09-12-2008, 10:19 PM
[size 2]FISHING REPORT NUMBER 21: 9/11/2008
INLAND REPORT
LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is variable, with good reports from Highland Lake (catches include 5.7 and 4.3 lb largemouth), Bantam Lake (5.7 lb largemouth among the catches), Quaddick Reservoir, Beseck Lake (catches include 6.25 and 4.5 lb bass), Glasgo Pond, Winchester Lake. Park Pond (including a 5.5 lb bass), Mamanasco Lake, Twin Brooks Park Pond and Mudge Pond, and fair reports from Pattagansett Lake (4.8 lb bass among the catches), Gardner Lake, Powers Lake (including a 5.4 lb bass), Bantam Lake, Rogers Lake, Candlewood Lake, East Twin Lake, Hatch Pond and Halls Pond. Slow fishing reported from Lake Zoar and Lake Lillinonah, and mixed reports for Moodus Reservoir, Silver Lake (Berlin/Meriden) and Quonnipaug Lake.
SMALLMOUTH BASS fishing remains variable, with reports from Candlewood Lake (good), Gardner Lake (fair), Coventry Lake (fair), Squantz Pond (slow), Lake Zoar (slow) and Highland Lake (mixed reports). Good reports for river smallies from the Housatonic River and the Willimantic River prior to the weekend storm.
NORTHERN PIKE – Good reports from Lake Winchester, Bantam Lake, Pachaug Pond and Lake Lillinonah.
KOKANEE – Some catches reported from West Hill Pond.
Some WALLEYE catches reported from Gardner Lake Coventry Lake, Beach Pond and Squantz Pond.
CHANNEL CATFISH – Catches reported from Keney Park Pond, Bunnell’s Pond (Beardsley Park) and Lake Wintergreen.
Good YELLOW PERCH action reported from Candlewood Lake (jumbos, 11-14”). Additional places to try include Coventry Lake, Wyassup Lake, Tyler Lake, Gardner Lake, Park Pond, Glasgo Pond and Halls Pond.
TROUT
Fall trout Stocking update- This week, DEP stocked the Pomperaug River and the Trout Management Areas on the Mianus River, Mill River (Fairfield), Saugatuck River, and Naugatuck River with a total of 2,000 brown trout. These fish are in the 11-13 inch range.
Rivers & streams – The heavy rains from the remnants of Hanna this past weekend made most waters difficult to impossible to fish. With flows continuing to drop nicely in many rivers and streams, and moderate temperatures forecast, conditions should be good for fishing in many areas this weekend. Also, the smaller tributaries will typically return to fishable flows quicker than larger rivers. With these conditions, streamers or nymphing are good options. Anglers should also keep terrestrial fly patterns in mind.
Farmington River – The river has cleared and flows have dropped back to comfortable (and very fishable) levels, currently 140 cfs at Riverton, plus an additional 230 cfs from the Still River. Due to last weekend’s rain, DEP’s annual electrofishing survey was postponed a week and is now scheduled to occur on September 16th through 18th. Anglers should expect West Branch flows to drop to 100 cfs or less beginning late September 15th and lasting through the 18th. Again, this schedule is dependent on flow/precipitation conditions.
The Trico (Trycorythodes stygiatus, #22-32, early morning) hatch is winding down but can be found between 7:00am – 10:00am in the upper areas of the river. Other hatches patterns include Isonychia bicolor (major hatch, #12-14, fast water, evening), Blue Wing Olives (Drunella sps. & Baetis sps.;#20-28, mid-late afternoon), Cahills/Summer (Stenonema ithaca, #14-16, evenings), Sulfurs duns (Heptagenia sps., #16-20, below the dam due to low temperatures, morning; afternoon to early evening for spinners), Caddis (tan #18-22, all day; green #22-26, evening; summer pupa #18-20 morning), Midges (#22-32, morning), Grifith’s Gnats (20-2![[Image: icon_cool.gif]](http://nedisabledsportsmen.com/forum/images/smiles/icon_cool.gif)
, Black Ants (#14-20, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#14-18, mid day), Flying Ants (#18-22, mid day, when windy/humid, especially after rain), Stone Hopper (#8-14, mid day) and Golden Drake (Anthopotamus distinctus, #10-14, late evening)
Housatonic River – Flows are still high, but continue to clear and drop to more fishable levels, currently 1,530 cfs at Falls Village and 2,490 cfs at Gaylordsville. For updated flow information, anglers can call FirstLight Power at 1-888-417-4837. Morning water temperatures are now in the lower 60’s°F. Current hatches/patterns include Flying Ants (#16-18, mid-day, when windy/humid, September is peek month), Fall Sulfurs (#16), Blue Wing Olive (#18-26, early morning; spinner fall in evening), Leadwing Coachman (#10-12 evening, September is peek month), Sulfurs duns (#16-20, below the dam due to low temperatures, morning; afternoon to early evening for spinners), Cahill (#12-14, evening), and Black caddis (#16-18, early morning & evening). Golden stonefly nymphs hatch at first light and adults egg-lay after dark. Try Black Ants (#16-18, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#14-18, mid day), Stone Hopper (#8-10, mid day). Don’t forget streamers (morning & evening). Patterns to try include White, Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10).
Lakes & Ponds – Late summer trout anglers are finding fair fishing, with reports from East Twin Lake (25” brown, target 40’), Crystal Lake (Ellington, target 26-28’), Highland Lake, Beach pond, Mt. Tom Pond and West Hill Pond. Feeding fish are still deep as the lakes have not cooled down appreciably.
CONNECTICUT RIVER – With the remnants of Hanna now long-gone, river levels continue to drop to more comfortable levels.
STRIPED BASS action is good in the lower river, and should improve more as they chase hickory shad that are now in the river.
CATFISH are very active and are providing great action on cut bait (chunking) near structure along deeper holes.
Some good SMALLMOUTH BASS action reported in the mainstem from Middletown to Haddam Meadows. LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing has been picking up with a number catches in the 3-4 lb range reported. Coves (good reports from Wethersfield, Keeney and Salmon River coves) are best.
NORTHERN PIKE fishing has been fair.
FISHING ACCESS & BOAT LAUNCH INFORMATION
Boat rental operations at LAKE SALTONSTALL have closed for the year. Since July, the lake has been drawn down over 5 feet to facilitate planned work includes construction of a new concrete spillway, inlets and earth embankment, and the low water levels have made boat launching and retrieval difficult and at times, hazardous. Also due to the draw down, shore fishing access is restricted to the fishing dock.
A three-foot draw down of LAKE HOUSATONIC is currently scheduled for the weekend of September 27th & 28th.
•
The “seawall” area extending from the handicap-accessable fishing pier to the permitted swim area at SQUANTZ POND is now 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 in Washington remains open for use by the general public through the last Sunday in October. The launch will be open three 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 thirteen trailered boats from the nearby campground at Lake Waramaug State Park 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 70’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.
There are plenty of BUNKER (Atlantic menhaden) in most of the tidal rivers, harbors and coves along the coast making an easy feast for BLUEFISH and STRIPED BASS so don’t over look the inshore areas. Shore-based anglers should take advantage during the fall when fishing is at its best. Some of the coastal state parks offer great shore fishing access. Other spots include the normal locations: the reefs from Watch Hill to Fishers Island, Napatree Point to 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. SNAPPER fishing is dwindling down (about fair).
HICKORY SHAD fishing has picked in the Niantic River especially in the early morning and evening times. Other spots include the Mystic River and the Connecticut River (DEP Marine Headquarters fishing pier).
SCUP (porgy) fishing remains good to excellent with fish up to 17 inches in length being reported. Any of the major rocky reefs will do especially during an hour before and after slack tide.
ATLANTIC BONITO and LITTLE TUNNY (false albacore) have been racing around the Watch Hill area, Wilderness Point, Bluff Point, Pine Island, Dumpling Islands, the Race to Little Gull Island and the Sluiceway.
Special Note: Just a reminder, the summer flounder (fluke) and tautog (blackfish) recreational fishing seasons are currently closed.
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]
[/size][size 2]DEP WEEKLY FISHING REPORT
CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106
[/size][url "http://www.ct.gov/dep"][#006699][size 2]www.ct.gov/dep[/size][/#006699][/url]
[signature]
INLAND REPORT
LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is variable, with good reports from Highland Lake (catches include 5.7 and 4.3 lb largemouth), Bantam Lake (5.7 lb largemouth among the catches), Quaddick Reservoir, Beseck Lake (catches include 6.25 and 4.5 lb bass), Glasgo Pond, Winchester Lake. Park Pond (including a 5.5 lb bass), Mamanasco Lake, Twin Brooks Park Pond and Mudge Pond, and fair reports from Pattagansett Lake (4.8 lb bass among the catches), Gardner Lake, Powers Lake (including a 5.4 lb bass), Bantam Lake, Rogers Lake, Candlewood Lake, East Twin Lake, Hatch Pond and Halls Pond. Slow fishing reported from Lake Zoar and Lake Lillinonah, and mixed reports for Moodus Reservoir, Silver Lake (Berlin/Meriden) and Quonnipaug Lake.
SMALLMOUTH BASS fishing remains variable, with reports from Candlewood Lake (good), Gardner Lake (fair), Coventry Lake (fair), Squantz Pond (slow), Lake Zoar (slow) and Highland Lake (mixed reports). Good reports for river smallies from the Housatonic River and the Willimantic River prior to the weekend storm.
NORTHERN PIKE – Good reports from Lake Winchester, Bantam Lake, Pachaug Pond and Lake Lillinonah.
KOKANEE – Some catches reported from West Hill Pond.
Some WALLEYE catches reported from Gardner Lake Coventry Lake, Beach Pond and Squantz Pond.
CHANNEL CATFISH – Catches reported from Keney Park Pond, Bunnell’s Pond (Beardsley Park) and Lake Wintergreen.
Good YELLOW PERCH action reported from Candlewood Lake (jumbos, 11-14”). Additional places to try include Coventry Lake, Wyassup Lake, Tyler Lake, Gardner Lake, Park Pond, Glasgo Pond and Halls Pond.
TROUT
Fall trout Stocking update- This week, DEP stocked the Pomperaug River and the Trout Management Areas on the Mianus River, Mill River (Fairfield), Saugatuck River, and Naugatuck River with a total of 2,000 brown trout. These fish are in the 11-13 inch range.
Rivers & streams – The heavy rains from the remnants of Hanna this past weekend made most waters difficult to impossible to fish. With flows continuing to drop nicely in many rivers and streams, and moderate temperatures forecast, conditions should be good for fishing in many areas this weekend. Also, the smaller tributaries will typically return to fishable flows quicker than larger rivers. With these conditions, streamers or nymphing are good options. Anglers should also keep terrestrial fly patterns in mind.
Farmington River – The river has cleared and flows have dropped back to comfortable (and very fishable) levels, currently 140 cfs at Riverton, plus an additional 230 cfs from the Still River. Due to last weekend’s rain, DEP’s annual electrofishing survey was postponed a week and is now scheduled to occur on September 16th through 18th. Anglers should expect West Branch flows to drop to 100 cfs or less beginning late September 15th and lasting through the 18th. Again, this schedule is dependent on flow/precipitation conditions.
The Trico (Trycorythodes stygiatus, #22-32, early morning) hatch is winding down but can be found between 7:00am – 10:00am in the upper areas of the river. Other hatches patterns include Isonychia bicolor (major hatch, #12-14, fast water, evening), Blue Wing Olives (Drunella sps. & Baetis sps.;#20-28, mid-late afternoon), Cahills/Summer (Stenonema ithaca, #14-16, evenings), Sulfurs duns (Heptagenia sps., #16-20, below the dam due to low temperatures, morning; afternoon to early evening for spinners), Caddis (tan #18-22, all day; green #22-26, evening; summer pupa #18-20 morning), Midges (#22-32, morning), Grifith’s Gnats (20-2
, Black Ants (#14-20, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#14-18, mid day), Flying Ants (#18-22, mid day, when windy/humid, especially after rain), Stone Hopper (#8-14, mid day) and Golden Drake (Anthopotamus distinctus, #10-14, late evening) Housatonic River – Flows are still high, but continue to clear and drop to more fishable levels, currently 1,530 cfs at Falls Village and 2,490 cfs at Gaylordsville. For updated flow information, anglers can call FirstLight Power at 1-888-417-4837. Morning water temperatures are now in the lower 60’s°F. Current hatches/patterns include Flying Ants (#16-18, mid-day, when windy/humid, September is peek month), Fall Sulfurs (#16), Blue Wing Olive (#18-26, early morning; spinner fall in evening), Leadwing Coachman (#10-12 evening, September is peek month), Sulfurs duns (#16-20, below the dam due to low temperatures, morning; afternoon to early evening for spinners), Cahill (#12-14, evening), and Black caddis (#16-18, early morning & evening). Golden stonefly nymphs hatch at first light and adults egg-lay after dark. Try Black Ants (#16-18, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#14-18, mid day), Stone Hopper (#8-10, mid day). Don’t forget streamers (morning & evening). Patterns to try include White, Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10).
Lakes & Ponds – Late summer trout anglers are finding fair fishing, with reports from East Twin Lake (25” brown, target 40’), Crystal Lake (Ellington, target 26-28’), Highland Lake, Beach pond, Mt. Tom Pond and West Hill Pond. Feeding fish are still deep as the lakes have not cooled down appreciably.
CONNECTICUT RIVER – With the remnants of Hanna now long-gone, river levels continue to drop to more comfortable levels.
STRIPED BASS action is good in the lower river, and should improve more as they chase hickory shad that are now in the river.
CATFISH are very active and are providing great action on cut bait (chunking) near structure along deeper holes.
Some good SMALLMOUTH BASS action reported in the mainstem from Middletown to Haddam Meadows. LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing has been picking up with a number catches in the 3-4 lb range reported. Coves (good reports from Wethersfield, Keeney and Salmon River coves) are best.
NORTHERN PIKE fishing has been fair.
FISHING ACCESS & BOAT LAUNCH INFORMATION
Boat rental operations at LAKE SALTONSTALL have closed for the year. Since July, the lake has been drawn down over 5 feet to facilitate planned work includes construction of a new concrete spillway, inlets and earth embankment, and the low water levels have made boat launching and retrieval difficult and at times, hazardous. Also due to the draw down, shore fishing access is restricted to the fishing dock.
A three-foot draw down of LAKE HOUSATONIC is currently scheduled for the weekend of September 27th & 28th.
•
The “seawall” area extending from the handicap-accessable fishing pier to the permitted swim area at SQUANTZ POND is now 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 in Washington remains open for use by the general public through the last Sunday in October. The launch will be open three 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 thirteen trailered boats from the nearby campground at Lake Waramaug State Park 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 70’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.
There are plenty of BUNKER (Atlantic menhaden) in most of the tidal rivers, harbors and coves along the coast making an easy feast for BLUEFISH and STRIPED BASS so don’t over look the inshore areas. Shore-based anglers should take advantage during the fall when fishing is at its best. Some of the coastal state parks offer great shore fishing access. Other spots include the normal locations: the reefs from Watch Hill to Fishers Island, Napatree Point to 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. SNAPPER fishing is dwindling down (about fair).
HICKORY SHAD fishing has picked in the Niantic River especially in the early morning and evening times. Other spots include the Mystic River and the Connecticut River (DEP Marine Headquarters fishing pier).
SCUP (porgy) fishing remains good to excellent with fish up to 17 inches in length being reported. Any of the major rocky reefs will do especially during an hour before and after slack tide.
ATLANTIC BONITO and LITTLE TUNNY (false albacore) have been racing around the Watch Hill area, Wilderness Point, Bluff Point, Pine Island, Dumpling Islands, the Race to Little Gull Island and the Sluiceway.
Special Note: Just a reminder, the summer flounder (fluke) and tautog (blackfish) recreational fishing seasons are currently closed.
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]
[/size][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]