08-01-2009, 09:36 AM
[size 2]FISHING REPORT NUMBER 15: 7/30/2009
INLAND REPORT
LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is reported as fair to good. Night fishing is in full swing and producing many fish. Try black jitterbugs and surface poppers. Areas to try Candlewood Lake, Crystal Lake, Silver Lake, Lake Wononskopomuc, Lake Saltonstall, Quonnipaug Lake, Bashan Lake, Highland Lake, Bolton Lakes, Hatch Pond, Mudge Pond, Park Pond, Wood Creek Lake, Rainbow Reservoir, Uncas Lake, Powers Lake, Bishop Pond, Halls Pond, Red Cedar Lake, Rogers Lake, Savin Lake, Scoville Reservoir, Lake Hayward and Tollgate Pond. Crystal Lake (Ellington) and Aspinook Pond report slow fishing for bass.
SMALLMOUTH BASS action reported at Highland Lake, Candlewood Lake, Coventry Lake, Mashapaug Lake, Bashan Lake and Wyassup Lake.
NORTHERN PIKE fishing is reported to be good in Winchester Lake and Pachaug Pond.
KOKANEE in West Hill Pond are being reported by anglers trolling slowly with bait.
Some WALLEYE are being reported from Saugatuck Reservoir, Lake Saltonstall, Mashapaug Lake and Batterson Park Pond.
Excellent CALICO BASS action on small minnows is reported in Highland Lake, Park Pond, West Thompson Reservoir, Silver Lake and Pachaug Pond.
SUNFISH are providing consistent action throughout the state on worms. Try Lower Bolton Lake, Quinebaug Lake, Amos Lake, Somersville Mill Pond, Upper Basin Pond, Lake Winfield, Zemko Pond, Winchester Lake, Tyler Lake, Mamanasco Lake, Hatch Pond, Black Pond (Middlefield) and Mudge Pond. Additionally, reports are excellent from West Hill Pond and Crystal Lake, try both at 19 to 20 feet.
TROUT
Rivers & streams - Due to relatively frequent rain events conditions for fishing have been variable, and some areas have been difficult to fish. Anglers are reminded that under these conditions, fishing smaller streams and tributaries will often be the safer and more productive option. Under these conditions, big streamers and nymphs are a good option. The upcoming weekend is however forecast to be relatively dry. Some good reports last week from the West Branch Farmington River, Willimantic River, Natchaug River, Tankerhoosen River and Salmon River
Farmington River – Trout fishing below Riverton has been variable, with flows frequently high and difficult to fish. The best option has been to fish from Riverton upstream, where flows have been moderate and consistent due to managed releases from the Goodwin Dam. Currently flows are clear and fishable throughout the river, 420 cfs at Riverton, plus another 175 cfs from the Still River. Current hatches/patterns include Light Cahill (Stenonema sps., #14-16; angler report), Ephemerella needhami (#24-28, early morning), Leadwing Coachman (Isonychia bicolor, #10-12, fast water, evening), Blue Wing Olives (Drunella sps., #16-24, mid-late afternoon), Sulphurs duns (Epeorus vitreus, #16-18, morning; afternoon to early evening for spinners; hatch is coming to an end), Rusty Spinner (#20), Caddis (tan #14-20, all day; green #18/22, evening), Midges (#22-32, morning), Black Ants (#14-18, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#8-10, mid day), Flying Ants (#18-22, mid day, when windy/humid) and Golden Drake (Anthopotamus distinctus, #10-14, late evening) are successful patterns.
Housatonic River – The River continues to be generally unfishable due to high flows, currently 3,000 cfs at Falls Village, and 3,900 at Gaylordsville. Tributaries such as Macedonia Brook, Furnace Brook, or the Blackberry River are great alternatives for anglers in the area. For updated flow information, anglers should call FirstLight Power at 1-888-417-4837.
2009 DEP Fishing Report Number 15, 7/30/2009
Lakes & Ponds – Early morning anglers are still boating some good fish. Reports from Mashapaug Lake (19” rainbow & 21” brown among recent catches), Candlewood Lake (action slowing), Coventry Lake, Crystal Lake (19 fish for one team fishing in Ellington), Lake Wononskopomuc, East Twin Lake (good action on browns up to 21”), Highland Lake (browns to 20”), Beach Pond, Long Pond and West Hill Pond.
CONNECTICUT RIVER – Due to high flows and debris, boating on the river has been difficult and at times, hazardous, for much of the last week.
Some STRIPED BASS are being caught on live eels & hickory shad in the lower river.
SMALLMOUTH BASS are being caught in the Enfield area.
CATFISH are being taken on fresh/frozen cut bait. Target shallow areas near deep drop-offs for these scrappy fish.
CALICO BASS action on small minnows is reported in coves by anglers fishing deeper water
.
TIPS & TRICKS- Northern pike provide some of the best excitement fishing can offer.
Where:
Use a lively presentation such as cranks or spinners near the edge of the deep weedline.
They prefer cool water temperatures.
Fishing Rods:
The trend is toward a longer rod because:
You can cast further and more accurately.
You have better control when you retrieve and steer your bait through weeds and other snags.
You can go deeper when you do a "figure-8".
The power is better on hook sets. The longer rod takes slack up faster.
It helps to lead the fish and adds better shock absorbing power.
Handling Northern Pike:
They have sharp teeth so use a hook remover.
Handle smaller northerns by grabbing it across the back-just behind the gill covers.
Larger fish should be netted or slid into a cradle.
Northern Pike will not shy away from noise-in fact they will be attracted to the commotion.
Use a softer, less aggressive approach in the spring...and ratchet it up as the season progresses.
Lures:
Sharp hooks are a must!
Crankbaits are used when hunting for trophy Northern Pike.
In this case bigger bait bigger fish.
They will eat almost anything...but in general any long-thin bait will work.
Vary your retrieve.
Big thumping blades often produce some nice catches.
If the depth is less than 5 feet-use a shallow runner.
If the depth is deeper than five feet use a deep runner.
Spinnerbaits tend to 'run interference' and are a better choice when fishing through the weeds.
Slow and tantalizing jigs are best when the fishing is tough.
A 3/8 oz. jig is best for shallow water...add about 1/8 oz for every 5 feet of depth.
The colder the water...the slower the presentation should be.
(found at MINNESOTA FISHING TIPS)
2009 DEP Fishing Report Number 15, 7/30/2009
NOTICES:
Access to LAKE OF ISLES will be restricted on Friday, July 31st to facilitate an herbicide application targeting invasive plants. The state boat launch at Lake of Isles will be closed all day on July 31st starting from midnight.
MARINE FISHING REPORT
Special notice to saltwater anglers concerning the marine waters fishing license:
Public Act 09-173, the legislation that includes a saltwater recreational fishing license requirement, was signed into law on July 1st. A marine waters fishing license is now required for fishing in the Marine District (this includes Long Island Sound and tidal rivers south of the freshwater demarcation lines as listed on page 46 of the 2009 Connecticut Angler’s Guide).
Environmental Conservation Police will be checking for licenses and initially focusing their efforts on education and outreach. Saltwater anglers need to purchase their license as soon as possible.
The new licenses are available online (www.ct.gov/dep/fishing) and at all current vendors and DEP offices where the existing freshwater fishing and hunting licenses are sold. Please refer to the DEP website for additional information.
Water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) range from the mid 60’s °F to low70’s °F. Water temperatures should rise slowly as we finally get into a more summer like weather pattern. Check out the following web sites for more detailed water temperatures and marine boating conditions:
[/size][url "http://www.mysound.uconn.edu/stationstat.html"][#006699][size 2]http://www.mysound.uconn.edu/stationstat.html[/size][/#006699][/url][size 2]
[/size][url "http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1"][#006699][size 2]http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1[/size][/#006699][/url][size 2]
[/size][url "http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/"][#006699][size 2]http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/[/size][/#006699][/url][size 2]
[/size][url "http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/330.html"][#006699][size 2]http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/330.html[/size][/#006699][/url][size 2]
Remember to check the 2009 Connecticut Angler’s Guide for tidal information (page 52) and pages 49-51 for saltwater trophy fish award information.
STRIPED BASS fishing still remains good at the Watch Hill reefs, the Race, Sluiceway, Pigeon Rip (south of Plum Island), Plum Gut, outer Bartlett Reef, Millstone Point (power plant warm water discharge), Hatchett Reef, Long Sand Shoal, DEP Marine Headquarters fishing pier, Cornfield Point, Southwest Reef,
2009 DEP Fishing Report Number 15, 7/30/2009
Sixmile Reef, Falkner Island area, New Haven Harbor, Bridgeport Harbor, and the Norwalk Islands. Live bait (bunker, eels, hickory shad, or scup) and cut chunk baits have been the ticket for big bass.
BLUEFISH fishing remains good overall with fish ranging in size from about 4 to 10 lbs. Look for diving terns and gulls (especially early in the morning) which is a good indicator that bluefish are ravaging bait near the water surface. Chopper spots include the Watch Hill area, Ram Island Reef in Fishers Island Sound, the Race, Pigeon Rip, Plum Gut, lower Connecticut River, Long Sand Shoal, Sixmile Reef, New Haven Harbor, Charles Island area to Milford Point, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground area, Penfield Reef, and the Norwalk Islands.
SCUP fishing is good on the local reefs throughout LIS. Scup fishing is easy with constant action making it a great way to introduce kids into saltwater fishing.
SUMMER FLOUNDER (fluke) fishing remains fair to good. Doormats over 10 lbs have been reported! The usual fluke spots include the Stonington area, Ram Island Reef to Groton Long Point, Niantic Bay area, Black Point, off Hatchett Point, White Sands Beach, Connecticut River on the flood tide, Long Sand Shoal, Falkner Island area, off the New Haven breakwaters, Stratford Point to Bridgeport Harbor breakwaters and off the Norwalk Islands. Again deep water in the 90+ ft. range is your best bet for catching a trophy doormat.
Also, don’t overlook TAUTOG on the local rock piles and reefs. Fishing has been pretty good for these scrappy fighters.
HICKORY SHAD fishing is good in the lower Niantic and Connecticut Rivers.
For regulation updates, please check our website [/size][url "http://www.ct.gov/dep/fishing"][#006699][size 2]www.ct.gov/dep/fishing[/size][/#006699][/url][size 2]
DEP WEEKLY FISHING REPORT
CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106
[/size][url "http://www.ct.gov/dep"][#006699][size 2]www.ct.gov/dep[/size][/#006699][/url]
[signature]
INLAND REPORT
LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is reported as fair to good. Night fishing is in full swing and producing many fish. Try black jitterbugs and surface poppers. Areas to try Candlewood Lake, Crystal Lake, Silver Lake, Lake Wononskopomuc, Lake Saltonstall, Quonnipaug Lake, Bashan Lake, Highland Lake, Bolton Lakes, Hatch Pond, Mudge Pond, Park Pond, Wood Creek Lake, Rainbow Reservoir, Uncas Lake, Powers Lake, Bishop Pond, Halls Pond, Red Cedar Lake, Rogers Lake, Savin Lake, Scoville Reservoir, Lake Hayward and Tollgate Pond. Crystal Lake (Ellington) and Aspinook Pond report slow fishing for bass.
SMALLMOUTH BASS action reported at Highland Lake, Candlewood Lake, Coventry Lake, Mashapaug Lake, Bashan Lake and Wyassup Lake.
NORTHERN PIKE fishing is reported to be good in Winchester Lake and Pachaug Pond.
KOKANEE in West Hill Pond are being reported by anglers trolling slowly with bait.
Some WALLEYE are being reported from Saugatuck Reservoir, Lake Saltonstall, Mashapaug Lake and Batterson Park Pond.
Excellent CALICO BASS action on small minnows is reported in Highland Lake, Park Pond, West Thompson Reservoir, Silver Lake and Pachaug Pond.
SUNFISH are providing consistent action throughout the state on worms. Try Lower Bolton Lake, Quinebaug Lake, Amos Lake, Somersville Mill Pond, Upper Basin Pond, Lake Winfield, Zemko Pond, Winchester Lake, Tyler Lake, Mamanasco Lake, Hatch Pond, Black Pond (Middlefield) and Mudge Pond. Additionally, reports are excellent from West Hill Pond and Crystal Lake, try both at 19 to 20 feet.
TROUT
Rivers & streams - Due to relatively frequent rain events conditions for fishing have been variable, and some areas have been difficult to fish. Anglers are reminded that under these conditions, fishing smaller streams and tributaries will often be the safer and more productive option. Under these conditions, big streamers and nymphs are a good option. The upcoming weekend is however forecast to be relatively dry. Some good reports last week from the West Branch Farmington River, Willimantic River, Natchaug River, Tankerhoosen River and Salmon River
Farmington River – Trout fishing below Riverton has been variable, with flows frequently high and difficult to fish. The best option has been to fish from Riverton upstream, where flows have been moderate and consistent due to managed releases from the Goodwin Dam. Currently flows are clear and fishable throughout the river, 420 cfs at Riverton, plus another 175 cfs from the Still River. Current hatches/patterns include Light Cahill (Stenonema sps., #14-16; angler report), Ephemerella needhami (#24-28, early morning), Leadwing Coachman (Isonychia bicolor, #10-12, fast water, evening), Blue Wing Olives (Drunella sps., #16-24, mid-late afternoon), Sulphurs duns (Epeorus vitreus, #16-18, morning; afternoon to early evening for spinners; hatch is coming to an end), Rusty Spinner (#20), Caddis (tan #14-20, all day; green #18/22, evening), Midges (#22-32, morning), Black Ants (#14-18, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#8-10, mid day), Flying Ants (#18-22, mid day, when windy/humid) and Golden Drake (Anthopotamus distinctus, #10-14, late evening) are successful patterns.
Housatonic River – The River continues to be generally unfishable due to high flows, currently 3,000 cfs at Falls Village, and 3,900 at Gaylordsville. Tributaries such as Macedonia Brook, Furnace Brook, or the Blackberry River are great alternatives for anglers in the area. For updated flow information, anglers should call FirstLight Power at 1-888-417-4837.
2009 DEP Fishing Report Number 15, 7/30/2009
Lakes & Ponds – Early morning anglers are still boating some good fish. Reports from Mashapaug Lake (19” rainbow & 21” brown among recent catches), Candlewood Lake (action slowing), Coventry Lake, Crystal Lake (19 fish for one team fishing in Ellington), Lake Wononskopomuc, East Twin Lake (good action on browns up to 21”), Highland Lake (browns to 20”), Beach Pond, Long Pond and West Hill Pond.
CONNECTICUT RIVER – Due to high flows and debris, boating on the river has been difficult and at times, hazardous, for much of the last week.
Some STRIPED BASS are being caught on live eels & hickory shad in the lower river.
SMALLMOUTH BASS are being caught in the Enfield area.
CATFISH are being taken on fresh/frozen cut bait. Target shallow areas near deep drop-offs for these scrappy fish.
CALICO BASS action on small minnows is reported in coves by anglers fishing deeper water
.
TIPS & TRICKS- Northern pike provide some of the best excitement fishing can offer.
Where:
Use a lively presentation such as cranks or spinners near the edge of the deep weedline.
They prefer cool water temperatures.
Fishing Rods:
The trend is toward a longer rod because:
You can cast further and more accurately.
You have better control when you retrieve and steer your bait through weeds and other snags.
You can go deeper when you do a "figure-8".
The power is better on hook sets. The longer rod takes slack up faster.
It helps to lead the fish and adds better shock absorbing power.
Handling Northern Pike:
They have sharp teeth so use a hook remover.
Handle smaller northerns by grabbing it across the back-just behind the gill covers.
Larger fish should be netted or slid into a cradle.
Northern Pike will not shy away from noise-in fact they will be attracted to the commotion.
Use a softer, less aggressive approach in the spring...and ratchet it up as the season progresses.
Lures:
Sharp hooks are a must!
Crankbaits are used when hunting for trophy Northern Pike.
In this case bigger bait bigger fish.
They will eat almost anything...but in general any long-thin bait will work.
Vary your retrieve.
Big thumping blades often produce some nice catches.
If the depth is less than 5 feet-use a shallow runner.
If the depth is deeper than five feet use a deep runner.
Spinnerbaits tend to 'run interference' and are a better choice when fishing through the weeds.
Slow and tantalizing jigs are best when the fishing is tough.
A 3/8 oz. jig is best for shallow water...add about 1/8 oz for every 5 feet of depth.
The colder the water...the slower the presentation should be.
(found at MINNESOTA FISHING TIPS)
2009 DEP Fishing Report Number 15, 7/30/2009
NOTICES:
Access to LAKE OF ISLES will be restricted on Friday, July 31st to facilitate an herbicide application targeting invasive plants. The state boat launch at Lake of Isles will be closed all day on July 31st starting from midnight.
MARINE FISHING REPORT
Special notice to saltwater anglers concerning the marine waters fishing license:
Public Act 09-173, the legislation that includes a saltwater recreational fishing license requirement, was signed into law on July 1st. A marine waters fishing license is now required for fishing in the Marine District (this includes Long Island Sound and tidal rivers south of the freshwater demarcation lines as listed on page 46 of the 2009 Connecticut Angler’s Guide).
Environmental Conservation Police will be checking for licenses and initially focusing their efforts on education and outreach. Saltwater anglers need to purchase their license as soon as possible.
The new licenses are available online (www.ct.gov/dep/fishing) and at all current vendors and DEP offices where the existing freshwater fishing and hunting licenses are sold. Please refer to the DEP website for additional information.
Water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) range from the mid 60’s °F to low70’s °F. Water temperatures should rise slowly as we finally get into a more summer like weather pattern. Check out the following web sites for more detailed water temperatures and marine boating conditions:
[/size][url "http://www.mysound.uconn.edu/stationstat.html"][#006699][size 2]http://www.mysound.uconn.edu/stationstat.html[/size][/#006699][/url][size 2]
[/size][url "http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1"][#006699][size 2]http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1[/size][/#006699][/url][size 2]
[/size][url "http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/"][#006699][size 2]http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/[/size][/#006699][/url][size 2]
[/size][url "http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/330.html"][#006699][size 2]http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/330.html[/size][/#006699][/url][size 2]
Remember to check the 2009 Connecticut Angler’s Guide for tidal information (page 52) and pages 49-51 for saltwater trophy fish award information.
STRIPED BASS fishing still remains good at the Watch Hill reefs, the Race, Sluiceway, Pigeon Rip (south of Plum Island), Plum Gut, outer Bartlett Reef, Millstone Point (power plant warm water discharge), Hatchett Reef, Long Sand Shoal, DEP Marine Headquarters fishing pier, Cornfield Point, Southwest Reef,
2009 DEP Fishing Report Number 15, 7/30/2009
Sixmile Reef, Falkner Island area, New Haven Harbor, Bridgeport Harbor, and the Norwalk Islands. Live bait (bunker, eels, hickory shad, or scup) and cut chunk baits have been the ticket for big bass.
BLUEFISH fishing remains good overall with fish ranging in size from about 4 to 10 lbs. Look for diving terns and gulls (especially early in the morning) which is a good indicator that bluefish are ravaging bait near the water surface. Chopper spots include the Watch Hill area, Ram Island Reef in Fishers Island Sound, the Race, Pigeon Rip, Plum Gut, lower Connecticut River, Long Sand Shoal, Sixmile Reef, New Haven Harbor, Charles Island area to Milford Point, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground area, Penfield Reef, and the Norwalk Islands.
SCUP fishing is good on the local reefs throughout LIS. Scup fishing is easy with constant action making it a great way to introduce kids into saltwater fishing.
SUMMER FLOUNDER (fluke) fishing remains fair to good. Doormats over 10 lbs have been reported! The usual fluke spots include the Stonington area, Ram Island Reef to Groton Long Point, Niantic Bay area, Black Point, off Hatchett Point, White Sands Beach, Connecticut River on the flood tide, Long Sand Shoal, Falkner Island area, off the New Haven breakwaters, Stratford Point to Bridgeport Harbor breakwaters and off the Norwalk Islands. Again deep water in the 90+ ft. range is your best bet for catching a trophy doormat.
Also, don’t overlook TAUTOG on the local rock piles and reefs. Fishing has been pretty good for these scrappy fighters.
HICKORY SHAD fishing is good in the lower Niantic and Connecticut Rivers.
For regulation updates, please check our website [/size][url "http://www.ct.gov/dep/fishing"][#006699][size 2]www.ct.gov/dep/fishing[/size][/#006699][/url][size 2]
DEP WEEKLY FISHING REPORT
CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106
[/size][url "http://www.ct.gov/dep"][#006699][size 2]www.ct.gov/dep[/size][/#006699][/url]
[signature]