07-22-2005, 11:39 AM
[font "Times New Roman"]Weekly Fishing Report - Week of July 18, 2005 [/font] [font "Times New Roman"]![[Image: lmb_small.gif]](http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishimag/lmb_small.gif)
[font "Times New Roman"][#004080]INLAND REPORT [/#004080][/font][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Good to excellent LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing reported from many areas including Lakes Lillinonah (4.17 lb), Zoar and Williams, Coventry, Wyassup, Candlewood, East Twin (5.98 and 5.45 lb bass among the catches), Bashan, Highland, Congamond, Rogers (5 lb bass), Mashapaug, Winnemaug, Powers, Winchester and Pickerel Lakes, Beach, Mudge, Pachaug, Hopeville, Long and Great Hill Ponds, Lake of Isles, Mansfield Hollow Reservoir and Scoville Reservoir.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]SMALLMOUTH BASS action reported at Bantam, Candlewood (still very good), East Twin, Middle Bolton, Bashan, Mashapaug, Gardner, Coventry and Highland Lakes, Squantz Pond, and in the Salmon and Farmington (Tariffville area) Rivers. Good to excellent fishing for smallies in the Housatonic River (including some up to 2 lbs).[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]NORTHERN PIKE action reported from Mansfield Hollow Reservoir, Lake Lillinonah, Bantam Lake, Hopeville Pond and Pachaug Pond.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]CATFISH are being caught from the lower Salmon River, Lake Lillinonah, Lake Zoar and Mashapaug Lake.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]KOKANEE being found at West Hill Pond at 3 colors of lead line, or still-fish during the evening with corn.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]WALLEYE actionreported from Coventry Lake, Beach Pond (15-16” walleye keeping anglers busy, remember the minimum length is 18”) and Squantz Pond (good action mainly for smaller fish, 19 for one group; also a 7-lb, 25.5” catch reported).[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]CALICO BASS action is reported in Avery, Silver (Meriden), and Oxoboxo Lakes, and Glasgo, Park and Pachaug Ponds.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]SUNFISH are providing excellent action using poppers on a fly rod. This is a lot of fun with fish on almost every cast and everyone can catch fish! Give it a try.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Connecticut River- CATFISH (lots of 4-6 lbs. fish) are consistently being taken on frozen cut bait. Try the Middletown area for some action. CALICO BASS action on small minnows is reported in the deeper areas of coves. Some NORTHERN PIKE catches reported, try the Haddam Meadows/Salmon River Cove area. LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing reported to be fair below Middletown. Fair to good SMALLMOUTH BASS fishing reported north of Hartford.[/font] [font "Times New Roman"]TROUT[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#ff0000]ANGLERS ARE REMINDED THAT THE THERMAL REFUGE AREAS ON THE HOUSATONIC, NAUGATUCK AND SHETUCKET RIVERS ARE NOW CLOSED TO FISHING AND WILL REOPEN ON SEPTEMBER 1. [/#ff0000]Although Housatonic River anglers are familiar with thermal refuges, these areas are a new addition to the Shetucket and Naugatuck Rivers. From June 15 through August 31, all fishing within 100 feet of tributaries as posted by DEP (look for white signs) is prohibited. Shetucket River refuges are located at the mouths of Merrick Brook (Scotland) and Beaver Brook (Sprague). Naugatuck River refuges are located at the mouths of Pickett’s Brook (in TMA), Spruce Brook (in TMA, Litchfield), Spruce Brook (Naugatuck), Fulling Mill Brook (Naugatuck), Beacon Hill Brook (Naugatuck/Beacon Falls) and Bronson Brook (aka Hockanum Brook- Beacon Falls).[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Rivers & streams - Trout fishing in the West Branch and mainstem Farmington continues to be excellent (lots of 16-20” fish, 35 trout for one angler). Other areas reporting good catches last week include the Fenton, Housatonic (18-20” browns), Shetucket and Salmon Rivers, and Salmon Brook. Early and late in the day are peak fishing times during the summer.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]The Farmington River is quite fishable, with water temperatures in the low to mid 60’s °F. Flows are clear and remain somewhat low, about 140 cfs just below the Still River in Riverton. Flows are currently expected to increase late this weekend as downstream power generation resumes. Needhami (#22-26, early morning), Isonychia (#10-14, evening), Blue Wing Olives (#18-22, mid-late afternoon), Sulphurs duns (#18-20, morning; afternoon to early evening for spinners), Caddis (tan #16-18, all day; green #22-26, evening), Midges (#22-28, morning), Black Ants (#14-18, morning in fast water), Black Beetles (#16-18), Flying Ants (#18-22, when humid) and Golden Drake (Potomanthus, #10-14, late evening) are successful patterns.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Housatonic River water temperatures are in the mid to upper 70’s °F. [#ff0000]ANGLERS ARE REMINDED THAT THESE WATER TEMPERATURES ARE VERY STRESSFUL TO TROUT, EXTRA CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN WHEN HANDLING TROUT THEY PLAN TO RELEASE.[/#ff0000] Flows are currently (7/21) about 520 cfs (Falls Village) and have been variable and somewhat turbid this week due to maintenance at the Falls Village dam that requires draining the impoundment. Current insect hatches include: Alder Caddis (#10-12, mid-morning near overhangs), Sulphurs (#14-16, evening), Blue Wing Olive (#18-22, early morning; spinner fall in evening), Isonychia (#12-14 evening), Light Cahill (#12-14, evening), Tan & green caddis (#14-16, 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).[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Lakes & Ponds – A number of lakes are still producing good trout fishing. Good reports include Lake McDonough (3 lb rainbow), Candlewood, Crystal (Ellington), Wonoscopomuc (some browns in the 4-5 lb range), East Twin (24 browns for one angler) and Amos Lakes, and West Hill (25 rainbows for one angler), Beach and Squantz Ponds.[/font] [font "Times New Roman"][#004080]MARINE REPORT[/#004080]![[Image: stb2.gif]](http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishimag/stb2.gif)
[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]The surface water temperature is 69° F recorded at UCONN Department of Marine Sciences research buoy located in mid Long Island Sound (LIS) approximately 14 miles southeast of New Haven Harbor. Check out the following web sites for more detailed water temperatures and marine boating conditions:[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][url "http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1"]http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1[/url]![[Image: arrow7.gif]](http://www.dep.state.ct.us/images/arrow7.gif)
[url "http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/"]http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/[/url]
[url "http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/330.html"]http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/330.html[/url][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Also remember to check the CT [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/angler.htm"]Angler’s Guide[/url] page 52 for tidal information and page 50 for saltwater trophy fish award info.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#009999]FISHING IS FAMILY FUN! SALTWATER FISHING IS HOT (PRIME TIME), WITH SOME OF THE BEST FISHING OF THE SEASON. GET OUT AND ENJOY SOME FAMILY FUN.[/#009999][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]STRIPED BASS fishing has improved dramatically, rated excellent with many large bass (40 pounds and larger) being taken in the recent week. The approaching July Full Moon on the 22nd should provide anglers with the best striper action, with many opportunities to catch a large “Cow” bass. The bait of choice for trophy size “linesiders” (40 pounds and larger) is eels, hickory shad, bunker, butterfish and chunks. The best times are during dawn and dusk, including nighttime and daytime periods of overcast low light conditions. The Race and Outer Bartletts being the hot spot, loaded with striped bass in the mid-30’s to low 50-inch range. Other fishing locations include the Watch Hill reefs, Ram Island Reef (Fishers Island Sound), the Sluiceway, Plum Gut, inner Bartlett Reef, Hatchett Reef, Crane Reef, Connecticut River between the Baldwin Bridge and the Amtrak RR Bridge, Southwest Reef, Sixmile Reef, the reefs off Branford, Charles Island to Milford Point, the Norwalk Islands and the reefs off Stamford. Two 50 plus pound striped bass were landed this week. Please use circle hooks to avoid gut-hooked fish. With the increasing water temperatures, large “cow” bass are susceptible to hooking mortality from stress. See page 41 of the CT Angler’s Guide for tips on Catch & Release Fishing.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]BLUEFISH the best action of the season with larger “Alligator Blues” showing up and feeding voraciously on juvenile prey fish. Fishing is more consistent in eastern LIS from the Race to Long Sand Shoal being the hot spot, loaded with 5- 15 pound bluefish. Bluefish in the mid-20”s to low 30”inch range can be caught off the major current breaks during the day. Other good fishing locations include the Sluiceway, Plum Gut, Bartlett Reef, Hatchett Reef, Connecticut River between the Baldwin Bridge and the Amtrak RR Bridge (incoming tide), New Haven Harbor, Milford Harbor, Lower Thames River, and lower Housatonice River. Bunker and fish –imitating lures are providing fast and furious action with many anglers coming home with sore and tired arms. Note: snapper blues have arrived, although they are small, 3-4 inches in length. Snapper bluefish is an excellent fish to introduce children to the great fun of saltwater fishing and family fun. Try small lures and light line (2-4 pound test) and have fun.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]SUMMER FLOUNDER it appears another slug of “Doormat Fluke” have appeared in Long Island Sound with fishing action being rated good to excellent. Gardiners Bay, Montauk and the south side of Fishers Island still continue to yield double-digit fluke, some approaching 15 pounds. Also the Mystic River, lower Thames River, Niantic River, Black Point, Lower Housatonic River and Connecticut River (during flood tide) are heating up with good consistent action. Fluke are feeding on the many species of juvenile fish including butterfish, menhaden, snapper blues and squid. Mummichogs with squid strips or fluke bellies are the key to success. Try to keep your bait 6 – 12 inches off the bottom as you drift slowly. Fluke provide fine table fare.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]HICKORY SHAD (“Connecticut Tarpon”) fishing remains good in the Niantic River and fair in the Connecticut River and Clinton Harbor. Incoming tides are best. Shad approaching 22 inches have been caught on willowleafs, shad darts and leadhead jigs with plastic curly tails. Chartreuse, white and copper are the color of choice. Go out and enjoy some great shore-based fishing action.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]BLACKFISH is rated fair. Fish weighing 4- 8 pounds are common with a few bruisers weighing 15 pounds have been landed. Look for “Reef Bullies” in deeper water near structure. Hermit crabs, green crabs, Japanese crabs and conch are your best bets to score. Patience is the key with these finicky fish.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]SCUP the best action to date, with large schools of 12-16 inch jumbo scup arriving in the sound. Fishing is rated good to excellent for these “Reef Slammers” at any of the major rocky reefs throughout LIS. Try using conch and squid strips just off the bottom on a slip rig. Get ready for some incredible action as these fiesty greedy fish swarm all over your bait. Introduce your children to this exciting fishing action. The best fishing is close to shore around reefs and wrecks.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]BLACK SEA BASS fishing is rated good at any of the major reefs and wrecks in Long Island Sound. Fish weighing 2-4 pounds are common with a few “bucketmouths” weighing in at 6 pounds have been taken this week. Popular spots include Norwalk Islands, Stratford Shoal/Middle Grounds, Charles Island, Townshend Ledge, Branford Reef, Brown’s Reef, Faulkner’s Island, Kimberly Reef, Ram Island Reef, lower Thames River, Southwest Reef and Black Point in Niantic. Hermit and green crabs, squid strips, peanut bunker and conch are your baits of choice to catch this prized gamefish. Its white flesh is excellent table fare.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#ff0000]Please see the [/#ff0000][url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/marineinfo/saltregs.htm"]Current Marine Fisheries Recreational Regulations[/url][#0080ff] [/#0080ff][#ff0000]page for the latest regulations on common fish species.[/#ff0000][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#009999]Interested in participating in the Marine Volunteer Angler Survey? Please see page 41 of the 2005 CT [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/angler.htm"]Angler’s Guide[/url] for contact information. Your participation is critical to effective fisheries management of your marine fishery resources. Thank you.[/#009999][/font] [center][font "Times New Roman"][url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/weekly/fishadv.htm"]Weekly Fishing Report[/url] | [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/index.htm"]Bureau of Natural Resources[/url][/font][/center] [font "Arial"][size 2][url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/index.htm"]Home[/url] | [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/aboutdep/contact/contact.htm"]Contact Us[/url] | [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/search2.htm"]Search[/url] | [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/survey/survey.htm"]Feedback[/url] | [url "http://www.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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[font "Times New Roman"][#004080]INLAND REPORT [/#004080][/font][/font] [font "Times New Roman"]Good to excellent LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing reported from many areas including Lakes Lillinonah (4.17 lb), Zoar and Williams, Coventry, Wyassup, Candlewood, East Twin (5.98 and 5.45 lb bass among the catches), Bashan, Highland, Congamond, Rogers (5 lb bass), Mashapaug, Winnemaug, Powers, Winchester and Pickerel Lakes, Beach, Mudge, Pachaug, Hopeville, Long and Great Hill Ponds, Lake of Isles, Mansfield Hollow Reservoir and Scoville Reservoir.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]SMALLMOUTH BASS action reported at Bantam, Candlewood (still very good), East Twin, Middle Bolton, Bashan, Mashapaug, Gardner, Coventry and Highland Lakes, Squantz Pond, and in the Salmon and Farmington (Tariffville area) Rivers. Good to excellent fishing for smallies in the Housatonic River (including some up to 2 lbs).[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]NORTHERN PIKE action reported from Mansfield Hollow Reservoir, Lake Lillinonah, Bantam Lake, Hopeville Pond and Pachaug Pond.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]CATFISH are being caught from the lower Salmon River, Lake Lillinonah, Lake Zoar and Mashapaug Lake.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]KOKANEE being found at West Hill Pond at 3 colors of lead line, or still-fish during the evening with corn.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]WALLEYE actionreported from Coventry Lake, Beach Pond (15-16” walleye keeping anglers busy, remember the minimum length is 18”) and Squantz Pond (good action mainly for smaller fish, 19 for one group; also a 7-lb, 25.5” catch reported).[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]CALICO BASS action is reported in Avery, Silver (Meriden), and Oxoboxo Lakes, and Glasgo, Park and Pachaug Ponds.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]SUNFISH are providing excellent action using poppers on a fly rod. This is a lot of fun with fish on almost every cast and everyone can catch fish! Give it a try.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Connecticut River- CATFISH (lots of 4-6 lbs. fish) are consistently being taken on frozen cut bait. Try the Middletown area for some action. CALICO BASS action on small minnows is reported in the deeper areas of coves. Some NORTHERN PIKE catches reported, try the Haddam Meadows/Salmon River Cove area. LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing reported to be fair below Middletown. Fair to good SMALLMOUTH BASS fishing reported north of Hartford.[/font] [font "Times New Roman"]TROUT[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#ff0000]ANGLERS ARE REMINDED THAT THE THERMAL REFUGE AREAS ON THE HOUSATONIC, NAUGATUCK AND SHETUCKET RIVERS ARE NOW CLOSED TO FISHING AND WILL REOPEN ON SEPTEMBER 1. [/#ff0000]Although Housatonic River anglers are familiar with thermal refuges, these areas are a new addition to the Shetucket and Naugatuck Rivers. From June 15 through August 31, all fishing within 100 feet of tributaries as posted by DEP (look for white signs) is prohibited. Shetucket River refuges are located at the mouths of Merrick Brook (Scotland) and Beaver Brook (Sprague). Naugatuck River refuges are located at the mouths of Pickett’s Brook (in TMA), Spruce Brook (in TMA, Litchfield), Spruce Brook (Naugatuck), Fulling Mill Brook (Naugatuck), Beacon Hill Brook (Naugatuck/Beacon Falls) and Bronson Brook (aka Hockanum Brook- Beacon Falls).[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Rivers & streams - Trout fishing in the West Branch and mainstem Farmington continues to be excellent (lots of 16-20” fish, 35 trout for one angler). Other areas reporting good catches last week include the Fenton, Housatonic (18-20” browns), Shetucket and Salmon Rivers, and Salmon Brook. Early and late in the day are peak fishing times during the summer.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]The Farmington River is quite fishable, with water temperatures in the low to mid 60’s °F. Flows are clear and remain somewhat low, about 140 cfs just below the Still River in Riverton. Flows are currently expected to increase late this weekend as downstream power generation resumes. Needhami (#22-26, early morning), Isonychia (#10-14, evening), Blue Wing Olives (#18-22, mid-late afternoon), Sulphurs duns (#18-20, morning; afternoon to early evening for spinners), Caddis (tan #16-18, all day; green #22-26, evening), Midges (#22-28, morning), Black Ants (#14-18, morning in fast water), Black Beetles (#16-18), Flying Ants (#18-22, when humid) and Golden Drake (Potomanthus, #10-14, late evening) are successful patterns.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Housatonic River water temperatures are in the mid to upper 70’s °F. [#ff0000]ANGLERS ARE REMINDED THAT THESE WATER TEMPERATURES ARE VERY STRESSFUL TO TROUT, EXTRA CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN WHEN HANDLING TROUT THEY PLAN TO RELEASE.[/#ff0000] Flows are currently (7/21) about 520 cfs (Falls Village) and have been variable and somewhat turbid this week due to maintenance at the Falls Village dam that requires draining the impoundment. Current insect hatches include: Alder Caddis (#10-12, mid-morning near overhangs), Sulphurs (#14-16, evening), Blue Wing Olive (#18-22, early morning; spinner fall in evening), Isonychia (#12-14 evening), Light Cahill (#12-14, evening), Tan & green caddis (#14-16, 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).[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Lakes & Ponds – A number of lakes are still producing good trout fishing. Good reports include Lake McDonough (3 lb rainbow), Candlewood, Crystal (Ellington), Wonoscopomuc (some browns in the 4-5 lb range), East Twin (24 browns for one angler) and Amos Lakes, and West Hill (25 rainbows for one angler), Beach and Squantz Ponds.[/font] [font "Times New Roman"][#004080]MARINE REPORT[/#004080]
[/font] [font "Times New Roman"]The surface water temperature is 69° F recorded at UCONN Department of Marine Sciences research buoy located in mid Long Island Sound (LIS) approximately 14 miles southeast of New Haven Harbor. Check out the following web sites for more detailed water temperatures and marine boating conditions:[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][url "http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1"]http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1[/url]
[url "http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/"]http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/[/url]
[url "http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/330.html"]http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/330.html[/url]
[/font] [font "Times New Roman"]Also remember to check the CT [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/angler.htm"]Angler’s Guide[/url] page 52 for tidal information and page 50 for saltwater trophy fish award info.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#009999]FISHING IS FAMILY FUN! SALTWATER FISHING IS HOT (PRIME TIME), WITH SOME OF THE BEST FISHING OF THE SEASON. GET OUT AND ENJOY SOME FAMILY FUN.[/#009999][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]STRIPED BASS fishing has improved dramatically, rated excellent with many large bass (40 pounds and larger) being taken in the recent week. The approaching July Full Moon on the 22nd should provide anglers with the best striper action, with many opportunities to catch a large “Cow” bass. The bait of choice for trophy size “linesiders” (40 pounds and larger) is eels, hickory shad, bunker, butterfish and chunks. The best times are during dawn and dusk, including nighttime and daytime periods of overcast low light conditions. The Race and Outer Bartletts being the hot spot, loaded with striped bass in the mid-30’s to low 50-inch range. Other fishing locations include the Watch Hill reefs, Ram Island Reef (Fishers Island Sound), the Sluiceway, Plum Gut, inner Bartlett Reef, Hatchett Reef, Crane Reef, Connecticut River between the Baldwin Bridge and the Amtrak RR Bridge, Southwest Reef, Sixmile Reef, the reefs off Branford, Charles Island to Milford Point, the Norwalk Islands and the reefs off Stamford. Two 50 plus pound striped bass were landed this week. Please use circle hooks to avoid gut-hooked fish. With the increasing water temperatures, large “cow” bass are susceptible to hooking mortality from stress. See page 41 of the CT Angler’s Guide for tips on Catch & Release Fishing.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]BLUEFISH the best action of the season with larger “Alligator Blues” showing up and feeding voraciously on juvenile prey fish. Fishing is more consistent in eastern LIS from the Race to Long Sand Shoal being the hot spot, loaded with 5- 15 pound bluefish. Bluefish in the mid-20”s to low 30”inch range can be caught off the major current breaks during the day. Other good fishing locations include the Sluiceway, Plum Gut, Bartlett Reef, Hatchett Reef, Connecticut River between the Baldwin Bridge and the Amtrak RR Bridge (incoming tide), New Haven Harbor, Milford Harbor, Lower Thames River, and lower Housatonice River. Bunker and fish –imitating lures are providing fast and furious action with many anglers coming home with sore and tired arms. Note: snapper blues have arrived, although they are small, 3-4 inches in length. Snapper bluefish is an excellent fish to introduce children to the great fun of saltwater fishing and family fun. Try small lures and light line (2-4 pound test) and have fun.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]SUMMER FLOUNDER it appears another slug of “Doormat Fluke” have appeared in Long Island Sound with fishing action being rated good to excellent. Gardiners Bay, Montauk and the south side of Fishers Island still continue to yield double-digit fluke, some approaching 15 pounds. Also the Mystic River, lower Thames River, Niantic River, Black Point, Lower Housatonic River and Connecticut River (during flood tide) are heating up with good consistent action. Fluke are feeding on the many species of juvenile fish including butterfish, menhaden, snapper blues and squid. Mummichogs with squid strips or fluke bellies are the key to success. Try to keep your bait 6 – 12 inches off the bottom as you drift slowly. Fluke provide fine table fare.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]HICKORY SHAD (“Connecticut Tarpon”) fishing remains good in the Niantic River and fair in the Connecticut River and Clinton Harbor. Incoming tides are best. Shad approaching 22 inches have been caught on willowleafs, shad darts and leadhead jigs with plastic curly tails. Chartreuse, white and copper are the color of choice. Go out and enjoy some great shore-based fishing action.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]BLACKFISH is rated fair. Fish weighing 4- 8 pounds are common with a few bruisers weighing 15 pounds have been landed. Look for “Reef Bullies” in deeper water near structure. Hermit crabs, green crabs, Japanese crabs and conch are your best bets to score. Patience is the key with these finicky fish.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]SCUP the best action to date, with large schools of 12-16 inch jumbo scup arriving in the sound. Fishing is rated good to excellent for these “Reef Slammers” at any of the major rocky reefs throughout LIS. Try using conch and squid strips just off the bottom on a slip rig. Get ready for some incredible action as these fiesty greedy fish swarm all over your bait. Introduce your children to this exciting fishing action. The best fishing is close to shore around reefs and wrecks.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]BLACK SEA BASS fishing is rated good at any of the major reefs and wrecks in Long Island Sound. Fish weighing 2-4 pounds are common with a few “bucketmouths” weighing in at 6 pounds have been taken this week. Popular spots include Norwalk Islands, Stratford Shoal/Middle Grounds, Charles Island, Townshend Ledge, Branford Reef, Brown’s Reef, Faulkner’s Island, Kimberly Reef, Ram Island Reef, lower Thames River, Southwest Reef and Black Point in Niantic. Hermit and green crabs, squid strips, peanut bunker and conch are your baits of choice to catch this prized gamefish. Its white flesh is excellent table fare.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#ff0000]Please see the [/#ff0000][url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/marineinfo/saltregs.htm"]Current Marine Fisheries Recreational Regulations[/url][#0080ff] [/#0080ff][#ff0000]page for the latest regulations on common fish species.[/#ff0000][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#009999]Interested in participating in the Marine Volunteer Angler Survey? Please see page 41 of the 2005 CT [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/angler.htm"]Angler’s Guide[/url] for contact information. Your participation is critical to effective fisheries management of your marine fishery resources. Thank you.[/#009999][/font] [center][font "Times New Roman"][url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/weekly/fishadv.htm"]Weekly Fishing Report[/url] | [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/index.htm"]Bureau of Natural Resources[/url][/font][/center] [font "Arial"][size 2][url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/index.htm"]Home[/url] | [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/aboutdep/contact/contact.htm"]Contact Us[/url] | [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/search2.htm"]Search[/url] | [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/survey/survey.htm"]Feedback[/url] | [url "http://www.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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