10-03-2005, 08:50 PM
[font "Times New Roman"]Weekly Fishing Report - Week of September 26, 2005 [/font] [font "Times New Roman"]![[Image: browntrt.gif]](http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishimag/browntrt.gif)
[font "Times New Roman"][#004080]INLAND REPORT [/#004080][/font][/font][font "Times New Roman"]TROUT[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]DEP began its fall trout stocking this week. Approximately 45,000 rainbow trout are currently scheduled to be stocked into 25 lakes and ponds, 10 Trout Parks and 20 rivers and streams. Anglers are advised that this fall’s stocking schedule is subject to last-minute changes. Due to the extended period of drought-like conditions in parts of the state, flows are low in many rivers and streams. Water levels in some ponds are also affected. Should conditions not improve, fish scheduled to stocked into areas that are currently marginal for trout may instead be stocked into more suitable waters. Staff have already reported that the Stratton Brook Trout Park will not be stocked this fall unless conditions improve.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]LAKES & PONDS –Lakes reporting good trout fishing include West Hill Pond, Highland, East Twin, Crystal (Ellington) and Alexander Lakes. Areas to try this weekend include Wauregan Reservoir, Amos, Pattaconk, Quonnipaug, Rogers, Cedar, Crystal (Ellington), Wangumbaug (Coventry), Mashapaug and Wyassup Lakes, Beach, Bigelow, Long, Moosup, Tyler, Westside and Mohawk Ponds, and the Chatfield Hollow, Black Rock, Southford Falls and Wharton Brook Trout Parks.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]RIVERS & STREAMS -Despite some recent precipitation, flows in many streams remain low. In these low flow conditions, light line and leaders should work best. Good reports this week from the Farmington, Housatonic and Pootatuck Rivers and Salmon Brook. Areas to try this weekend include the Pachaug, Quinebaug, Scantic and Shetucket, Farmington (New Hartford to Collinsville), Salmon Brook and the Sleeping Giant Trout Park. Typically, some of the best action of the year occurs during the next 5 weeks. Aggressive trout can take streamers with explosive action where, stripping off line at a blinding pace. Try white, yellow & brown colors. Patterns to try include: White, Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10).[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Farmington River- Morning West Branch water temperatures remain in the mid 50's °F below Hogback, increasing to the low 60’s °F as you go downstream to the TMA. West Branch flows continue to be clear and low (currently about 85 cfs from Hogback and an additional 15 cfs from the Still River). Successful patterns include Isonychia (#12-14, fast water, evening), Blue Wing Olives (#16-20, mid-late afternoon), Caddis (tan #14-18, all day; green #22-26, evening; summer pupa #18-20 morning), Midges (#22-32, morning), Black Ants (#14-20, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#16-18, mid day), Flying Ants (#18-22, mid day, when windy/humid), Stone Hopper (#8-12, mid day) and Golden Drake (Potomanthus, #10-14, late evening). Try Rusty Spinners in the evening.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Housatonic River- Morning water temperatures in the TMA are in the low-mid 60’s °F. Flows remain clear and low, about 145 cfs at Falls Village and about 170 cfs at Gaylordsville. Insect hatches include Blue Wing Olive (should be good for the weekend, #18-22, early morning; spinner fall in evening), Isonychia (#12-14 evening), and Black caddis (#16-20, early morning & evening). Try Black/Cinnamon Ants (#18-22, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#14-18, mid day), Stone Hopper (#8-10, mid day) and Flying Ants (#18-22, mid day, when windy/humid).[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]LARGEMOUTH & SMALLMOUTH BASS fishing is generally good but somewhat variable. Reports for largemouth bass include Moodus Reservoir, Lake Lillinonah, Lake Housatonic (mixed reports), Uncas, Silver (very good, 60 fish for one group), Gardner (very good), Winchester, Highland (spotty), Congamond, Quonnipaug, Candlewood, Bantam (mixed reports, 13 bass for one angler), Maltby (fair) and East Twin Lakes, Pierrpont (very good), Pachaug (very good), Mudge (very good, 44 fish for one group) and Squantz Ponds. Good reports for smallmouth bass fromLake Saltonstall (20"), Lake Lillinonah, Squantz Pond (good), Candlewood Lake and the Housatonic River (slowing as the temperatures cool, still some action including a 2-lb bass).[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]NORTHERN PIKE fishing is reported to be improving with some pike showing up in catches at Mansfield Hollow Reservoir, Bantam Lake and Winchester Lake.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Fall WALLEYE action was red hot at Lake Saltonstall last weekend. Approximately 90 pounds of walleye were caught (and most released) from Lake Saltonstall by two anglers with all 16 fish being over 23" and better than 4.5 lbs each. The largest fish was 7.9 lbs. Squantz Pond is also producing some big fish including a 31 inch walleye. Once cooler temperatures really settle in, anglers should expect excellent action for Connecticut walleye.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]YELLOW PERCH are reported from Gardner, Crescent (Southington), Highland, Candlewood and Tyler Lakes.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Good reports for CHAIN PICKEREL from Amos Lake, Highland Lake and Wonoscopomuc Lake.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]A 33 INCH CHANNEL CATFISH was caught (and released) at the Northfield Brook Flood Control Impoundment.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Connecticut River – BLACK CRAPPIE are providing some excellent fall fishing action on jigs in Wethersfield Cove. Some STRIPED BASS action is reported in the Enfield area with a 32" fish being caught. The lower river is very good just after dark. NORTHERN PIKE fishing is reported as good. Best reported action is from Wethersfield Cove, Harbor Park, and from Salmon River Cove to Chapman’s Pond, also some catches in the Enfield area. LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is reported to be slow. A 4.25 lb SMALLMOUTH BASS was caught in the King's Island area. For CATFISH, try cut bait in the deeper holes and on the outside edges of the river.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]NOTES:[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]A complete drawdown of Rainbow Reservoir occurred several weeks ago. Although the reservoir has refilled, anglers are reminded that it will take several years for the fish populations to recover.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Lake Lillinonah will be drawndown 4 feet on October 15th with refilling scheduled for the night of October 23rd.
Lake Zoar will be drawndown 5 feet on October 22nd with refilling scheduled for the night of October 30th.
Lake McDonough has been drawndown 7-8 feet to the typical winter level[/font] [font "Times New Roman"][#004080]MARINE REPORT[/#004080]![[Image: stb2.gif]](http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishimag/stb2.gif)
[/font]
The surface water temperature in Long Island Sound (LIS) is in the mid to high 60’s °F. Check out the following web sites for more detailed water temperatures and marine boating conditions:
[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]
STRIPED BASS fishing continues to improve although night fishing may be your best bet in order to avoid BLUEFISH which seem to be everywhere! Look for top water action as choppers rip through schools of peanut bunker. The proven fishing techniques of the tube and worm and live lining scup, menhaden, hickory shad or eels is the choice for trophy linesiders. Fishing spots include the Watch Hill reefs, Ram Island Reef, the Race, Plum Gut, Thames River, Millstone Point, Bartlett Reef, Black Point, the humps south of Hatchett Reef, Long Sand Shoal, Connecticut River breakwaters up to Chester, Cornfield Point, Southwest Reef, Sixmile Reef, the reefs off Madison and Branford, New Haven Harbor, Milford Harbor breakwaters to Charles Island and Milford Point, Housatonic River, Penfield Reef, and around the Norwalk Islands.
SNAPPER BLUEFISH fishing is good along the coastline with fish approaching 10 inches in length.
SUMMER FLOUNDER (fluke) fishing has slowed down as they migrate out of LIS.
SCUP (porgies) fishing is prime time (rated good to excellent) at any of the major reefs.
BLACKFISH (tautog) fishing has improved as they school up on the major reefs to bulk up before the winter hibernation. Blackfish weighing in the double digits have been reported but fishing should really take off as water temperatures drop.
HICKORY SHAD spots include the Niantic River, Connecticut River and Clinton Harbor.
LITTLE TUNNY and ATLANTIC BONITO have been racing around in Plum Gut, the Sluiceway, the Race, Pine Island area off the Thames River, and between Millstone Point and Pleasure Beach in Waterford.
BLUE CRABS are still around but as water temperatures cool down they will move out from shallow to deeper water.
[font "Times New Roman"][font "Times New Roman"][#ff0000]REMINDER: [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/marineinfo/saltregs.htm#blackfish"]Tautog (Blackfish)[/url] season is opened September 22. [/#ff0000][/font][/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 saltwater fish species or download t[b]he [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/pdf.htm"]2005 Marine Fisheries Brochure[/url]. [/#ff0000][/b][/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"]TROUT[/font] [font "Times New Roman"]DEP began its fall trout stocking this week. Approximately 45,000 rainbow trout are currently scheduled to be stocked into 25 lakes and ponds, 10 Trout Parks and 20 rivers and streams. Anglers are advised that this fall’s stocking schedule is subject to last-minute changes. Due to the extended period of drought-like conditions in parts of the state, flows are low in many rivers and streams. Water levels in some ponds are also affected. Should conditions not improve, fish scheduled to stocked into areas that are currently marginal for trout may instead be stocked into more suitable waters. Staff have already reported that the Stratton Brook Trout Park will not be stocked this fall unless conditions improve.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]LAKES & PONDS –Lakes reporting good trout fishing include West Hill Pond, Highland, East Twin, Crystal (Ellington) and Alexander Lakes. Areas to try this weekend include Wauregan Reservoir, Amos, Pattaconk, Quonnipaug, Rogers, Cedar, Crystal (Ellington), Wangumbaug (Coventry), Mashapaug and Wyassup Lakes, Beach, Bigelow, Long, Moosup, Tyler, Westside and Mohawk Ponds, and the Chatfield Hollow, Black Rock, Southford Falls and Wharton Brook Trout Parks.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]RIVERS & STREAMS -Despite some recent precipitation, flows in many streams remain low. In these low flow conditions, light line and leaders should work best. Good reports this week from the Farmington, Housatonic and Pootatuck Rivers and Salmon Brook. Areas to try this weekend include the Pachaug, Quinebaug, Scantic and Shetucket, Farmington (New Hartford to Collinsville), Salmon Brook and the Sleeping Giant Trout Park. Typically, some of the best action of the year occurs during the next 5 weeks. Aggressive trout can take streamers with explosive action where, stripping off line at a blinding pace. Try white, yellow & brown colors. Patterns to try include: White, Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10).[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Farmington River- Morning West Branch water temperatures remain in the mid 50's °F below Hogback, increasing to the low 60’s °F as you go downstream to the TMA. West Branch flows continue to be clear and low (currently about 85 cfs from Hogback and an additional 15 cfs from the Still River). Successful patterns include Isonychia (#12-14, fast water, evening), Blue Wing Olives (#16-20, mid-late afternoon), Caddis (tan #14-18, all day; green #22-26, evening; summer pupa #18-20 morning), Midges (#22-32, morning), Black Ants (#14-20, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#16-18, mid day), Flying Ants (#18-22, mid day, when windy/humid), Stone Hopper (#8-12, mid day) and Golden Drake (Potomanthus, #10-14, late evening). Try Rusty Spinners in the evening.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Housatonic River- Morning water temperatures in the TMA are in the low-mid 60’s °F. Flows remain clear and low, about 145 cfs at Falls Village and about 170 cfs at Gaylordsville. Insect hatches include Blue Wing Olive (should be good for the weekend, #18-22, early morning; spinner fall in evening), Isonychia (#12-14 evening), and Black caddis (#16-20, early morning & evening). Try Black/Cinnamon Ants (#18-22, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#14-18, mid day), Stone Hopper (#8-10, mid day) and Flying Ants (#18-22, mid day, when windy/humid).[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]LARGEMOUTH & SMALLMOUTH BASS fishing is generally good but somewhat variable. Reports for largemouth bass include Moodus Reservoir, Lake Lillinonah, Lake Housatonic (mixed reports), Uncas, Silver (very good, 60 fish for one group), Gardner (very good), Winchester, Highland (spotty), Congamond, Quonnipaug, Candlewood, Bantam (mixed reports, 13 bass for one angler), Maltby (fair) and East Twin Lakes, Pierrpont (very good), Pachaug (very good), Mudge (very good, 44 fish for one group) and Squantz Ponds. Good reports for smallmouth bass fromLake Saltonstall (20"), Lake Lillinonah, Squantz Pond (good), Candlewood Lake and the Housatonic River (slowing as the temperatures cool, still some action including a 2-lb bass).[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]NORTHERN PIKE fishing is reported to be improving with some pike showing up in catches at Mansfield Hollow Reservoir, Bantam Lake and Winchester Lake.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Fall WALLEYE action was red hot at Lake Saltonstall last weekend. Approximately 90 pounds of walleye were caught (and most released) from Lake Saltonstall by two anglers with all 16 fish being over 23" and better than 4.5 lbs each. The largest fish was 7.9 lbs. Squantz Pond is also producing some big fish including a 31 inch walleye. Once cooler temperatures really settle in, anglers should expect excellent action for Connecticut walleye.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]YELLOW PERCH are reported from Gardner, Crescent (Southington), Highland, Candlewood and Tyler Lakes.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Good reports for CHAIN PICKEREL from Amos Lake, Highland Lake and Wonoscopomuc Lake.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]A 33 INCH CHANNEL CATFISH was caught (and released) at the Northfield Brook Flood Control Impoundment.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Connecticut River – BLACK CRAPPIE are providing some excellent fall fishing action on jigs in Wethersfield Cove. Some STRIPED BASS action is reported in the Enfield area with a 32" fish being caught. The lower river is very good just after dark. NORTHERN PIKE fishing is reported as good. Best reported action is from Wethersfield Cove, Harbor Park, and from Salmon River Cove to Chapman’s Pond, also some catches in the Enfield area. LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is reported to be slow. A 4.25 lb SMALLMOUTH BASS was caught in the King's Island area. For CATFISH, try cut bait in the deeper holes and on the outside edges of the river.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]NOTES:[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]A complete drawdown of Rainbow Reservoir occurred several weeks ago. Although the reservoir has refilled, anglers are reminded that it will take several years for the fish populations to recover.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Lake Lillinonah will be drawndown 4 feet on October 15th with refilling scheduled for the night of October 23rd.
Lake Zoar will be drawndown 5 feet on October 22nd with refilling scheduled for the night of October 30th.
Lake McDonough has been drawndown 7-8 feet to the typical winter level[/font] [font "Times New Roman"][#004080]MARINE REPORT[/#004080]
[/font] The surface water temperature in Long Island Sound (LIS) is in the mid to high 60’s °F. Check out the following web sites for more detailed water temperatures and marine boating conditions:
[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]
STRIPED BASS fishing continues to improve although night fishing may be your best bet in order to avoid BLUEFISH which seem to be everywhere! Look for top water action as choppers rip through schools of peanut bunker. The proven fishing techniques of the tube and worm and live lining scup, menhaden, hickory shad or eels is the choice for trophy linesiders. Fishing spots include the Watch Hill reefs, Ram Island Reef, the Race, Plum Gut, Thames River, Millstone Point, Bartlett Reef, Black Point, the humps south of Hatchett Reef, Long Sand Shoal, Connecticut River breakwaters up to Chester, Cornfield Point, Southwest Reef, Sixmile Reef, the reefs off Madison and Branford, New Haven Harbor, Milford Harbor breakwaters to Charles Island and Milford Point, Housatonic River, Penfield Reef, and around the Norwalk Islands.
SNAPPER BLUEFISH fishing is good along the coastline with fish approaching 10 inches in length.
SUMMER FLOUNDER (fluke) fishing has slowed down as they migrate out of LIS.
SCUP (porgies) fishing is prime time (rated good to excellent) at any of the major reefs.
BLACKFISH (tautog) fishing has improved as they school up on the major reefs to bulk up before the winter hibernation. Blackfish weighing in the double digits have been reported but fishing should really take off as water temperatures drop.
HICKORY SHAD spots include the Niantic River, Connecticut River and Clinton Harbor.
LITTLE TUNNY and ATLANTIC BONITO have been racing around in Plum Gut, the Sluiceway, the Race, Pine Island area off the Thames River, and between Millstone Point and Pleasure Beach in Waterford.
BLUE CRABS are still around but as water temperatures cool down they will move out from shallow to deeper water.
[font "Times New Roman"][font "Times New Roman"][#ff0000]REMINDER: [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/marineinfo/saltregs.htm#blackfish"]Tautog (Blackfish)[/url] season is opened September 22. [/#ff0000][/font][/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 saltwater fish species or download t[b]he [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/pdf.htm"]2005 Marine Fisheries Brochure[/url]. [/#ff0000][/b][/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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