07-23-2010, 09:32 AM
INLAND REPORT [size 3]
[/size][size 3]
[left]LARGEMOUTH BASS [/left]
[/size]
[left][size 3][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]fishing ranges from good to slow, with the best reports from Mudge Pond, Hatch Pond, Candlewood Lake, Mashapaug Lake, Quaddick Reservoir (ok action, but recent catches include 6.7 lb and 5 lb bass), Lake Wononskopomuc and Ball Pond, and fair reports from Aspinook Pond, Highland Lake, West Hill Pond, Glasgo Pond, Pachaug Pond, Black Pond (Meriden) and Mansfield Hollow Reservoir (big fish were hard to find, but lots of action). Action’s been slow at Beach Pond, Long Pond and Cedar Lake [/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]S[/font][/size][/size][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]MALLMOUTH BASS [/font][/size][size 3][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]fishing is generally fair in lakes and ponds, with the best reports from Candlewood Lake, Lake Housatonic (good action, but big fish are hard to find) and Lake Lillinonah. Although some fish are being caught, it’s been slow at Highland Lake, Gardner Lake, Coventry Lake, Squantz Pond, Mashapaug Lake and Bantam Lake. River smallie action has been excellent in the upper Housatonic River (shiners & crayfish), and fair in the Farmington River (Tariffville). [/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Anglers are catching [/font][/size][/size][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]KOKANEE SALMON [/font][/size][size 3][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]at West Hill Pond and East Twin Lake. Troll for these fish at 4-5 colors of lead line using a flasher with bait or lure and go as slow as you can go. Still fishing at night with a lantern & corn/meal worm combination in 25-30 feet of water has been productive as well. [/font][/size][/size][/left]
[size 3][size 3]
[/size][/size][size 3]
[left]NORTHERN PIKE [/left]
[/size]
[left][size 3][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]catches reported from Bantam Lake, Lake Lillinonah, Winchester Lake and Pachaug Pond. [/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Some [/font][/size][/size][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]WALLEYE [/font][/size][size 3][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]are being reported from Batterson Park Pond (on bait at night), Lake Saltonstall, Coventry Lake and Mashapaug Lake. [/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Fishing for [/font][/size][/size][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]PANFISH [/font][/size][size 3][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]this season has been very good. Now’s the time to get the family out and experience this fast-paced action. Target the shallows with bobbers and worms, grubs or small shiners. Small spinners and jigs have been very productive as well. Small local ponds can be really good, for bigger locations, try Mamanasco Lake, Lake Hayward, Silver Lake (Berlin), Tyler Lake, Coventry Lake, Mudge Pond, West Side Pond, Highland Lake, West Hill Pond and Dog Pond. [/font][/size][/size][/left]
[size 3][size 3]
[/size][/size][size 3][size 3]
[left][font "Times New Roman"]CONNECTICUT RIVER [/font][/left]
[/size][/size]
[left][size 3][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]– [/font][/size][/size][/left]
[left][font "Times New Roman"][size 3][size 3]With the river temperatures reaching the mid 80’s, [/size][/size][size 3]NORTHERN PIKE [/size][/font][size 3][font "Times New Roman"][size 3]fishing is slow. Some anglers are finding them in cooler pockets of water. [/size][/font][/size][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]CATFISH [/font][/size][size 3][font "Times New Roman"][size 3](good) are being taken on frozen & cut bait in the Hartford to Haddam Meadows section of the river (target deeper holes/drop offs). [/size][/font][/size][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]CARP [/font][/size][size 3][font "Times New Roman"][size 3]fishing is rated as good with many fish (generally in the 10-15 lb range) coming to net. Try boilies, worms and sweet corn. Best results are found when the "swim" is pre-baited. Keepers are hard to come by in the inland area but some [/size][/font][/size][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]STRIPED BASS [/font][/size][size 3][font "Times New Roman"][size 3]are being caught in the lower river on live eels, hickory shad and scup. Some [/size][/font][/size][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]SMALLMOUTH BASS [/font][/size][size 3][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]are being caught in the Enfield area. [/font][/size][/size][/left]
[size 3][size 3]
[/size][/size][size 3]
[left]TROUT [/left]
[/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Rivers & streams [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]- Anglers and trout continue to be challenged by very warm weather. Recent rains have at least temporarily improved flows in many areas. Early and late in the day are the best fishing times during the summer. Try targeting areas of cooler waters to reduce stress on fish. Rainbow trout can be found in the fast water and brown trout will typically be in the larger, deeper pools. Bait fisherman are using a corn/mealworm combination. [/size][/font][/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][size 3]
[left]Farmington River – [/left]
[/size]
[left][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Trout fishing continues to be good. West Branch flows remain clear and very fishable, with 200 cfs coming from the Goodwin Dam. The Still River is currently contributing an additional 25 cfs. To take advantage of the coolest water, your best bet is to target the area above the Still River.
Insect hatches have been steady over the past several weeks. [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Ephemerella needhami [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3](#22-26, early morning), Cahills ([/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Stenonema Ithaca, [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]#14, in the Peoples Forest area), Leadwing Coachman ([/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Isonychia bicolor, [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]#8-12, evening), Blue Wing Olives ([/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Drunella sps., [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]#18, mid-late afternoon), Sulphurs ([/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Epeorus vitreus, [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]#16-18) duns (#14-20, morning; afternoon to early evening for spinners), Caddis ([/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Brachycentrus sps., [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]tan #14-20, all day; green #22-26, evening), Midges (#22-28, morning), Black Ants (#8-10, hot mornings in fast water), Black Beetles (#16-18), Flying Ants/Termites (#14-18, when hot & humid after a rain) and Golden Drake ([/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Anthopotamus distinctus[/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3], #10-14, late evening) are successful patterns. [/size][/font][/size][/font][/left]
[font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]
[left]Housatonic River [/left]
[/size]
[left][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]– This week’s rains have brought the river back up closer to more typical summer levels. Flows remain clear, and are currently at 310 cfs at Falls Village and 510 cfs at Gaylordsville. Morning water temperatures have dropped to the low 70’s°F (will rise through the day). More moderate air temperatures are forecast for the start of next week, which may further improve water temperatures.
Summer conditions can be very stressful to trout, and especially during extended bouts of high temperatures and low flows, [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]it’s an excellent time to switch to smallmouth bass (these conditions are near ideal for smallie fishing). Those targeting trout need to take extreme care when handling trout they plan to release! [/size][/left]
[size 3]
[/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[left]Hatches/patterns include Alder/Zebra Caddis ([/left]
[/size][/font][/size][/font]
[left][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Macrostemum zebratum, [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]are around in small numbers, #10-12, afternoon-evening near overhangs), [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Isonychia bicolor [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3](#10-12, evening), Light Cahill ([/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Stenacron sps. [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]#12-14, evening), and Tan & green caddis (#14-20, early morning & evening). Golden stonefly nymphs hatch at first light and adults egg-lay after dark. Don’t forget streamers (morning & evening). Patterns to try include White Zonkers, Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, and Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10, with a red throat). [/size][/font][/size][/font][/left]
[font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]
[left]Anglers are reminded that the thermal refuge areas on the Housatonic, Naugatuck and Shetucket Rivers are now closed to fishing. These areas will reopen on September 1[/left]
[/size]
[left][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]. [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]There is no fishing within 100 feet of the mouths of posted tributaries to these rivers. [/size][/left]
[size 3]
[/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[left]Lakes & Ponds- [/left]
[/size][/font][/size][/font]
[left][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Summer trout anglers are finding some action at Beach Pond (8 colors), Crystal Lake (drifting shiners), East Twin Lake, Long Pond (worms/corn early & late), West Hill Pond (5 colors meal worms/corn), Lake McDonough (target 20-30 feet), Highland Lake (middle bay), Ball Pond, Mt. Tom Pond and Mohawk Pond (deep hole). [/size][/font][/size][/font][/left]
[font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[left]NOTES & NOTICES: [/left]
[/size][/font][/size][/font]
[ol][li][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][li]The [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]Bayberry Lane State Boat Launch [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Groton will be closed for renovations from August 2[/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 1][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 1]nd [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]through December 31[/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 1][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 1]st[/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]. [/size][/font][/size][/font][/li][/ol][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][size 3]
[left]TIPS & TRICKS [/left]
[/size]
[left][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]- LARGEMOUTH BASS FISHING IN THE SUMMER HEAT [/size][/font][/size][/font][/left]
[font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]
[left]Do bass stop feeding in hot weather? NO. [/left]
[/size]
[ol][li][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][li]Bass are cold-blooded creatures. [li]They adjust their body temperatures to their surroundings. [li]They have upper and lower temperature tolerances. [li]Temperature regulates their metabolic rate. [li]The energy (food) needs of a bass increase with temperature. [li]It is impossible for a fish to cease feeding during hot weather. [li]A bass feeds more during the summer months than at any other time.[/size][/font][/size][/font] [/li][/ol][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]
[left]In hot weather, do bass always go to deep water? NO. [/left]
[/size]
[ol][li][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][li]Bass will be at greater depths in clear water (20-45 feet) than in a stained waters (10-18 feet). [li]Largemouth bass will venture to shallow areas and food shelves to feed. [li]Bass do not normally go deeper than this during the summer months. [li]They go the deepest during the coldest part of the winter, when the depths are actually warmer. [li]Spring (spawning) finds most of the bass in exceptionally shallow water. [li]Most of the summer bass can be found beneath where your boat was sitting during the spring. [li]When surface temperature is high 80's and low 90's, the water at 10-12 feet will be in low 70's. [li]Prove this to yourself by jumping off a boat and noticing how cold that water is down deep.[/size][/font][/size][/font] [/li][/ol][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]
[left]Do bass have certain temperature preferences and will always adhere to them? NO[/left]
[/size]
[left][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]. [/size][/font][/size][/font][/left]
[ol][li][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][li]Bass seems to disregard temperature factors in favor of staying near food. [li]Largemouth bass makes the most efficient use of food at 78-85 degrees (F). [li]Peak efficiency is approximately 82 degrees (F). [li]Their food supply does not handle warm water well. [li]With the water temperature up the bass are very active, moving a lot, and feeding heavily. [li]Summer bass school strongly and nearly always relate to structure. [li]The most ideal summer structure is a creek or river channel drop off. [li]First, it is near deep water. [li]Second, it is a large feature that allows a school to disperse along its course. [li]Finally, channels have some degree of current flow. [li]Current is important in hot weather. [li]During hot weather a rapidly-fished lure is more productive than one presented slowly. [li]The bass are on their most active feed during the hot summer period.[/size][/font][/size][/font] [/li][/ol][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][size 5]
[left]MARINE FISHING REPORT [/left]
[/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[left]Surface water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) are in the low to mid 70’s °F. Check out the following web sites for more detailed water temperatures and marine boating conditions:
[url "http://www.mysound.uconn.edu/stationstat.html"]http://www.mysound.uconn.edu/stationstat.html[/url]
[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] [/left]
[/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]
[left]STRIPED BASS [/left]
[/size]
[left][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]and [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]BLUEFISH [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]fishing remains fair to good. The usual fishing spots include the Watch Hill area, Ram Island Reef (Fishers Island Sound), lower Thames River, the Race (by Race Rock and Valiant Rock), outer Bartlett Reef, the Sluiceway, Plum Gut, Pigeon Rip, warm water discharge from Millstone Power Station, the "humps" south of Hatchett Reef, Long Sand Shoal, Cornfield Point, Southwest Reef, Sixmile Reef, Falkner Island area, reefs off Guilford and Branford, New Haven Harbor, buoys #18 and #20 off Bridgeport, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground, Black Rock Harbor, Penfield Reef, Norwalk Islands, Cable and Anchor Reef, Smith Reef and the reefs off Stamford and Greenwich. [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]SNAPPER BLUE [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]fishing is good in the tidal creeks although the fish are only 4 to 5 inches in length. [/size][/font][/size][/font][/left]
[font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]
[left]SUMMER FLOUNDER [/left]
[/size]
[left][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]fishing remains the same with a lot of shorts being reported. Fluking locations include the Sandy Point area in Stonington, Stonington flats south of the breakwaters, Ram Island Reef to Latimer Point and around Seaflower Reef (Fishers Island Sound), south side of Fishers Island, Twotree Island Channel, Niantic River, Black Point, White Sands Beach, Long Sand Shoal, Southwest Reef area, Falkner Island area, off the New Haven breakwaters, off the mouth of the Housatonic River to buoys #18 and 20 off Bridgeport, south of the Norwalk Islands and across to the north shore beaches of Long Island. [/size][/font][/size][/font][/left]
[font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]
[left]SCUP (porgy) [/left]
[/size]
[left][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]fishing still remains good to excellent with jumbos in the 15 to 17 inch range. Most of the major reefs, rock piles, jetties, and rocky areas along the shoreline will harbor these good tasting fish. Also, [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]BLACK SEA BASS [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]will be mixed in as well. [/size][/font][/size][/font][/left]
[font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]
[left]BLUE CRABBING [/left]
[/size]
[left][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]is good and will only get better along the coastline in the tidal creeks, rivers, and coves. [/size][/font][/size][/font][/left]
[font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]
[left]For regulation updates and fishing/crabbing information, please check out our web site at: [/left]
[/size]
[left][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]www.ct.gov/dep or pick up the 2010 Angler’s Guide.
DEP WEEKLY FISHING REPORT
CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106 [/size][/font][/size][/font][/left]
[font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[url "http://www.ct.gov/dep"]www.ct.gov/dep[/url]
[/size][/font][/size][/font][/size][/font][/size][/font][/size][/font][/size][/font][/size][/font][/size][/font]
[signature]
[/size][size 3]
[left]LARGEMOUTH BASS [/left]
[/size]
[left][size 3][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]fishing ranges from good to slow, with the best reports from Mudge Pond, Hatch Pond, Candlewood Lake, Mashapaug Lake, Quaddick Reservoir (ok action, but recent catches include 6.7 lb and 5 lb bass), Lake Wononskopomuc and Ball Pond, and fair reports from Aspinook Pond, Highland Lake, West Hill Pond, Glasgo Pond, Pachaug Pond, Black Pond (Meriden) and Mansfield Hollow Reservoir (big fish were hard to find, but lots of action). Action’s been slow at Beach Pond, Long Pond and Cedar Lake [/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]S[/font][/size][/size][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]MALLMOUTH BASS [/font][/size][size 3][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]fishing is generally fair in lakes and ponds, with the best reports from Candlewood Lake, Lake Housatonic (good action, but big fish are hard to find) and Lake Lillinonah. Although some fish are being caught, it’s been slow at Highland Lake, Gardner Lake, Coventry Lake, Squantz Pond, Mashapaug Lake and Bantam Lake. River smallie action has been excellent in the upper Housatonic River (shiners & crayfish), and fair in the Farmington River (Tariffville). [/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Anglers are catching [/font][/size][/size][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]KOKANEE SALMON [/font][/size][size 3][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]at West Hill Pond and East Twin Lake. Troll for these fish at 4-5 colors of lead line using a flasher with bait or lure and go as slow as you can go. Still fishing at night with a lantern & corn/meal worm combination in 25-30 feet of water has been productive as well. [/font][/size][/size][/left]
[size 3][size 3]
[/size][/size][size 3]
[left]NORTHERN PIKE [/left]
[/size]
[left][size 3][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]catches reported from Bantam Lake, Lake Lillinonah, Winchester Lake and Pachaug Pond. [/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Some [/font][/size][/size][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]WALLEYE [/font][/size][size 3][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]are being reported from Batterson Park Pond (on bait at night), Lake Saltonstall, Coventry Lake and Mashapaug Lake. [/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Fishing for [/font][/size][/size][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]PANFISH [/font][/size][size 3][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]this season has been very good. Now’s the time to get the family out and experience this fast-paced action. Target the shallows with bobbers and worms, grubs or small shiners. Small spinners and jigs have been very productive as well. Small local ponds can be really good, for bigger locations, try Mamanasco Lake, Lake Hayward, Silver Lake (Berlin), Tyler Lake, Coventry Lake, Mudge Pond, West Side Pond, Highland Lake, West Hill Pond and Dog Pond. [/font][/size][/size][/left]
[size 3][size 3]
[/size][/size][size 3][size 3]
[left][font "Times New Roman"]CONNECTICUT RIVER [/font][/left]
[/size][/size]
[left][size 3][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]– [/font][/size][/size][/left]
[left][font "Times New Roman"][size 3][size 3]With the river temperatures reaching the mid 80’s, [/size][/size][size 3]NORTHERN PIKE [/size][/font][size 3][font "Times New Roman"][size 3]fishing is slow. Some anglers are finding them in cooler pockets of water. [/size][/font][/size][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]CATFISH [/font][/size][size 3][font "Times New Roman"][size 3](good) are being taken on frozen & cut bait in the Hartford to Haddam Meadows section of the river (target deeper holes/drop offs). [/size][/font][/size][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]CARP [/font][/size][size 3][font "Times New Roman"][size 3]fishing is rated as good with many fish (generally in the 10-15 lb range) coming to net. Try boilies, worms and sweet corn. Best results are found when the "swim" is pre-baited. Keepers are hard to come by in the inland area but some [/size][/font][/size][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]STRIPED BASS [/font][/size][size 3][font "Times New Roman"][size 3]are being caught in the lower river on live eels, hickory shad and scup. Some [/size][/font][/size][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]SMALLMOUTH BASS [/font][/size][size 3][size 3][font "Times New Roman"]are being caught in the Enfield area. [/font][/size][/size][/left]
[size 3][size 3]
[/size][/size][size 3]
[left]TROUT [/left]
[/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Rivers & streams [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]- Anglers and trout continue to be challenged by very warm weather. Recent rains have at least temporarily improved flows in many areas. Early and late in the day are the best fishing times during the summer. Try targeting areas of cooler waters to reduce stress on fish. Rainbow trout can be found in the fast water and brown trout will typically be in the larger, deeper pools. Bait fisherman are using a corn/mealworm combination. [/size][/font][/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][size 3]
[left]Farmington River – [/left]
[/size]
[left][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Trout fishing continues to be good. West Branch flows remain clear and very fishable, with 200 cfs coming from the Goodwin Dam. The Still River is currently contributing an additional 25 cfs. To take advantage of the coolest water, your best bet is to target the area above the Still River.
Insect hatches have been steady over the past several weeks. [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Ephemerella needhami [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3](#22-26, early morning), Cahills ([/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Stenonema Ithaca, [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]#14, in the Peoples Forest area), Leadwing Coachman ([/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Isonychia bicolor, [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]#8-12, evening), Blue Wing Olives ([/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Drunella sps., [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]#18, mid-late afternoon), Sulphurs ([/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Epeorus vitreus, [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]#16-18) duns (#14-20, morning; afternoon to early evening for spinners), Caddis ([/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Brachycentrus sps., [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]tan #14-20, all day; green #22-26, evening), Midges (#22-28, morning), Black Ants (#8-10, hot mornings in fast water), Black Beetles (#16-18), Flying Ants/Termites (#14-18, when hot & humid after a rain) and Golden Drake ([/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Anthopotamus distinctus[/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3], #10-14, late evening) are successful patterns. [/size][/font][/size][/font][/left]
[font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]
[left]Housatonic River [/left]
[/size]
[left][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]– This week’s rains have brought the river back up closer to more typical summer levels. Flows remain clear, and are currently at 310 cfs at Falls Village and 510 cfs at Gaylordsville. Morning water temperatures have dropped to the low 70’s°F (will rise through the day). More moderate air temperatures are forecast for the start of next week, which may further improve water temperatures.
Summer conditions can be very stressful to trout, and especially during extended bouts of high temperatures and low flows, [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]it’s an excellent time to switch to smallmouth bass (these conditions are near ideal for smallie fishing). Those targeting trout need to take extreme care when handling trout they plan to release! [/size][/left]
[size 3]
[/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[left]Hatches/patterns include Alder/Zebra Caddis ([/left]
[/size][/font][/size][/font]
[left][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Macrostemum zebratum, [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]are around in small numbers, #10-12, afternoon-evening near overhangs), [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Isonychia bicolor [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3](#10-12, evening), Light Cahill ([/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Stenacron sps. [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]#12-14, evening), and Tan & green caddis (#14-20, early morning & evening). Golden stonefly nymphs hatch at first light and adults egg-lay after dark. Don’t forget streamers (morning & evening). Patterns to try include White Zonkers, Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, and Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10, with a red throat). [/size][/font][/size][/font][/left]
[font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]
[left]Anglers are reminded that the thermal refuge areas on the Housatonic, Naugatuck and Shetucket Rivers are now closed to fishing. These areas will reopen on September 1[/left]
[/size]
[left][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]. [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]There is no fishing within 100 feet of the mouths of posted tributaries to these rivers. [/size][/left]
[size 3]
[/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[left]Lakes & Ponds- [/left]
[/size][/font][/size][/font]
[left][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Summer trout anglers are finding some action at Beach Pond (8 colors), Crystal Lake (drifting shiners), East Twin Lake, Long Pond (worms/corn early & late), West Hill Pond (5 colors meal worms/corn), Lake McDonough (target 20-30 feet), Highland Lake (middle bay), Ball Pond, Mt. Tom Pond and Mohawk Pond (deep hole). [/size][/font][/size][/font][/left]
[font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[left]NOTES & NOTICES: [/left]
[/size][/font][/size][/font]
[ol][li][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][li]The [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]Bayberry Lane State Boat Launch [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Groton will be closed for renovations from August 2[/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 1][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 1]nd [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]through December 31[/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 1][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 1]st[/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]. [/size][/font][/size][/font][/li][/ol][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][size 3]
[left]TIPS & TRICKS [/left]
[/size]
[left][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]- LARGEMOUTH BASS FISHING IN THE SUMMER HEAT [/size][/font][/size][/font][/left]
[font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]
[left]Do bass stop feeding in hot weather? NO. [/left]
[/size]
[ol][li][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][li]Bass are cold-blooded creatures. [li]They adjust their body temperatures to their surroundings. [li]They have upper and lower temperature tolerances. [li]Temperature regulates their metabolic rate. [li]The energy (food) needs of a bass increase with temperature. [li]It is impossible for a fish to cease feeding during hot weather. [li]A bass feeds more during the summer months than at any other time.[/size][/font][/size][/font] [/li][/ol][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]
[left]In hot weather, do bass always go to deep water? NO. [/left]
[/size]
[ol][li][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][li]Bass will be at greater depths in clear water (20-45 feet) than in a stained waters (10-18 feet). [li]Largemouth bass will venture to shallow areas and food shelves to feed. [li]Bass do not normally go deeper than this during the summer months. [li]They go the deepest during the coldest part of the winter, when the depths are actually warmer. [li]Spring (spawning) finds most of the bass in exceptionally shallow water. [li]Most of the summer bass can be found beneath where your boat was sitting during the spring. [li]When surface temperature is high 80's and low 90's, the water at 10-12 feet will be in low 70's. [li]Prove this to yourself by jumping off a boat and noticing how cold that water is down deep.[/size][/font][/size][/font] [/li][/ol][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]
[left]Do bass have certain temperature preferences and will always adhere to them? NO[/left]
[/size]
[left][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]. [/size][/font][/size][/font][/left]
[ol][li][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][li]Bass seems to disregard temperature factors in favor of staying near food. [li]Largemouth bass makes the most efficient use of food at 78-85 degrees (F). [li]Peak efficiency is approximately 82 degrees (F). [li]Their food supply does not handle warm water well. [li]With the water temperature up the bass are very active, moving a lot, and feeding heavily. [li]Summer bass school strongly and nearly always relate to structure. [li]The most ideal summer structure is a creek or river channel drop off. [li]First, it is near deep water. [li]Second, it is a large feature that allows a school to disperse along its course. [li]Finally, channels have some degree of current flow. [li]Current is important in hot weather. [li]During hot weather a rapidly-fished lure is more productive than one presented slowly. [li]The bass are on their most active feed during the hot summer period.[/size][/font][/size][/font] [/li][/ol][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][size 5]
[left]MARINE FISHING REPORT [/left]
[/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[left]Surface water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) are in the low to mid 70’s °F. Check out the following web sites for more detailed water temperatures and marine boating conditions:
[url "http://www.mysound.uconn.edu/stationstat.html"]http://www.mysound.uconn.edu/stationstat.html[/url]
[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] [/left]
[/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]
[left]STRIPED BASS [/left]
[/size]
[left][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]and [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]BLUEFISH [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]fishing remains fair to good. The usual fishing spots include the Watch Hill area, Ram Island Reef (Fishers Island Sound), lower Thames River, the Race (by Race Rock and Valiant Rock), outer Bartlett Reef, the Sluiceway, Plum Gut, Pigeon Rip, warm water discharge from Millstone Power Station, the "humps" south of Hatchett Reef, Long Sand Shoal, Cornfield Point, Southwest Reef, Sixmile Reef, Falkner Island area, reefs off Guilford and Branford, New Haven Harbor, buoys #18 and #20 off Bridgeport, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground, Black Rock Harbor, Penfield Reef, Norwalk Islands, Cable and Anchor Reef, Smith Reef and the reefs off Stamford and Greenwich. [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]SNAPPER BLUE [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]fishing is good in the tidal creeks although the fish are only 4 to 5 inches in length. [/size][/font][/size][/font][/left]
[font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]
[left]SUMMER FLOUNDER [/left]
[/size]
[left][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]fishing remains the same with a lot of shorts being reported. Fluking locations include the Sandy Point area in Stonington, Stonington flats south of the breakwaters, Ram Island Reef to Latimer Point and around Seaflower Reef (Fishers Island Sound), south side of Fishers Island, Twotree Island Channel, Niantic River, Black Point, White Sands Beach, Long Sand Shoal, Southwest Reef area, Falkner Island area, off the New Haven breakwaters, off the mouth of the Housatonic River to buoys #18 and 20 off Bridgeport, south of the Norwalk Islands and across to the north shore beaches of Long Island. [/size][/font][/size][/font][/left]
[font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]
[left]SCUP (porgy) [/left]
[/size]
[left][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]fishing still remains good to excellent with jumbos in the 15 to 17 inch range. Most of the major reefs, rock piles, jetties, and rocky areas along the shoreline will harbor these good tasting fish. Also, [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]BLACK SEA BASS [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]will be mixed in as well. [/size][/font][/size][/font][/left]
[font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]
[left]BLUE CRABBING [/left]
[/size]
[left][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]is good and will only get better along the coastline in the tidal creeks, rivers, and coves. [/size][/font][/size][/font][/left]
[font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]
[left]For regulation updates and fishing/crabbing information, please check out our web site at: [/left]
[/size]
[left][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]www.ct.gov/dep or pick up the 2010 Angler’s Guide.
DEP WEEKLY FISHING REPORT
CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106 [/size][/font][/size][/font][/left]
[font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[url "http://www.ct.gov/dep"]www.ct.gov/dep[/url]
[/size][/font][/size][/font][/size][/font][/size][/font][/size][/font][/size][/font][/size][/font][/size][/font]
[signature]