04-23-2011, 10:14 AM
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[left][size 5]FISHING REPORT NUMBER 1
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[center]4/21/2011
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[left]INLAND REPORT
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[left]Anglers were challenged by less than perfect weather for Opening Day, but enjoyed good fishing in many areas last Saturday. Eight of the Trout Parks were stocked on Opening Day and the many kids present enjoyed helping us stock. DEP’s in-season stocking is now underway with over 270,000 additional trout scheduled to be stocked between Opening Day and the end of May.
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[left]TROUT
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[left]Rivers & streams [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]- Opening Day anglers were challenged by cool/cloudy late November-like weather, but did enjoy a day of moderate flows before the rains came again. With flows generally ranging from moderate to very high this spring, anglers may find more comfortable fishing conditions in the smaller rivers and tributaries. Some nice fish came to net with a number of fish over 20 inches (including a 8 lb rainbow and some 24-26 inch browns). Fair to good reports from the Salmon River, Natchaug River, Pomperaug River, Pootatuck River, Mill River (Fairfield), Scantic River, Mianus River, Saugatuck River, Salmon River (7lbs. rainbow), Mill (Hamden) River, Saugatuck River TMA, Naugatuck River TMA, Moosup River, Pequonnock River, Yantic River, Shetucket River, Hammonasset River, Eightmile (Haddam/Lyme) River, Hockanum River, Moosup River, Willimantic River TMA, Furnace Brook, Latimer Brook, Sandy Brook, Bigelow Brook and Leadmine Brook.
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[left]Farmington River – [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Anglers enjoyed good flows for fishing for Opening Day. However, West Branch flows soon increased to un-fishable levels (due to heavy rain and the necessity to lower Colebrook River Lake). Currently flows have dropped to more moderate levels, 960 cubic feet per second (CFS) at Riverton and an additional 320 CFS from the Still River. Barring additional heavy precipitation, West Branch flows are expected to be further reduced in time for the weekend. Farther downstream, East Branch flows (from Lake McDonough) have also been reduced. Water temperatures are in the low to mid 40’sºF.
[left]Hatches/patterns include Gray Stoneflies (#16-18), some Blue Wing Olive (#16-20), Blue Quill Duns (#16-18), Winter Caddis (#16-20), Midges (#22-28) and a variety of nymphs. Hare’s Ear (#14-16), Yellow Prince (#14-16), Wolly Buggers and Streamers (#2-12) are also producing. Surface activity should increase with rising temperatures.
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[left]Housatonic River [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]– The river is currently unfishable due to high flows, currently 3,100 cfs at Falls Village and 4,850 at Gaylordsville (flows are dropping some, anglers should call FirstLight Power at 1-888-417-4837 for updated flow information). Flows on many of the small tributaries such as Macedonia Brook, Furnace Brook and Kent Falls Brook will be much more fishable. Morning water temperatures have been
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[left]Taa kkkee sssooomee ooonnnee fffiiissshh iiinnnggg!!!
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[left]SHHHARRRE THHHE EXPPPERRRIENNNCCCE
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[left]DIDYMO ALERT
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[left]The highly invasive freshwater alga, [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 1][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 1]Didymosphenia geminata[/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 1][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 1], known as "didymo" or "rock snot", was recently discovered in Connecticut in the West Branch Farmington River. This is the first report of didymo in Connecticut.
[left]Didymo is typically found in cold, shallow streams with rocky substrate. The microscopic didymo cell produces a stalk to attach to the substrate. Under ideal conditions, blooms of didymo can form thick mats of stalk material that feel like wet wool and are typically gray, white and/or brown, but never green in color. These mats form on the bottoms of rivers and streams, and if dense may have negative impacts on the ecological, recreational and aesthetic values of rivers with suitable habitat (cold, rocky, well-lit areas).
[left]Anglers, kayakers and canoeists, boaters and jet skiers can all unknowingly spread didymo. The microscopic cells can cling to fishing gear, waders (felt soles can be especially problematic), boots and boats, and remain viable for months under even slightly moist conditions.
For more information including precautions that should be taken to prevent the spread of didymo to additional waters, visit www.ct.gov/dep/invasivespecies. [size 3]
[left]in the mid 40’s ºF. Hendrickson (#12-14), Parachute Adams (#14-26), Midges (#20-28) and black/brown stoneflies (#12-16) are the current hatches.
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[left]Rivers and streams stocking update. [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]This week in eastern CT, Beaver Brook, Bigelow Brook, Blackledge River (lower), Branford River, Eight Mile River, Farm River (upper & lower), Fenton River, Jeremey River, Little River (Canterbury), Mount Hope River, Natchaug River, Raymond Brook, Roaring Brook (Stafford), Salmon River (including TMA), Shetucket River, Still River (Eastford), Susquetonscut Brook, West River, Willimantic River, Middle River and Yantic River (including TMA) are all scheduled to be stocked. In western CT, Bantam River (Inlet and Outlet), Butternut Brook, Mianus River (including the TMA), Mill River (Hamden, including TMA), Mill River (Fairfield, including TMA), Saugatuck River (including TMA), West Branch Saugatuck River and Wepawaug River. [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Note that stocking schedules are subject to change[/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3].
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[left]Lakes & Ponds [/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][size 3]Some nice fish were found in lakes/ponds throughout the state. This week’s "big fish" included a 9 lb plus rainbow and a 23.5 inch brown trout. Action reported from Saugatuck Reservoir, Mount Tom Pond, Bashan Lake (some catches, but no full creels), Highland Lake, East Twin Lake, West Hill Pond, Cedar Lake (good Opening Day action), Nell’s Rock Reservoir, Black Pond (Middlefield), Bigelow Pond, Coventry Lake, Gardner Lake, Mohawk Pond, Candlewood Lake (some catches but mostly slow), Quonnipaug Lake, Mashapaug Lake, Beach Pond, Crystal Lake (Ellington, good action, several big browns among the catches), Ball Pond and Beach Pond.
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[left]Lakes and ponds stocking update. [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]In eastern CT, Black Pond (Woodstock), Branford Supply Pond, Crystal Lake, Gardner Lake, Hanover Reservoir, Horse Pond, Paine Pond and Lake Saltonstall are scheduled for stocking this week (4/19 – 4/23). In western CT, Baummer Pond, Black Rock Lake, Hop Brook Lake, Mohawk Pond, Mohegan Lake, Mount Tom Pond, Tyler Pond, West Hill Pond, West Side Pond and Lake Wintergreen are scheduled for this week.
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[left]Trout Parks [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]– Opening Day action was good to very good at the Trout Parks, with some 5 lb plus trout among the catches. All the Trout Parks were stocked prior to Opening Day, and the Black Rock Pond, Chatfield Hollow, Mohegan Park Pond, Southford Falls, Stratton Brook, Valley Falls Park Pond, Wharton Brook and Wolfe Park (Great Hollow Pond) Trout Parks were stocked again on Opening Day. This week, the Day Pond, Chatfield Hollow Brook and the Natchaug River Trout Parks are all scheduled to be stocked.
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[left]LARGEMOUTH BASS [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]– With the extended winter, and the generally cool and often cloudy/rainy start to spring, bass fishing hasn’t really warmed up yet this year. Target dark bottom warmer back water coves. Fair reports from Lower Bolton Lake (some action, no "lunkers"), Candlewood Lake, Pachaug Pond (catches include a 6.3 lb bass), Silver Lake, Amos Lake, Quaddick Lake, Gardner Lake, Aspinook Pond, Bantam Lake, Hatch Pond and Wononskopomuc Lake. It’s been tough to find many largemouth at Lake Lillinonah and Coventry Lake so far.
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[left]SMALLMOUTH BASS [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]spring fishing is generally fair, with reports from Candlewood Lake (tougher than the last few years so far, but picking up), Lake Lillinonah (catches include several 4 lb smallies), Quinebaug River/Aspinook Pond, Bantam Lake and Gardner Lake (tough but some catches).
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[left]NORTHERN PIKE – [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]Some catches reported from Winchester Lake and Bantam Lake.
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[left]IMPORTANT REMINDER
[left]TO ANGLERS AND BOATERS[/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 2][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 2]-
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[left]Zebra mussels were recently (October, 2010) found in Lake Zoar and Lake Lillinonah.
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[left]Prior to this discovery, zebra mussels had been found (1998) in CT only in East Twin Lake and West Twin Lake (Salisbury). During 2009 zebra mussels were discovered in Massachusetts in Laurel Lake and in the mainstem Housatonic River. Anglers fishing in any of these waters and western Connecticut in general [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 1][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 1]should use extra care to avoid transporting water, aquatic vegetation, and possibly zebra mussels to new locations[/size][/font][/size][/font][size 1].
[left]The zebra mussel is a black and white striped, bivalve mollusc that was introduced into North American waters through the discharge of ship ballast water. This mussel can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and is notorious for clogging water intakes, and fouling boat hulls and engine cooling water systems.
For more information on zebra mussels and other invasive species, visit www.ct.gov/dep/invasivespecies. [size 3]
[left]ATLANTIC SALMON – [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Holdover broodstock are being caught, with catches from Crystal Lake (9.5 and 6.5 lb fish), Mount Tom Pond (23 inch salmon) and the Shetucket River (36 inch plus fish).
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[left]WALLEYE [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]are being caught at Mashapaug Lake and Lake Saltonstall. Target near shore rocky cobble areas with stick baits, Shad Raps and live bait.
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[left]CONNECTICUT RIVER [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]–[/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Flows have been very high (at or above flood stage), making safe launching and boating difficult. Some intrepid anglers are finding a few [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]STRIPED BASS [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3](schoolie size fish and adults). In early season stained waters, sand & blood worms can be very effective. Some [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]SHAD [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]have been caught, suggesting that these tasty treats are starting to make their annual trip up the Connecticut.
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[left]NOTES & NOTICES:
[ol][/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3][li]TROUT ANGLERS [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]now have a new convenience available to them on the DEP website, maps of a number of the state’s trout streams and rivers showing the many stocking and access points. The Inland Fisheries Division is in the process of creating a series of maps showing the locations where trout are stocked throughout the state. The first few sets of maps have already been posted on the DEP website (www.ct.gov/dep/fishing), and DEP will continue to add maps of additional areas as they become available. [/li][/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3][li]MOODUS RESERVOIR [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3](Lower & Upper) is currently drawn down 20 inches, making the launching of trailer boats difficult (especially for larger boats). It is anticipated that this drawdown will continue into the month of May. [/li][/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3][li]LITTLE RIVER [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3](Oxford/Seymour) – The temporary fish consumption advisory has been lifted. This special advisory was enacted in June, 2010 due to concerns about possible PCB contamination from a storm-damaged electrical transformer. Anglers are reminded that the general statewide fish consumption advisory due to mercury contamination remains in place (for more information visit the DPH website at www.ct.gov/dph and go to the Environmental Health pages). [/li][/ol][/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[left]TIPS & TRICKS – [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 4]TROUT IN LAKES
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[left]Trolling got off to a great start with many big fish being taken. Experienced anglers used stick baits, spinners, rooster tail, flash kings (orange/gold), DB Smelts (blue/silver), streamers & live bait. Lead line, flat line and down rigger presentations were reported as being effective. Fish were found from 0 to 12 feet. Slower boat speeds of 1.5 – 1.9 mph were found to be the best as fish are still sluggish with the colder water temperatures and lower light levels. Bigger fish can typically be found in 45-50ºF water. Lure color can be very important and bright colors (reds, oranges, or yellows) below 40 feet of water usually don’t work. Black and silver work at any depth and should be the go-to colors.
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The Department of Environmental Protection is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and service provider. In conformance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, DEP makes every effort to provide equally effective services for persons with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities who need this information in an alternative format, to allow them to benefit and/or participate in the agency’s programs and services, should call should call 860-418-5937 or e-mail Barbara.Viadella@ct.gov. Persons who are hearing impaired should call the State of Connecticut relay number 711.
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[left]MARINE FISHING REPORT
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[left]Surface water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) are in the low to mid 40’s° F. Check out the following web sites for more detailed water temperatures and marine boating conditions:
[left]http://www.mysound.uconn.edu/stationstat.html
[left]http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1
[left]http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/
[left]http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/330.html
[left]The persistent wind, rain, and cold weather along with cold water temperatures have played havoc on the early fishing season so far.
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[left]WINTER FLOUNDER [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]fishing is slow overall. However, some flounder spots worth mentioning include Norwalk Harbor (Maritime Aquarium docks, and Calf Pasture Point pier), Guilford area (Thimble Islands), Niantic River, Pine Island area, and Poquonock River (Bluff Point State Park).
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[left]TAUTOG [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]fishing is still on the early side since tog don’t start becoming active until water temperatures get up into the higher 40’s to 50°F. Shallow, rocky, inshore areas that warm up faster are your best bet.
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[left]STRIPED BASS [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]fishing action has been basically limited to the Thames River from Norwich down to Montville, upper Niantic River, and the Housatonic River.
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[left]For regulation updates and fishing/crabbing information, please check out our web site at: [/size][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 new 2011 Angler’s Guide. The guide contains [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]all [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]current marine fishing regulations and more.
[left]DEP WEEKLY FISHING REPORT
[left]CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
[left]79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106
www.ct.gov/dep
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[left][size 5]FISHING REPORT NUMBER 1
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[center]4/21/2011
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[left]INLAND REPORT
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[left]Anglers were challenged by less than perfect weather for Opening Day, but enjoyed good fishing in many areas last Saturday. Eight of the Trout Parks were stocked on Opening Day and the many kids present enjoyed helping us stock. DEP’s in-season stocking is now underway with over 270,000 additional trout scheduled to be stocked between Opening Day and the end of May.
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[left]TROUT
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[left]Rivers & streams [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]- Opening Day anglers were challenged by cool/cloudy late November-like weather, but did enjoy a day of moderate flows before the rains came again. With flows generally ranging from moderate to very high this spring, anglers may find more comfortable fishing conditions in the smaller rivers and tributaries. Some nice fish came to net with a number of fish over 20 inches (including a 8 lb rainbow and some 24-26 inch browns). Fair to good reports from the Salmon River, Natchaug River, Pomperaug River, Pootatuck River, Mill River (Fairfield), Scantic River, Mianus River, Saugatuck River, Salmon River (7lbs. rainbow), Mill (Hamden) River, Saugatuck River TMA, Naugatuck River TMA, Moosup River, Pequonnock River, Yantic River, Shetucket River, Hammonasset River, Eightmile (Haddam/Lyme) River, Hockanum River, Moosup River, Willimantic River TMA, Furnace Brook, Latimer Brook, Sandy Brook, Bigelow Brook and Leadmine Brook.
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[left]Farmington River – [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Anglers enjoyed good flows for fishing for Opening Day. However, West Branch flows soon increased to un-fishable levels (due to heavy rain and the necessity to lower Colebrook River Lake). Currently flows have dropped to more moderate levels, 960 cubic feet per second (CFS) at Riverton and an additional 320 CFS from the Still River. Barring additional heavy precipitation, West Branch flows are expected to be further reduced in time for the weekend. Farther downstream, East Branch flows (from Lake McDonough) have also been reduced. Water temperatures are in the low to mid 40’sºF.
[left]Hatches/patterns include Gray Stoneflies (#16-18), some Blue Wing Olive (#16-20), Blue Quill Duns (#16-18), Winter Caddis (#16-20), Midges (#22-28) and a variety of nymphs. Hare’s Ear (#14-16), Yellow Prince (#14-16), Wolly Buggers and Streamers (#2-12) are also producing. Surface activity should increase with rising temperatures.
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[left]Housatonic River [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]– The river is currently unfishable due to high flows, currently 3,100 cfs at Falls Village and 4,850 at Gaylordsville (flows are dropping some, anglers should call FirstLight Power at 1-888-417-4837 for updated flow information). Flows on many of the small tributaries such as Macedonia Brook, Furnace Brook and Kent Falls Brook will be much more fishable. Morning water temperatures have been
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[left]Taa kkkee sssooomee ooonnnee fffiiissshh iiinnnggg!!!
[/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Arial,Arial"][size 5][font "Arial,Arial"][size 5]
[left]SHHHARRRE THHHE EXPPPERRRIENNNCCCE
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[left]DIDYMO ALERT
[/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 1][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 1]
[left]The highly invasive freshwater alga, [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 1][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 1]Didymosphenia geminata[/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 1][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 1], known as "didymo" or "rock snot", was recently discovered in Connecticut in the West Branch Farmington River. This is the first report of didymo in Connecticut.
[left]Didymo is typically found in cold, shallow streams with rocky substrate. The microscopic didymo cell produces a stalk to attach to the substrate. Under ideal conditions, blooms of didymo can form thick mats of stalk material that feel like wet wool and are typically gray, white and/or brown, but never green in color. These mats form on the bottoms of rivers and streams, and if dense may have negative impacts on the ecological, recreational and aesthetic values of rivers with suitable habitat (cold, rocky, well-lit areas).
[left]Anglers, kayakers and canoeists, boaters and jet skiers can all unknowingly spread didymo. The microscopic cells can cling to fishing gear, waders (felt soles can be especially problematic), boots and boats, and remain viable for months under even slightly moist conditions.
For more information including precautions that should be taken to prevent the spread of didymo to additional waters, visit www.ct.gov/dep/invasivespecies. [size 3]
[left]in the mid 40’s ºF. Hendrickson (#12-14), Parachute Adams (#14-26), Midges (#20-28) and black/brown stoneflies (#12-16) are the current hatches.
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[left]Rivers and streams stocking update. [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]This week in eastern CT, Beaver Brook, Bigelow Brook, Blackledge River (lower), Branford River, Eight Mile River, Farm River (upper & lower), Fenton River, Jeremey River, Little River (Canterbury), Mount Hope River, Natchaug River, Raymond Brook, Roaring Brook (Stafford), Salmon River (including TMA), Shetucket River, Still River (Eastford), Susquetonscut Brook, West River, Willimantic River, Middle River and Yantic River (including TMA) are all scheduled to be stocked. In western CT, Bantam River (Inlet and Outlet), Butternut Brook, Mianus River (including the TMA), Mill River (Hamden, including TMA), Mill River (Fairfield, including TMA), Saugatuck River (including TMA), West Branch Saugatuck River and Wepawaug River. [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Note that stocking schedules are subject to change[/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3].
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[left]Lakes & Ponds [/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][size 3]Some nice fish were found in lakes/ponds throughout the state. This week’s "big fish" included a 9 lb plus rainbow and a 23.5 inch brown trout. Action reported from Saugatuck Reservoir, Mount Tom Pond, Bashan Lake (some catches, but no full creels), Highland Lake, East Twin Lake, West Hill Pond, Cedar Lake (good Opening Day action), Nell’s Rock Reservoir, Black Pond (Middlefield), Bigelow Pond, Coventry Lake, Gardner Lake, Mohawk Pond, Candlewood Lake (some catches but mostly slow), Quonnipaug Lake, Mashapaug Lake, Beach Pond, Crystal Lake (Ellington, good action, several big browns among the catches), Ball Pond and Beach Pond.
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[left]Lakes and ponds stocking update. [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]In eastern CT, Black Pond (Woodstock), Branford Supply Pond, Crystal Lake, Gardner Lake, Hanover Reservoir, Horse Pond, Paine Pond and Lake Saltonstall are scheduled for stocking this week (4/19 – 4/23). In western CT, Baummer Pond, Black Rock Lake, Hop Brook Lake, Mohawk Pond, Mohegan Lake, Mount Tom Pond, Tyler Pond, West Hill Pond, West Side Pond and Lake Wintergreen are scheduled for this week.
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[left]Trout Parks [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]– Opening Day action was good to very good at the Trout Parks, with some 5 lb plus trout among the catches. All the Trout Parks were stocked prior to Opening Day, and the Black Rock Pond, Chatfield Hollow, Mohegan Park Pond, Southford Falls, Stratton Brook, Valley Falls Park Pond, Wharton Brook and Wolfe Park (Great Hollow Pond) Trout Parks were stocked again on Opening Day. This week, the Day Pond, Chatfield Hollow Brook and the Natchaug River Trout Parks are all scheduled to be stocked.
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[left]LARGEMOUTH BASS [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]– With the extended winter, and the generally cool and often cloudy/rainy start to spring, bass fishing hasn’t really warmed up yet this year. Target dark bottom warmer back water coves. Fair reports from Lower Bolton Lake (some action, no "lunkers"), Candlewood Lake, Pachaug Pond (catches include a 6.3 lb bass), Silver Lake, Amos Lake, Quaddick Lake, Gardner Lake, Aspinook Pond, Bantam Lake, Hatch Pond and Wononskopomuc Lake. It’s been tough to find many largemouth at Lake Lillinonah and Coventry Lake so far.
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[left]SMALLMOUTH BASS [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]spring fishing is generally fair, with reports from Candlewood Lake (tougher than the last few years so far, but picking up), Lake Lillinonah (catches include several 4 lb smallies), Quinebaug River/Aspinook Pond, Bantam Lake and Gardner Lake (tough but some catches).
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[left]NORTHERN PIKE – [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]Some catches reported from Winchester Lake and Bantam Lake.
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[left]IMPORTANT REMINDER
[left]TO ANGLERS AND BOATERS[/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 2][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 2]-
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[left]Zebra mussels were recently (October, 2010) found in Lake Zoar and Lake Lillinonah.
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[left]Prior to this discovery, zebra mussels had been found (1998) in CT only in East Twin Lake and West Twin Lake (Salisbury). During 2009 zebra mussels were discovered in Massachusetts in Laurel Lake and in the mainstem Housatonic River. Anglers fishing in any of these waters and western Connecticut in general [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 1][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 1]should use extra care to avoid transporting water, aquatic vegetation, and possibly zebra mussels to new locations[/size][/font][/size][/font][size 1].
[left]The zebra mussel is a black and white striped, bivalve mollusc that was introduced into North American waters through the discharge of ship ballast water. This mussel can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and is notorious for clogging water intakes, and fouling boat hulls and engine cooling water systems.
For more information on zebra mussels and other invasive species, visit www.ct.gov/dep/invasivespecies. [size 3]
[left]ATLANTIC SALMON – [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Holdover broodstock are being caught, with catches from Crystal Lake (9.5 and 6.5 lb fish), Mount Tom Pond (23 inch salmon) and the Shetucket River (36 inch plus fish).
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[left]WALLEYE [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]are being caught at Mashapaug Lake and Lake Saltonstall. Target near shore rocky cobble areas with stick baits, Shad Raps and live bait.
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[left]CONNECTICUT RIVER [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]–[/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]Flows have been very high (at or above flood stage), making safe launching and boating difficult. Some intrepid anglers are finding a few [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]STRIPED BASS [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3](schoolie size fish and adults). In early season stained waters, sand & blood worms can be very effective. Some [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3]SHAD [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]have been caught, suggesting that these tasty treats are starting to make their annual trip up the Connecticut.
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[left]NOTES & NOTICES:
[ol][/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3][li]TROUT ANGLERS [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]now have a new convenience available to them on the DEP website, maps of a number of the state’s trout streams and rivers showing the many stocking and access points. The Inland Fisheries Division is in the process of creating a series of maps showing the locations where trout are stocked throughout the state. The first few sets of maps have already been posted on the DEP website (www.ct.gov/dep/fishing), and DEP will continue to add maps of additional areas as they become available. [/li][/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3][li]MOODUS RESERVOIR [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3](Lower & Upper) is currently drawn down 20 inches, making the launching of trailer boats difficult (especially for larger boats). It is anticipated that this drawdown will continue into the month of May. [/li][/size][/font][/size][/font][size 3][li]LITTLE RIVER [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3](Oxford/Seymour) – The temporary fish consumption advisory has been lifted. This special advisory was enacted in June, 2010 due to concerns about possible PCB contamination from a storm-damaged electrical transformer. Anglers are reminded that the general statewide fish consumption advisory due to mercury contamination remains in place (for more information visit the DPH website at www.ct.gov/dph and go to the Environmental Health pages). [/li][/ol][/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]
[left]TIPS & TRICKS – [/size][/font][/size][/font][size 4]TROUT IN LAKES
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[left]Trolling got off to a great start with many big fish being taken. Experienced anglers used stick baits, spinners, rooster tail, flash kings (orange/gold), DB Smelts (blue/silver), streamers & live bait. Lead line, flat line and down rigger presentations were reported as being effective. Fish were found from 0 to 12 feet. Slower boat speeds of 1.5 – 1.9 mph were found to be the best as fish are still sluggish with the colder water temperatures and lower light levels. Bigger fish can typically be found in 45-50ºF water. Lure color can be very important and bright colors (reds, oranges, or yellows) below 40 feet of water usually don’t work. Black and silver work at any depth and should be the go-to colors.
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The Department of Environmental Protection is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and service provider. In conformance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, DEP makes every effort to provide equally effective services for persons with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities who need this information in an alternative format, to allow them to benefit and/or participate in the agency’s programs and services, should call should call 860-418-5937 or e-mail Barbara.Viadella@ct.gov. Persons who are hearing impaired should call the State of Connecticut relay number 711.
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[left]MARINE FISHING REPORT
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[left]Surface water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) are in the low to mid 40’s° F. Check out the following web sites for more detailed water temperatures and marine boating conditions:
[left]http://www.mysound.uconn.edu/stationstat.html
[left]http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1
[left]http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/
[left]http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/330.html
[left]The persistent wind, rain, and cold weather along with cold water temperatures have played havoc on the early fishing season so far.
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[left]WINTER FLOUNDER [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]fishing is slow overall. However, some flounder spots worth mentioning include Norwalk Harbor (Maritime Aquarium docks, and Calf Pasture Point pier), Guilford area (Thimble Islands), Niantic River, Pine Island area, and Poquonock River (Bluff Point State Park).
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[left]TAUTOG [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]fishing is still on the early side since tog don’t start becoming active until water temperatures get up into the higher 40’s to 50°F. Shallow, rocky, inshore areas that warm up faster are your best bet.
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[left]STRIPED BASS [/size][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]fishing action has been basically limited to the Thames River from Norwich down to Montville, upper Niantic River, and the Housatonic River.
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[left]For regulation updates and fishing/crabbing information, please check out our web site at: [/size][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 new 2011 Angler’s Guide. The guide contains [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]all [/size][/font][/size][/font][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3][font "Times New Roman,Times New Roman"][size 3]current marine fishing regulations and more.
[left]DEP WEEKLY FISHING REPORT
[left]CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
[left]79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106
www.ct.gov/dep
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