, with reports from East Twin Lake (25” brown, target 40’), Crystal Lake (Ellington, target 26-28’), Highland Lake, Beach pond, Mt. Tom Pond and West Hill Pond. Feeding fish are still deep as the lakes have not cooled down appreciably.

CONNECTICUT RIVER – With the remnants of Hanna now long-gone, river levels continue to drop to more comfortable levels. STRIPED BASS action is good in the lower river, and should improve more as they chase hickory shad that are now in the river. CATFISH are very active and are providing great action on cut bait (chunking) near structure along deeper holes. Some good SMALLMOUTH BASS action reported in the mainstem from Middletown to Haddam Meadows. LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing has been picking up with a number catches in the 3-4 lb range reported. Coves (good reports from Wethersfield, Keeney and Salmon River coves) are best. NORTHERN PIKE fishing has been fair.

FISHING ACCESS & BOAT LAUNCH INFORMATION

Boat rental operations at LAKE SALTONSTALL have closed for the year. Since July, the lake has been drawn down over 5 feet to facilitate planned work includes construction of a new concrete spillway, inlets and earth embankment, and the low water levels have made boat launching and retrieval difficult and at times, hazardous. Also due to the draw down, shore fishing access is restricted to the fishing dock.

A three-foot draw down of LAKE HOUSATONIC is currently scheduled for the weekend of September 27th & 28th.

• The “seawall” area extending from the handicap-accessable fishing pier to the permitted swim area at SQUANTZ POND is now open to fishing. Anyone with a fishing pole can now access the fence through the several gates. Anglers can also enter the water in that area (except for the one area posted “no trespassing”).

• The LAKE WARAMAUG Town Boat Launch in Washington remains open for use by the general public through the last Sunday in October. The launch will be open three days a week (Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays) for morning (6 am to 11 am) and late afternoon/evening (4 pm to sunset) periods of operation. Seven parking spaces are available on a first come first served basis at the launch. Additionally, up to thirteen trailered boats from the nearby campground at Lake Waramaug State Park will be allowed to access the lake from the Town launch. The Town charges a $25 annual fee to launch and all boats will be inspected for invasive plants ($5 per launch inspection fee). All town fees can be paid at the boat launch.

MARINE FISHING REPORT

Water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) are in the low 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.

There are plenty of BUNKER (Atlantic menhaden) in most of the tidal rivers, harbors and coves along the coast making an easy feast for BLUEFISH and STRIPED BASS so don’t over look the inshore areas. Shore-based anglers should take advantage during the fall when fishing is at its best. Some of the coastal state parks offer great shore fishing access. Other spots include the normal locations: the reefs from Watch Hill to Fishers Island, Napatree Point to Sandy Point (Stonington), Mystic River, Ram Island Reef (Fishers Island Sound), Thames River, the Race, Sluiceway, Pigeon Rip, Plum Gut, Bartlett Reef, Black Point, outer humps off Hatchett Reef, lower Connecticut River, Long Sand Shoal, Cornfield Point, Southwest Reef, Duck Island area, Sixmile Reef, Falkner Island area, the reefs off Branford, New Haven Harbor, Charles Island to Milford Point, Buoys 18 and 20 off Stratford/Bridgeport, Bridgeport Harbor, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground, the reefs off Norwalk, Cable and Anchor Reef, the Cows off Stamford, and Greenwich Harbor. SNAPPER fishing is dwindling down (about fair).

HICKORY SHAD fishing has picked in the Niantic River especially in the early morning and evening times. Other spots include the Mystic River and the Connecticut River (DEP Marine Headquarters fishing pier).

SCUP (porgy) fishing remains good to excellent with fish up to 17 inches in length being reported. Any of the major rocky reefs will do especially during an hour before and after slack tide.

ATLANTIC BONITO and LITTLE TUNNY (false albacore) have been racing around the Watch Hill area, Wilderness Point, Bluff Point, Pine Island, Dumpling Islands, the Race to Little Gull Island and the Sluiceway.

Special Note: Just a reminder, the summer flounder (fluke) and tautog (blackfish) recreational fishing seasons are currently closed.

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

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