10-10-2008, 10:48 PM
[size 2]FISHING REPORT NUMBER 25: 10/9/2008
INLAND REPORT
2008 FALL BROODSTOCK ATLANTIC SALMON STOCKING BEGINS
DEP began its annual stockings of surplus broodstock Atlantic salmon this week by releasing a total 420 surplus broodstock Atlantic salmon from DEP’s Kensington Hatchery into the Naugatuck River and the Shetucket River. Another 80 salmon were stocked into two lakes, Crystal Lake (Ellington) and Mashapaug Lake (Union). These fish ranged in size from 2 to 15 pounds each (with some up to 20 pounds). In November, DEP expects to have 500 more salmon available from its Kensington Hatchery following spawning. Additional fish may also become available from a federal hatchery in Vermont following spawning in November.
For the second consecutive year, DEP will be stocking two lakes with broodstock Atlantic salmon. Since DEP began stocking surplus Atlantic salmon in 1992, all fish had been stocked only into the Naugatuck and Shetucket Rivers. However, in October 2007, due to drought conditions, Shetucket River flows were unsuitable for stocking large salmon and the first group of salmon scheduled for the river were instead stocked into Beach Pond (Voluntown) and Crystal Lake. DEP took advantage of last year’s lake stockings by collecting data on the resulting fisheries which indicated that salmon fishing in lakes might be popular. As a result, the DEP decided to stock Mashapaug Lake and Crystal Lake on an experimental basis with salmon from this year’s allotment in order to collect more extensive data on angler activity and catch rates. This information will be used to guide future stocking decisions.
The regulations for broodstock Atlantic salmon released into lakes and ponds are different from the regulations for salmon on the Naugatuck and Shetucket 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 2008 CT Angler’s Guide for trout regulations).
Regulations for broodstock remain the same on the Shetucket and Naugatuck Rivers. In rivers, angling for Atlantic salmon is restricted to CATCH-AND-RELEASE ONLY through November 30. From December 1, 2008, through March 31, 2009, the daily creel limit for Atlantic salmon will be one. During the open season in the rivers, the legal method for taking Atlantic salmon is limited to angling using a single fly, or an artificial lure with a single free swinging hook and no additional weight can be added to the line above the fly or lure.
On the Shetucket River, anglers can fish for salmon downstream from the Scotland Dam (Windham) to the Water Street Bridge in Norwich (the first bridge upstream of Norwich Harbor). The salmon are stocked into one designated Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Area, from the Scotland Dam to the Occum Dam.
Anglers are allowed to fish for salmon in the Naugatuck River from the confluence of the East and West Branches (Torrington) downstream to the Housatonic River (Derby). Anglers may also fish for Atlantic salmon in the Housatonic River downstream of Derby Dam. The salmon are stocked into two designated Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Areas on the Naugatuck River, the “Campville Section” of the upper Naugatuck River from Route 118 downstream to the Thomaston Flood Control Dam (Litchfield-Thomaston) and the “Beacon Falls Section” of the lower Naugatuck, from Prospect Street (Naugatuck) downstream to Pines Bridge Road (Route 42 bridge, Beacon Falls). Note that due to a DOT bridge repair project limiting access, salmon will not be stocked upstream of the Route 8 bridge in Campville this fall. Additionally, in the Beacon Falls area, DEP will no longer be able to stock the area along the RR tracks in Naugatuck State Forest due to safety concerns.
From October 1st through March 31st, fishing for other species in these designated Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Areas is restricted to the gear legal for Atlantic salmon.
TROUT
Fall Trout Stocking update- This week, DEP stocked the Southford Falls, Stratton Brook, Wolfe Park (Great Hollow Pond), Wharton Brook and Black Rock Pond Trout Parks, the Keney Park Pond (Hartford), Bunnells Pond (Beardsley Park - Bridgeport) and Lake Wintergreen (Hamden/New Haven) Urban fishing Areas and the Norwalk River, East Branch Salmon Brook, Sandy Brook, Pequonnock River (in Beardsley Park) and Quinnipiac River with a total of 9,000 standard-size rainbow trout.
Rivers & streams – Conditions should be good for fishing this weekend, with moderate flows and comfortable temperatures (with a bit of a warming trend forecast, morning trout fishing should be good this weekend). Good reports last week from the West Branch Farmington River, Blackledge River and Housatonic River. Streamers and nymphing are the way to go in October. For streamers try white, yellow & brown colors. Patterns to try include White Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10). For nymphs, bottom bounce Caddis pupa (#14-16), Serendipity (#14-16), Pheasant Tail (#12-20), Prince (#6-1![[Image: icon_cool.gif]](http://nedisabledsportsmen.com/forum/images/smiles/icon_cool.gif)
and Hare’s ear (#8-20).
FARMINGTON RIVER - West Branch flows continue to be clear, moderate and quite fishable (200 cfs at Riverton, plus an additional 55 cfs from the Still River). Hatches/patterns include Tricos (Trycorythodes stygiatus, #22-28, 7:00 am-10:00 am, Riverton Area), Isonychia bicolor (major hatch, #10-14, fast water, afternoon/evening), Blue Wing Olives (Drunella & Baetis sps., #22-28, mid-late afternoon), Cahills/Summer (Stenonema ithaca (#12-1, Sulfurs duns (Heptagenia sps., #12-18, below the dam due to low temperatures, morning; afternoon to early evening for spinners), Caddis (tan #14-18, all day; green #22-26, evening; summer pupa #18-20 morning), Midges (#22-32, morning), Black Ants (#16-18, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#16-18, mid day), Flying Ants (#18-22, mid day, when windy/humid) and Stone Hopper (#10-12, mid day). Rusty Spinners (#18-26) have been producing in the evening.
HOUSATONIC RIVER –conditions for fishing should be good this weekend. Morning waters temperatures in the TMA are in the mid 50’s °F. Flows are clear and continue at very fishable levels (About 450 cfs at Falls Village and 750 cfs at Gaylordsville). Hatches/patterns include Blue Wing Olive (#18-26, early morning; spinner fall in evening), Leadwing Coachman (#10-12 evening), Cahills/Summer (#12-14), and Black caddis (#16, early morning & evening). Ants can be very important this time of the year. Trout will ignore everything else when they are on the water. Try Black/Cinnamon Ants (#14-18, mid day in fast water), Sulfurs (#16-1, Black Beetles (#14-18, mid day), Stone Hopper (#8-10, mid day) and Flying Ants (#16-18, mid day, when windy/humid). Nymphing the pockets, deeper riffles and pool heads has also been productive.
Lakes & Ponds – Trout fishing is very good at East Twin Lake (plenty of browns, some up to 24 inches). Some catches also reported from Highland Lake, Crystal Lake (Ellington), Mashapuag Lake and West Hill Pond.
LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is variable, with good reports from Coventry Lake, Winchester Lake (catches include a “fat” 22.5” bass), Wononskopomuc Lake, Lake Waramaug, Candlewood Lake, Aspinook Pond and East Twin Lake. Fishing is fair at Ball Pond, Rogers Lake (catches include several 3-5 lb bass), Mashapaug Lake, Mansfield Hollow Reservoir, Quaddick Reservoir (catches include a 5.2 lb largemouth), Rainbow Reservoir and Lower Bolton lake, and slow at Cedar Lake and Bashan Lake.
SMALLMOUTH BASS – Reports from Coventry Lake (fair), Rainbow Reservoir (good), Candlewood Lake (good, including a number of smallies in the 3-4 lb range, target 18-27 feet of water), Bashan Lake (slow), and Highland Lake (fair).
WALLEYE fishing is generally fair with reports from Gardner Lake (8-lb, 28” walleye among the catches), Saugatuck Reservoir, Squantz Pond and Mashapaug Lake.
CHANNEL CATFISH - A 10.5 lb, 25” channel cat was recently caught at Squantz Pond.
BLACK CRAPPIE action reported from Silver Lake, Park Pond, Gardner Lake, Twin Brooks Park Pond and Lake Lillinonah.
NORTHERN PIKE – Some catches reported from Bantam lake, Winchester Lake and Pachaug Pond.
CONNECTICUT RIVER – STRIPED BASS action in the lower river is good just after dark as hickory shad continue to be in the river. NORTHERN PIKE fishing was good in Keeney Cove this past week with fish up to 41” being caught. Pike can also be found in the Enfield area, Wethersfield Cove, and from Harbor Park (Middletown) down river to the Salmon River Cove area.
CHANNEL CATFISH continue to be caught throughout the river. Wethersfield Cove produced excellent action with fish up to 12 pounds. Target 15-22 feet of water.
BLACK CRAPPIE have been producing some excellent action in Wethersfield Cove as well. Use a small jig tipped with 2” shiners.
FISHING ACCESS, BOAT LAUNCH & DRAWDOWN INFORMATION
LAKE ZOAR is scheduled to be drawn down approximately 3 feet starting October 18th with refilling scheduled to begin the night of October 26th. LAKE LILLINONAH is scheduled to be drawn down 5 feet beginning November 8th and ending November 16th.
Fishing access at LAKE SALTONSTALL will not be available for the rest of the 2008 season due to a planned drawdown to facilitate work includes construction of a new concrete spillway, inlets and earth embankment.
LAKE MCDONOUGH is currently being drawn down to the typical winter level (7-8 ft), remember that the boat launch closed after Labor Day weekend.
The boat launch at Indian Well State Park on LAKE HOUSATONIC is currently scheduled to remain open for daytime use until December 1st.
DEP has been informed that public access to ALEXANDER LAKE is no longer available.
•
The “seawall” area extending from the handicap-accessible fishing pier to the permitted swim area at SQUANTZ POND is currently open to fishing. Anyone with a fishing pole can now access the fence through the several gates. Anglers can also enter the water in that area (except for the one area posted “no trespassing”).
•
The LAKE WARAMAUG Town Boat Launch (Washington) remains open for use by the general public through the last Sunday in October. The launch is open 3 days a week (Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays) for morning (6 am to 11 am) and late afternoon/evening (4 pm to sunset) periods of operation. Seven parking spaces are available on a first come first served basis at the launch. Additionally, up to 13 trailered boats from the Lake Waramaug State Park campground will be allowed to access the lake from the Town launch. The Town charges a $25 annual fee to launch and all boats will be inspected for invasive plants ($5 per launch inspection fee). All town fees can be paid at the boat launch.
MARINE FISHING REPORT
Water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) are in the low to mid 60’s °F. 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 2008 Connecticut Angler’s Guide for tidal information (page 52) and pages 49-51 for saltwater trophy fish award information.
BLUEFISH and STRIPED BASS fishing remains good to excellent throughout LIS. The usual spots include the Watch Hill reefs, Napatree Point, Sandy Point (Stonington), Mystic River, Ram Island Reef (Fishers Island Sound), Thames River, the Race, Sluiceway, Pigeon Rip, Plum Gut, Bartlett Reef, Black Point, outer humps off Hatchett Reef, lower Connecticut River, Long Sand Shoal, Cornfield Point, Southwest Reef, Duck Island area, Sixmile Reef, Falkner Island area, the reefs off Branford, New Haven Harbor, Charles Island to Milford Point, Buoys 18 and 20 off Stratford/Bridgeport, Bridgeport Harbor, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground, the reefs off Norwalk, Cable and Anchor Reef, the Cows off Stamford, and Greenwich Harbor.
HICKORY SHAD fishing is fair to good. Shad can be found mixed in with schoolie stripers in the Niantic River and the Connecticut River (DEP Marine Headquarters fishing pier).
TAUTOG (blackfish) fishing is red hot on the major reefs and especially in Fishers Island Sound with tog weighing in over 10 lbs being reported!
Also, BLACK SEA BASS are a bonus since they are in the same areas.
LITTLE TUNNY (false albacore) have invaded Montauk Point, NY. Other spots include Watch Hill, RI to the Stonington area, off Pine Island (mouth of the Thames River) and Bartlett Reef.
For regulation updates, please check our web site: [/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
2008 FALL BROODSTOCK ATLANTIC SALMON STOCKING BEGINS
DEP began its annual stockings of surplus broodstock Atlantic salmon this week by releasing a total 420 surplus broodstock Atlantic salmon from DEP’s Kensington Hatchery into the Naugatuck River and the Shetucket River. Another 80 salmon were stocked into two lakes, Crystal Lake (Ellington) and Mashapaug Lake (Union). These fish ranged in size from 2 to 15 pounds each (with some up to 20 pounds). In November, DEP expects to have 500 more salmon available from its Kensington Hatchery following spawning. Additional fish may also become available from a federal hatchery in Vermont following spawning in November.
For the second consecutive year, DEP will be stocking two lakes with broodstock Atlantic salmon. Since DEP began stocking surplus Atlantic salmon in 1992, all fish had been stocked only into the Naugatuck and Shetucket Rivers. However, in October 2007, due to drought conditions, Shetucket River flows were unsuitable for stocking large salmon and the first group of salmon scheduled for the river were instead stocked into Beach Pond (Voluntown) and Crystal Lake. DEP took advantage of last year’s lake stockings by collecting data on the resulting fisheries which indicated that salmon fishing in lakes might be popular. As a result, the DEP decided to stock Mashapaug Lake and Crystal Lake on an experimental basis with salmon from this year’s allotment in order to collect more extensive data on angler activity and catch rates. This information will be used to guide future stocking decisions.
The regulations for broodstock Atlantic salmon released into lakes and ponds are different from the regulations for salmon on the Naugatuck and Shetucket 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 2008 CT Angler’s Guide for trout regulations).
Regulations for broodstock remain the same on the Shetucket and Naugatuck Rivers. In rivers, angling for Atlantic salmon is restricted to CATCH-AND-RELEASE ONLY through November 30. From December 1, 2008, through March 31, 2009, the daily creel limit for Atlantic salmon will be one. During the open season in the rivers, the legal method for taking Atlantic salmon is limited to angling using a single fly, or an artificial lure with a single free swinging hook and no additional weight can be added to the line above the fly or lure.
On the Shetucket River, anglers can fish for salmon downstream from the Scotland Dam (Windham) to the Water Street Bridge in Norwich (the first bridge upstream of Norwich Harbor). The salmon are stocked into one designated Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Area, from the Scotland Dam to the Occum Dam.
Anglers are allowed to fish for salmon in the Naugatuck River from the confluence of the East and West Branches (Torrington) downstream to the Housatonic River (Derby). Anglers may also fish for Atlantic salmon in the Housatonic River downstream of Derby Dam. The salmon are stocked into two designated Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Areas on the Naugatuck River, the “Campville Section” of the upper Naugatuck River from Route 118 downstream to the Thomaston Flood Control Dam (Litchfield-Thomaston) and the “Beacon Falls Section” of the lower Naugatuck, from Prospect Street (Naugatuck) downstream to Pines Bridge Road (Route 42 bridge, Beacon Falls). Note that due to a DOT bridge repair project limiting access, salmon will not be stocked upstream of the Route 8 bridge in Campville this fall. Additionally, in the Beacon Falls area, DEP will no longer be able to stock the area along the RR tracks in Naugatuck State Forest due to safety concerns.
From October 1st through March 31st, fishing for other species in these designated Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Areas is restricted to the gear legal for Atlantic salmon.
TROUT
Fall Trout Stocking update- This week, DEP stocked the Southford Falls, Stratton Brook, Wolfe Park (Great Hollow Pond), Wharton Brook and Black Rock Pond Trout Parks, the Keney Park Pond (Hartford), Bunnells Pond (Beardsley Park - Bridgeport) and Lake Wintergreen (Hamden/New Haven) Urban fishing Areas and the Norwalk River, East Branch Salmon Brook, Sandy Brook, Pequonnock River (in Beardsley Park) and Quinnipiac River with a total of 9,000 standard-size rainbow trout.
Rivers & streams – Conditions should be good for fishing this weekend, with moderate flows and comfortable temperatures (with a bit of a warming trend forecast, morning trout fishing should be good this weekend). Good reports last week from the West Branch Farmington River, Blackledge River and Housatonic River. Streamers and nymphing are the way to go in October. For streamers try white, yellow & brown colors. Patterns to try include White Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10). For nymphs, bottom bounce Caddis pupa (#14-16), Serendipity (#14-16), Pheasant Tail (#12-20), Prince (#6-1
and Hare’s ear (#8-20). FARMINGTON RIVER - West Branch flows continue to be clear, moderate and quite fishable (200 cfs at Riverton, plus an additional 55 cfs from the Still River). Hatches/patterns include Tricos (Trycorythodes stygiatus, #22-28, 7:00 am-10:00 am, Riverton Area), Isonychia bicolor (major hatch, #10-14, fast water, afternoon/evening), Blue Wing Olives (Drunella & Baetis sps., #22-28, mid-late afternoon), Cahills/Summer (Stenonema ithaca (#12-1
, Sulfurs duns (Heptagenia sps., #12-18, below the dam due to low temperatures, morning; afternoon to early evening for spinners), Caddis (tan #14-18, all day; green #22-26, evening; summer pupa #18-20 morning), Midges (#22-32, morning), Black Ants (#16-18, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#16-18, mid day), Flying Ants (#18-22, mid day, when windy/humid) and Stone Hopper (#10-12, mid day). Rusty Spinners (#18-26) have been producing in the evening. HOUSATONIC RIVER –conditions for fishing should be good this weekend. Morning waters temperatures in the TMA are in the mid 50’s °F. Flows are clear and continue at very fishable levels (About 450 cfs at Falls Village and 750 cfs at Gaylordsville). Hatches/patterns include Blue Wing Olive (#18-26, early morning; spinner fall in evening), Leadwing Coachman (#10-12 evening), Cahills/Summer (#12-14), and Black caddis (#16, early morning & evening). Ants can be very important this time of the year. Trout will ignore everything else when they are on the water. Try Black/Cinnamon Ants (#14-18, mid day in fast water), Sulfurs (#16-1
, Black Beetles (#14-18, mid day), Stone Hopper (#8-10, mid day) and Flying Ants (#16-18, mid day, when windy/humid). Nymphing the pockets, deeper riffles and pool heads has also been productive. Lakes & Ponds – Trout fishing is very good at East Twin Lake (plenty of browns, some up to 24 inches). Some catches also reported from Highland Lake, Crystal Lake (Ellington), Mashapuag Lake and West Hill Pond.
LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is variable, with good reports from Coventry Lake, Winchester Lake (catches include a “fat” 22.5” bass), Wononskopomuc Lake, Lake Waramaug, Candlewood Lake, Aspinook Pond and East Twin Lake. Fishing is fair at Ball Pond, Rogers Lake (catches include several 3-5 lb bass), Mashapaug Lake, Mansfield Hollow Reservoir, Quaddick Reservoir (catches include a 5.2 lb largemouth), Rainbow Reservoir and Lower Bolton lake, and slow at Cedar Lake and Bashan Lake.
SMALLMOUTH BASS – Reports from Coventry Lake (fair), Rainbow Reservoir (good), Candlewood Lake (good, including a number of smallies in the 3-4 lb range, target 18-27 feet of water), Bashan Lake (slow), and Highland Lake (fair).
WALLEYE fishing is generally fair with reports from Gardner Lake (8-lb, 28” walleye among the catches), Saugatuck Reservoir, Squantz Pond and Mashapaug Lake.
CHANNEL CATFISH - A 10.5 lb, 25” channel cat was recently caught at Squantz Pond.
BLACK CRAPPIE action reported from Silver Lake, Park Pond, Gardner Lake, Twin Brooks Park Pond and Lake Lillinonah.
NORTHERN PIKE – Some catches reported from Bantam lake, Winchester Lake and Pachaug Pond.
CONNECTICUT RIVER – STRIPED BASS action in the lower river is good just after dark as hickory shad continue to be in the river. NORTHERN PIKE fishing was good in Keeney Cove this past week with fish up to 41” being caught. Pike can also be found in the Enfield area, Wethersfield Cove, and from Harbor Park (Middletown) down river to the Salmon River Cove area.
CHANNEL CATFISH continue to be caught throughout the river. Wethersfield Cove produced excellent action with fish up to 12 pounds. Target 15-22 feet of water.
BLACK CRAPPIE have been producing some excellent action in Wethersfield Cove as well. Use a small jig tipped with 2” shiners.
FISHING ACCESS, BOAT LAUNCH & DRAWDOWN INFORMATION
LAKE ZOAR is scheduled to be drawn down approximately 3 feet starting October 18th with refilling scheduled to begin the night of October 26th. LAKE LILLINONAH is scheduled to be drawn down 5 feet beginning November 8th and ending November 16th.
Fishing access at LAKE SALTONSTALL will not be available for the rest of the 2008 season due to a planned drawdown to facilitate work includes construction of a new concrete spillway, inlets and earth embankment.
LAKE MCDONOUGH is currently being drawn down to the typical winter level (7-8 ft), remember that the boat launch closed after Labor Day weekend.
The boat launch at Indian Well State Park on LAKE HOUSATONIC is currently scheduled to remain open for daytime use until December 1st.
DEP has been informed that public access to ALEXANDER LAKE is no longer available.
•
The “seawall” area extending from the handicap-accessible fishing pier to the permitted swim area at SQUANTZ POND is currently open to fishing. Anyone with a fishing pole can now access the fence through the several gates. Anglers can also enter the water in that area (except for the one area posted “no trespassing”).
•
The LAKE WARAMAUG Town Boat Launch (Washington) remains open for use by the general public through the last Sunday in October. The launch is open 3 days a week (Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays) for morning (6 am to 11 am) and late afternoon/evening (4 pm to sunset) periods of operation. Seven parking spaces are available on a first come first served basis at the launch. Additionally, up to 13 trailered boats from the Lake Waramaug State Park campground will be allowed to access the lake from the Town launch. The Town charges a $25 annual fee to launch and all boats will be inspected for invasive plants ($5 per launch inspection fee). All town fees can be paid at the boat launch.
MARINE FISHING REPORT
Water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) are in the low to mid 60’s °F. 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 2008 Connecticut Angler’s Guide for tidal information (page 52) and pages 49-51 for saltwater trophy fish award information.
BLUEFISH and STRIPED BASS fishing remains good to excellent throughout LIS. The usual spots include the Watch Hill reefs, Napatree Point, Sandy Point (Stonington), Mystic River, Ram Island Reef (Fishers Island Sound), Thames River, the Race, Sluiceway, Pigeon Rip, Plum Gut, Bartlett Reef, Black Point, outer humps off Hatchett Reef, lower Connecticut River, Long Sand Shoal, Cornfield Point, Southwest Reef, Duck Island area, Sixmile Reef, Falkner Island area, the reefs off Branford, New Haven Harbor, Charles Island to Milford Point, Buoys 18 and 20 off Stratford/Bridgeport, Bridgeport Harbor, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground, the reefs off Norwalk, Cable and Anchor Reef, the Cows off Stamford, and Greenwich Harbor.
HICKORY SHAD fishing is fair to good. Shad can be found mixed in with schoolie stripers in the Niantic River and the Connecticut River (DEP Marine Headquarters fishing pier).
TAUTOG (blackfish) fishing is red hot on the major reefs and especially in Fishers Island Sound with tog weighing in over 10 lbs being reported!
Also, BLACK SEA BASS are a bonus since they are in the same areas.
LITTLE TUNNY (false albacore) have invaded Montauk Point, NY. Other spots include Watch Hill, RI to the Stonington area, off Pine Island (mouth of the Thames River) and Bartlett Reef.
For regulation updates, please check our web site: [/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]
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