11-13-2004, 06:51 PM
[font "Times New Roman"]Weekly Fishing Report - Week of November 8, 2004 [/font] [font "Times New Roman"]![[Image: salmon.gif]](http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishimag/salmon.gif)
[#004080]INLAND REPORT[/#004080][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]DEP expects to stock 400 broodstock Atlantic salmon from the Kensington Hatchery into the Naugatuck and Shetucket rivers next week. These fish are in addition to the 400 salmon from the federal hatchery in Vermont that were stocked last week (11/3) and the 270 broodstock salmon from Kensington stocked in mid-October.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]BROODSTOCK ATLANTIC SALMON fishing in the Naugatuck & Shetucket Rivers is reported to be excellent. Many anglers have traveled from around the region to participate in these unique fisheries which have resulted in fish up to 20 lbs. being caught & released. Anglers are reminded that catch-and- release fishing is in effect through November 30, 2004. From December 1, 2004 to March 31, 2005, anglers may keep one fish per day. Fishing for Atlantic salmon is limited to use of single-fly or lure with a single free-swinging hook.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#ff0000]Caution to Anglers: [/#ff0000][#ff0000]Anglers are also reminded that DEP conducted experimental stockings of 110 pre-spawn Atlantic salmon into the Farmington River (Burlington-Avon-Farmington), Salmon, Blackledge, Jeremy and Eightmile Rivers earlier this month. These stockings are not part of the annual broodstock salmon stocking program and it is illegal to harvest Atlantic salmon in these waters. Anglers should take care not to mistake these fish for large brown trout. There has been at least one instance on the Farmington River where anglers have mistaken a salmon for a large brown trout, fortunately, only photos were taken and the fish was released.[/#ff0000][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]PLEASE SEE [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishimag/salmon_trout.jpg"]TROUT/SALMON[/url] IMAGE (courtesy of New York Sea Grant) FOR A GUIDE TO DIFFERENTIATING ATLANTIC SALMON AND BROWN TROUT.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]TROUT[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Rivers & streams – Fall fishing is producing excellent action for those willing to brave the weather and the leaf fall. Anglers are reporting very good fishing on the Pomperaug, Eightmile, and Naugatuck rivers and in the TMA’s on the Salmon, West Branch Farmington, Farmington, Housatonic and Yantic rivers. Streamer anglers using 2X tippet are having success (9 am – 1 pm during low light periods/overcast days). This and nymphing dominate the early morning & late afternoon. For streamers try white, yellow & brown colors. Patterns to try include: White Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10). Bottom bouncing nymphs with Tan & Winter Caddis pupa (#16-18), Serendipity (#14-16), Pheasant Tail (#12-20), Prince (#6-18) and Hare’s ear (#8-20) is recommended. The Farmington River is 55°F with about 400 cfs of clear flows (below Riverton). BWO’s continue to be the dominant hatch, with Midges & Caddis mixed in. For best action try Blue Wing Olives (#16-20, late morning), Caddis (winter & tan #16-18, early afternoon). Expect most of the action to be between 11:30 am – 3:00 pm. The Housatonic River is 41°F with 750 cfs of clear flows. Insect hatches include: Blue Wing Olive (#18-22, early morning) and Tan & Winter caddis (#16-20, early morning & late afternoon).[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Lakes & Ponds – A number of lakes are still producing good fishing including: Highland, Candlewood (4.5 lbs.), Crystal (Ellington, drifting mealies) and East Twin (drifting bait) lakes, Great Hollow Pond, Saugatuck Reservoir, Colebrook Reservoir and Beach Pond.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Late season LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is reported as good to very good in a number of areas including Lake Zoar, Amos (7.7 lb beauty.), Winchester, Billings, Candlewood (6.9 lbs.), Highland, Oxoboxo, Quonnipaug (5.5 lb), Congamond and Beseck lakes, and Beach, Pierrepont (5 lbs. 2 oz.), Stillwater and Hatch ponds. SMALLMOUTH BASS action reported at Candlewood (3.25 lbs.), Gardner (up to 2 lbs.) and Highland lakes, and impoundments on the Quinebaug and Housatonic rivers. NORTHERN PIKE are being reported from Bantam Lake (up to 29.5”), Winchester Lake and Pachaug Pond. Fall WALLEYE are being reported from Lake Saltonstall and Squantz Pond (29.75”, 7 lbs. 2 oz.). Some KOKANEE are being taken from West Hill Pond on corn/meal worms.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Connecticut River – BLACK CRAPPIE are providing some excellent fall action on jigs in the south (shore) and north (boat) ends of Wethersfield and White Oaks coves, also some good action in the lower river. NORTHERN PIKE fishing is reported as excellent for pike up to 34” (Enfield, Wethersfield Cove, Middletown to Salmon River Cove). Large plastics and jerkbaits are working well. Some LARGEMOUTH BASS actionreported from the coves from Hartford to Middletown and the Haddam area.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]NOTES: Winter drawdowns of Gardner Lake (down 4”), Glasgo Pond (down 36”), Pachaug Pond (down 30”) and Lower (down 8”) and Middle Bolton (down 34”) lakes are in progress. All are scheduled for eventual drawdowns of 3 feet. Blue Lake (Anderson Pond) in North Stonington has been drawndown 18-24 inches for dam reconstruction. Work is expected to be completed by the end of November. A 7-8 foot winter drawdown ofCandlewood Lake began on November 1. Current drawndown rate is approximately half a foot per week.[/font] [font "Times New Roman"][#004080]MARINE REPORT[/#004080][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Long Island Sound (LIS) has cooled down and the water temperature is in the low 50’s °F. Check out the following web site for more detailed water temperatures: [url "http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1"]http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1[/url][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Also remember to check [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/anguide.pdf#page=48&zoom=100"]page 48[/url] in the [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/angler.htm"]2004 Angler’s Guide[/url] for tidal information and [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/anguide.pdf#page=46&zoom=100"]page 46[/url] for saltwater trophy fish award info.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]![[Image: black.gif]](http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishimag/black.gif)
TAUTOG (BLACKFISH) fishing is “Prime Time” and now is the time to go. Any major reef in LIS will harbor these tough fighters. Moving around until you find them is key to a successful trip. Three-way bottom rigs baited with hermit crabs, green crabs, and clam or conch strips are choice baits. Also, chumming helps when the tidal current slows.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]STRIPED BASS fishing for schoolies is good in the tidal rivers which makes fun light tackle action. Cow bass are still on the reefs for eel dunking or live-lining a hickory shad. Striper spots include the Watch Hill reefs, the Race, Ram Island Reef in Fishers Island Sound, the Sluiceway (area between Plum Island and Great Gull Island), the hump south of Bartlett Reef, Black Point, the humps south of Hatchett Reef, Long Sand Shoal, Southwest Reef, Sixmile Reef, the reefs off Branford, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground area, the reefs around the Norwalk Islands, and the Cows off Stamford.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]BLUEFISH are still around but time is winding down. The Race and the warm water discharge at Millstone are your best bet.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]HICKORY SHAD fishing can be hit or miss. Shad locations include the Mystic River, Niantic River, Connecticut River by the DEP Marine Headquarters fishing pier, the Hammonasset River, and New Haven Harbor by the Kimberly Ave. Bridge. [/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]WINTER FLOUNDER are moving back into shallow inshore areas. Bluff Point State Park, Pine Island area, Fort Trumbull State Park fishing pier, Niantic River and Bay, New Haven Harbor and Norwalk Harbor are spots worth trying.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#009900]Interested in participating in the [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/anguide.pdf#page=44&zoom=100"]Volunteer Marine Angler Survey[/url]? Please see [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/anguide.pdf#page=44&zoom=100"]page 44[/url] of the 2004 CT Angler’s Guide for contact information. Your participation is critical to effective fisheries management of your marine fishery resources. Thank you.[/#009900][/font] [center][font "Times New Roman"][url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/weekly/fishadv.htm"]Weekly Fishing Report[/url] | [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/index.htm"]Bureau of Natural Resources[/url][/font][/center] [font "Arial"][size 2][url "http://dep.state.ct.us/index.htm"]Home[/url] | [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/aboutdep/contact/contact.htm"]Contact Us[/url] | [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/search2.htm"]Search[/url] | [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/survey/survey.htm"]Feedback[/url] | [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/legal.htm"]Website Legal Info[/url][/size][/font] [font "Arial"][size 2]Send comments or questions regarding this site to[/size][#800000][size 2] [url "mailto:dep.webmaster@po.state.ct.us"]dep.webmaster@po.state.ct.us[/url][/size][/#800000][/font] [font "Arial"][size 2]Copyright 1998-2004 Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection[/size][/font]
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[#004080]INLAND REPORT[/#004080][/font] [font "Times New Roman"]DEP expects to stock 400 broodstock Atlantic salmon from the Kensington Hatchery into the Naugatuck and Shetucket rivers next week. These fish are in addition to the 400 salmon from the federal hatchery in Vermont that were stocked last week (11/3) and the 270 broodstock salmon from Kensington stocked in mid-October.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]BROODSTOCK ATLANTIC SALMON fishing in the Naugatuck & Shetucket Rivers is reported to be excellent. Many anglers have traveled from around the region to participate in these unique fisheries which have resulted in fish up to 20 lbs. being caught & released. Anglers are reminded that catch-and- release fishing is in effect through November 30, 2004. From December 1, 2004 to March 31, 2005, anglers may keep one fish per day. Fishing for Atlantic salmon is limited to use of single-fly or lure with a single free-swinging hook.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#ff0000]Caution to Anglers: [/#ff0000][#ff0000]Anglers are also reminded that DEP conducted experimental stockings of 110 pre-spawn Atlantic salmon into the Farmington River (Burlington-Avon-Farmington), Salmon, Blackledge, Jeremy and Eightmile Rivers earlier this month. These stockings are not part of the annual broodstock salmon stocking program and it is illegal to harvest Atlantic salmon in these waters. Anglers should take care not to mistake these fish for large brown trout. There has been at least one instance on the Farmington River where anglers have mistaken a salmon for a large brown trout, fortunately, only photos were taken and the fish was released.[/#ff0000][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]PLEASE SEE [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishimag/salmon_trout.jpg"]TROUT/SALMON[/url] IMAGE (courtesy of New York Sea Grant) FOR A GUIDE TO DIFFERENTIATING ATLANTIC SALMON AND BROWN TROUT.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]TROUT[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Rivers & streams – Fall fishing is producing excellent action for those willing to brave the weather and the leaf fall. Anglers are reporting very good fishing on the Pomperaug, Eightmile, and Naugatuck rivers and in the TMA’s on the Salmon, West Branch Farmington, Farmington, Housatonic and Yantic rivers. Streamer anglers using 2X tippet are having success (9 am – 1 pm during low light periods/overcast days). This and nymphing dominate the early morning & late afternoon. For streamers try white, yellow & brown colors. Patterns to try include: White Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10). Bottom bouncing nymphs with Tan & Winter Caddis pupa (#16-18), Serendipity (#14-16), Pheasant Tail (#12-20), Prince (#6-18) and Hare’s ear (#8-20) is recommended. The Farmington River is 55°F with about 400 cfs of clear flows (below Riverton). BWO’s continue to be the dominant hatch, with Midges & Caddis mixed in. For best action try Blue Wing Olives (#16-20, late morning), Caddis (winter & tan #16-18, early afternoon). Expect most of the action to be between 11:30 am – 3:00 pm. The Housatonic River is 41°F with 750 cfs of clear flows. Insect hatches include: Blue Wing Olive (#18-22, early morning) and Tan & Winter caddis (#16-20, early morning & late afternoon).[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Lakes & Ponds – A number of lakes are still producing good fishing including: Highland, Candlewood (4.5 lbs.), Crystal (Ellington, drifting mealies) and East Twin (drifting bait) lakes, Great Hollow Pond, Saugatuck Reservoir, Colebrook Reservoir and Beach Pond.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Late season LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is reported as good to very good in a number of areas including Lake Zoar, Amos (7.7 lb beauty.), Winchester, Billings, Candlewood (6.9 lbs.), Highland, Oxoboxo, Quonnipaug (5.5 lb), Congamond and Beseck lakes, and Beach, Pierrepont (5 lbs. 2 oz.), Stillwater and Hatch ponds. SMALLMOUTH BASS action reported at Candlewood (3.25 lbs.), Gardner (up to 2 lbs.) and Highland lakes, and impoundments on the Quinebaug and Housatonic rivers. NORTHERN PIKE are being reported from Bantam Lake (up to 29.5”), Winchester Lake and Pachaug Pond. Fall WALLEYE are being reported from Lake Saltonstall and Squantz Pond (29.75”, 7 lbs. 2 oz.). Some KOKANEE are being taken from West Hill Pond on corn/meal worms.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Connecticut River – BLACK CRAPPIE are providing some excellent fall action on jigs in the south (shore) and north (boat) ends of Wethersfield and White Oaks coves, also some good action in the lower river. NORTHERN PIKE fishing is reported as excellent for pike up to 34” (Enfield, Wethersfield Cove, Middletown to Salmon River Cove). Large plastics and jerkbaits are working well. Some LARGEMOUTH BASS actionreported from the coves from Hartford to Middletown and the Haddam area.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]NOTES: Winter drawdowns of Gardner Lake (down 4”), Glasgo Pond (down 36”), Pachaug Pond (down 30”) and Lower (down 8”) and Middle Bolton (down 34”) lakes are in progress. All are scheduled for eventual drawdowns of 3 feet. Blue Lake (Anderson Pond) in North Stonington has been drawndown 18-24 inches for dam reconstruction. Work is expected to be completed by the end of November. A 7-8 foot winter drawdown ofCandlewood Lake began on November 1. Current drawndown rate is approximately half a foot per week.[/font] [font "Times New Roman"][#004080]MARINE REPORT[/#004080][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Long Island Sound (LIS) has cooled down and the water temperature is in the low 50’s °F. Check out the following web site for more detailed water temperatures: [url "http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1"]http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1[/url][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Also remember to check [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/anguide.pdf#page=48&zoom=100"]page 48[/url] in the [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/angler.htm"]2004 Angler’s Guide[/url] for tidal information and [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/anguide.pdf#page=46&zoom=100"]page 46[/url] for saltwater trophy fish award info.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]
TAUTOG (BLACKFISH) fishing is “Prime Time” and now is the time to go. Any major reef in LIS will harbor these tough fighters. Moving around until you find them is key to a successful trip. Three-way bottom rigs baited with hermit crabs, green crabs, and clam or conch strips are choice baits. Also, chumming helps when the tidal current slows.[/font] [font "Times New Roman"]STRIPED BASS fishing for schoolies is good in the tidal rivers which makes fun light tackle action. Cow bass are still on the reefs for eel dunking or live-lining a hickory shad. Striper spots include the Watch Hill reefs, the Race, Ram Island Reef in Fishers Island Sound, the Sluiceway (area between Plum Island and Great Gull Island), the hump south of Bartlett Reef, Black Point, the humps south of Hatchett Reef, Long Sand Shoal, Southwest Reef, Sixmile Reef, the reefs off Branford, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground area, the reefs around the Norwalk Islands, and the Cows off Stamford.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]BLUEFISH are still around but time is winding down. The Race and the warm water discharge at Millstone are your best bet.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]HICKORY SHAD fishing can be hit or miss. Shad locations include the Mystic River, Niantic River, Connecticut River by the DEP Marine Headquarters fishing pier, the Hammonasset River, and New Haven Harbor by the Kimberly Ave. Bridge. [/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]WINTER FLOUNDER are moving back into shallow inshore areas. Bluff Point State Park, Pine Island area, Fort Trumbull State Park fishing pier, Niantic River and Bay, New Haven Harbor and Norwalk Harbor are spots worth trying.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#009900]Interested in participating in the [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/anguide.pdf#page=44&zoom=100"]Volunteer Marine Angler Survey[/url]? Please see [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/anguide.pdf#page=44&zoom=100"]page 44[/url] of the 2004 CT Angler’s Guide for contact information. Your participation is critical to effective fisheries management of your marine fishery resources. Thank you.[/#009900][/font] [center][font "Times New Roman"][url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/weekly/fishadv.htm"]Weekly Fishing Report[/url] | [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/index.htm"]Bureau of Natural Resources[/url][/font][/center] [font "Arial"][size 2][url "http://dep.state.ct.us/index.htm"]Home[/url] | [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/aboutdep/contact/contact.htm"]Contact Us[/url] | [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/search2.htm"]Search[/url] | [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/survey/survey.htm"]Feedback[/url] | [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/legal.htm"]Website Legal Info[/url][/size][/font] [font "Arial"][size 2]Send comments or questions regarding this site to[/size][#800000][size 2] [url "mailto:dep.webmaster@po.state.ct.us"]dep.webmaster@po.state.ct.us[/url][/size][/#800000][/font] [font "Arial"][size 2]Copyright 1998-2004 Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection[/size][/font]
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] It's going to rain again this weekend. Pics would be great. Have a great Holiday as well.