Weekly fishing reports Decemeber 3rd
Republican American
INLAND REPORT
Broodstock Atlantic salmon - Fishing for salmon in the Naugatuck River is picking up, although anglers continue to report seeing a lot more fish than they are catching. Shetucket River fishing has improved. Note that some additional salmon from the federal hatchery may become available for stocking in CT in December.
Regulations reminder: Anglers are reminded that angling for broodstock Atlantic salmon in the Naugatuck, Housatonic and Shetucket Rivers is limited to catch-and- release only through November 30, 2007. From December 1, 2007 through March 31, 2008, anglers may keep one fish per day. Fishing for Atlantic salmon is limited to use of a single fly or a lure with a single free-swinging hook. Please see the 2007 CT Angler's Guide for complete regulations (page 7) for broodstock salmon fishing on these three rivers. Regulations for the broodstock salmon that were stocked into Crystal Lake and Beach Pond differ from the regulations for salmon in the three rivers. In each lake, the regulations for methods, seasons and minimum lengths for salmon will be the same as for trout in that specific water body but the daily creel limit will be one salmon per day. (Please refer to the 2007 CT Angler's Guide for trout regulations).
TROUT
Rivers & streams - Expect to work for the fish and for the takes to be subtle in the colder waters. With the colder and wetter weather, anglers and angling have slowed, but some nice catches have been reported from the Farmington, Housatonic and Naugatuck Rivers. A number of smaller streams also continue to provide some nice action on wild brook and brown trout. Fall is streamer and nymphing time. White, yellow and brown are good streamer colors, and patterns include White Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-#10). Nymphs to bottom bounce include caddis pupa (#14-#16), Serendipity (#14-#16), Pheasant Tail (#12-#20), Prince (#6-#18) and Hare's ear (#8-#20).
Farmington River - For best action try Blue Wing Olives (#22-#28, late morning; use emergers, duns & rusty spinners), Caddis (winter #14-#20, early afternoon; try X-Caddis, Elk Hair or Sparkle Pupa), Isonychia (#12) and Midges (#22-#32). Expect most of the action to be from about 11:30 am to 3:00 pm. Housatonic River - Colder water is causing fish to move into the pools and in the slow to moderate current. Insect hatches include Midges (#20-#26; try Griffith's Gnat or Midge Pupa); try Emergent Sparkle Pupa, X-Caddis, Elk Hair or Henryville Special). Midges are the main hatch now. Expect to fish mainly subsurface. Nymphing has been the most consistent tactic. Slowly fished streamers can connect with fish also.
Lakes & Ponds �“ Water temperatures continue to decline and fish are less active. Late season trout fishing is variable. Good reports from Mt. Tom and mixed reports from East Twin Lake and Highland Lake.
LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is reported as generally fair with reports from Highland Lake, Beseck Lake and Moodus Reservoir (a 4.6 lb bass is among the catches). Some good action reported from Candlewood Lake and East Twin Lake. Slow for bass at Amos Lake, Pachaug Pond and Mansfield Hollow Reservoir.
SMALLMOUTH BASS fishing is variable, good reports from Candlewood Lake, fair at Highland Lake and slow at Coventry Lake.
BLACK CRAPPIE are providing some fair to good action, with reports from Park Pond, Lake Zoar and Lake Lillinonah.
NORTHERN PIKE continue to be caught Bantam Lake, Pachaug Pond and Lake Lillinonah.
WALLEYE catches reported from Squantz Pond and Mashapaug Lake.
Connecticut River �“ A few STRIPED BASS catches (on plastics) were reported on the outgoing tide at the mouth, but fishing for them was poor this past week. NORTHERN PIKE were reported in the Haddam Meadow/Salmon River Cove area. BLACK CRAPPIE are still providing some action in the coves (small shiners on light jig heads).
Fishing Notice Anglers are reminded that the fishing season closes after November 30th at a number of areas including Lake Saltonstall, Bunnells Pond (Beardsley Park), Great Hollow Pond, Lake McDonough, the Maltby Lakes, Mohegan Park Pond (Spaulding Pond, Norwich), Lake Chamberlain and at most designated "children's areas". (Please refer to the 2007 CT Angler's Guide for complete regulations.)
Boating Notices
Boat launches & boating information
The State boat launch at Gardner Lake is closed for renovations and is currently expected to reopen in mid-April, 2008.
Launching from the state boat launches may be difficult at Lattins Cove on Candlewood Lake and Pond Brook on Lake Lillinonah due to low water levels.
MARINE FISHING REPORT
Water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) are in the mid to upper 50's °F. Check out the following web site for more detailed water temperatures and marine boating conditions: http://www.mysound.uconn.edu/stationstat.html.
TAUTOG (blackfish) fishing is prime time. Many good catches reported by anglers who got out on the water. Some good-size tog continue to be caught from shore. Now is the time to fish if weather is OK.
STRIPED BASS and HICKORY SHAD fishing is fair to good in the tidal rivers. The Mystic River, Niantic River between Rte. 156 and the railroad bridge, the lower Connecticut River (DEP Marine Headquarters fishing pier) and the Hammonasset River (Clinton Harbor) are likely spots especially for hickory shad. Larger stripers can still be taken on the major reefs and rip areas.
BLUEFISH are hit or miss with some remaining in LIS. Most have migrated southward.
For regulation updates, visit http://www.ct.gov/dep/fishing.