09-01-2004, 09:45 AM
[font "Times New Roman"]Weekly Fishing Report - Week of August 23, 2004 [/font] [font "Times New Roman"][#004080]INLAND REPORT [/#004080][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]![[Image: lmb_small.gif]](http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishimag/lmb_small.gif)
LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is reported as good to very good. Areas to try include: Candlewood (5.5 lbs.), Rogers (a 4 lbs. 3 oz. fish reported), Bantam, Winchester, Billings (7 lbs. 5 oz. bass), Amos, Mashapaug, Congamond (4.5 lbs.), Tyler, Crystal (Ellington), Highland, Pickerel, Red Cedar and Wyassup Lakes, Hamilton Reservoir, and Avery, Beachdale, Burr, Stillwater, Dog, Pachaug, Hatch, Ashland, Glasgo, Squantz (6 lbs.), Messerschmidt’s (3.1 lbs.) and Black (Meriden/Middlefield) Ponds.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]SMALLMOUTH BASS action reported at Lake Housatonic, Colebrook (4 lbs. 11 oz.) and Hamilton Reservoirs, Candlewood (19”), Mashapaug and Highland Lakes, Squantz Pond, Black Pond (Meriden/Middlefield), and the Quinebaug (very good), Farmington, Willimantic (very good) and Housatonic (excellent) Rivers.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]TROUT[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Rivers & streams – As a result of the heavy rain trout this past weekend, trout fishing slowed dramatically. Anglers are advised to move their efforts more toward terrestrial fly patterns as hatches slow. The Farmington River is upper 50’s (above Riverton) to low 60’s°F with about 400 cfs of slightly stained flows (at Riverton). Insect hatches are mostly stable and unchanging. The only change is the appearance of the Trico (#22-28). The remaining bugs consist of [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/weekly/needhami.pdf"]Needhami[/url] (#24-26, early morning), Isonychia (#12-14, fast water, evening), Blue Wing Olives (#16-20, mid-late afternoon), Sulphur duns (#18-20, still some in Riverton area only 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 (#14-20, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#16-18, mid day), Flying Ants (#18-22, mid day, when windy/humid), Stone Hopper (#8-12, mid day) and Golden Drake (Potomanthus, #10-14, late evening) are successful patterns. The Housatonic River is about 65°F with off color flows currently about 1100 cfs and dropping. Insect hatches include: Sulfurs (#18), Blue Wing Olive (#18-22, early morning; spinner fall in evening), Isonychia (#12-14 evening), Light Cahill (#12-16, evening), and Black caddis (#16-18, early morning & evening). Look for Midges and stoneflies at the mouths of streams. Golden stonefly nymphs hatch at first light and adults egg-lay after dark. Try Black/Cinnamon Ants (#18-22, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#14-18, mid day), Stone Hopper (#8-10, mid day) and Flying Ants (#18-22, mid day, when windy/humid). Don’t forget streamers (morning & evening). Patterns to try include: White, Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10). Best trout fishing reports from: Farmington (15-16”) and Housatonic Rivers. Good catch-and-release fishing (especially around dusk) continues to be reported from some Wild Trout Streams such as the Tankerhoosen River and Merrick Brook.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Lakes & Ponds – Some lakes continue to produce good fishing. Areas of activity include: Crystal (Ellington), East Twin (15-17”) and Highland Lakes, Beach Pond, West Hill Pond and Colebrook Reservoir (brook trout).[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]NORTHERN PIKE reported to be good in Bantam Lake, Winchester (18-20”) Lake, Hopeville Pond and Pachaug Pond. Anglers are reporting KOKANEE in West Hill Pond harder to find (but try corn/grubs in pm.). Some WALLEYE are being reported from Saugatuck Reservoir and Squantz Pond (including a 26” catch). CALICO BASS action is reported in Silver Lake (Meriden), Oxoboxo Lake, Park Pond and Pachaug Pond. SUNFISH are providing excellent summer time action throughout the state. Use worms, grubs, jigs or small poppers for them. Areas to try include: Crescent, Billings, Crystal (Ellington), and Mamanasco Lakes and Halls Pond. Good YELLOW PERCH action reported from Crescent (Southington), Candlewood (JUMBOS), Red Cedar and Tyler Lakes.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Connecticut River – STRIPED BASS action remains good in the lower river on bait. NORTHERN PIKE fishing has slowed down both in the coves and mainstem downstream from Hartford to Haddam.. LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing reported good in the coves around Hartford-Middletown and in the lower river. SMALLMOUTH BASS action reported good north of Hartford especially in the Enfield area & near mouth of the Farmington River. CATFISH are still providing summer time action on cut bait (chunking) in the deeper holes of the river.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#ff0000]Boating Access Notes: [/#ff0000]The Boating Division also cautions boaters when using the Great Island launch in Old Lyme at low tide. Due to storm activity, access to the Sound from this launch is severely restricted during low tide.[/font] [font "Times New Roman"][#004080]MARINE REPORT[/#004080][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]![[Image: Stb.gif]](http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishimag/Stb.gif)
The water temperature is about 70’s °F. Check out the following web site for more detailed water temperatures:
[url "http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1"]http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1[/url]![[Image: arrow7.gif]](http://dep.state.ct.us/images/arrow7.gif)
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[font "Times New Roman"]Also remember to check [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/anguide.pdf#page=48&zoom=100"]page 48[/url] in the [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/angler.htm"]2004 Angler’s Guide[/url] for tidal information and [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/anguide.pdf#page=46&zoom=100"]page 46[/url] for saltwater trophy fish award info.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]STRIPED BASS – Fishing for striped bass remains good to excellent for cow bass! The only problem is getting your baits away from marauding bluefish! As usual live lining bunker, hickory shad, scup, snapper blues, and eels or trolling the tube and worm combo are the techniques used to catch trophy fish. Linesider spots include the reefs off Watch Hill, Ram Island Reef, south shore of Fishers Island, the Race (Valiant Rock), the Sluiceway (area between Plum Island and Great Gull Island), the hump south of Bartlett Reef, Black Point, the humps south of Hatchett Reef, Long Sand Shoal, Cornfield Point, Southwest Reef, Sixmile Reef, the reefs off Branford, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground area, the reefs around the Norwalk Islands, and the Cows off Stamford.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]BLUEFISH fishing is rated good to excellent throughout LIS. Choppers weighing about 4 lbs. are all over the place! The reefs off Watch Hill, Ram Island Reef, the Race, Millstone warm water discharge, lower Connecticut River (between the Baldwin Bridge (I-95) and the Amtrak RR Bridge), Long Sand Shoal, Sixmile Reef, Cornfield Point, Crane Reef, Sixmile Reef, Falkner Island area (North Rip), New Haven Harbor, Charles Island area, Penfield Reef, Norwalk Islands, and the reefs off Stamford and Greenwich. SNAPPER BLUEFISH fishing is prime time with fish ranging in length from 5-8 inches. Small metal lures and light spinning tackle is all you need. Even though they are small, watch out for those teeth when handling![/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]SUMMER FLOUNDER fishing can be hit or miss. Try fishing deep water (40+ ft.) with a live snapper on three-way or slip sinker rig is a good combination for that trophy doormat. Finding where they are is the key! Fluke spots include the south side of Fishers Island (Isabella Beach), mouth of the Mystic River to Groton Long Point, the hump south of Bartlett Reef, Black Point, lower Connecticut River, Long Sand Shoal, Crane Reef to Duck Island, the Falkner Island area, New Haven Harbor including the outer breakwater area, Charles Island area, and the channels leading into Norwalk Harbor.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]TAUTOG (BLACKFISH) fishing is fair to good at the reefs in Fishers Island Sound, Bartlett Reef, Hatchett Reef, Crane Reef, Southwest Reef, Kimberly Reef, the reefs off Branford, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground, and the Norwalk Islands.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]SCUP fishing remains good to excellent at all the major rocky reefs and wrecks throughout LIS. Average size of scup are about 13 to 14 inches in length! Simple gear such as small hooks baited with small squid strips on three-way bottom rigs or fish-finder/slip sinker rigs work well.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]HICKORY SHAD fishing has improved in the Niantic River (rated good to excellent) but remains spotty in the lower Connecticut River.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]ATLANTIC BONITO have become more consistent in the Pine Island area (Groton), the Race and the Millstone Point area. Sunrise is the most productive time for these speedsters.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]BLUE CRAB crabbing has improved. Try crabbing in the Stonington-Mystic area, the Blackhall and Lieutenant Rivers, and the Hammonasset River in Clinton.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#009900]Interested in participating in the [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/anguide.pdf#page=44&zoom=100"]Volunteer Marine Angler Survey[/url]? Please see [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/anguide.pdf#page=44&zoom=100"]page 44[/url] of the 2004 CT Angler’s Guide for contact information. Your participation is critical to effective fisheries management of your marine fishery resources. Thank you.[/#009900][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]For the latest information regarding [#000000]size and catch limits[/#000000] on common marine fish species, please see the [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/marineinfo/saltregs.htm"]Current Marine Fisheries Recreational Regulations[/url][#0080ff] [/#0080ff][#000000]page.[/#000000][/font] [center][font "Times New Roman"][url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/weekly/fishadv.htm"]Weekly Fishing Report[/url] | [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/index.htm"]Bureau of Natural Resources[/url][/font][/center] [font "Arial"][size 2][url "http://dep.state.ct.us/index.htm"]Home[/url] | [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/aboutdep/contact/contact.htm"]Contact Us[/url] | [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/search2.htm"]Search[/url] | [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/survey/survey.htm"]Feedback[/url] | [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/legal.htm"]Website Legal Info[/url][/size][/font] [font "Arial"][size 2]Send comments or questions regarding this site to[/size][#800000][size 2] [url "mailto:dep.webmaster@po.state.ct.us"]dep.webmaster@po.state.ct.us[/url][/size][/#800000][/font] [font "Arial"][size 2]Copyright 1998-2004 Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection[/size][/font]
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[font "Times New Roman"]
LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is reported as good to very good. Areas to try include: Candlewood (5.5 lbs.), Rogers (a 4 lbs. 3 oz. fish reported), Bantam, Winchester, Billings (7 lbs. 5 oz. bass), Amos, Mashapaug, Congamond (4.5 lbs.), Tyler, Crystal (Ellington), Highland, Pickerel, Red Cedar and Wyassup Lakes, Hamilton Reservoir, and Avery, Beachdale, Burr, Stillwater, Dog, Pachaug, Hatch, Ashland, Glasgo, Squantz (6 lbs.), Messerschmidt’s (3.1 lbs.) and Black (Meriden/Middlefield) Ponds.[/font] [font "Times New Roman"]SMALLMOUTH BASS action reported at Lake Housatonic, Colebrook (4 lbs. 11 oz.) and Hamilton Reservoirs, Candlewood (19”), Mashapaug and Highland Lakes, Squantz Pond, Black Pond (Meriden/Middlefield), and the Quinebaug (very good), Farmington, Willimantic (very good) and Housatonic (excellent) Rivers.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]TROUT[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Rivers & streams – As a result of the heavy rain trout this past weekend, trout fishing slowed dramatically. Anglers are advised to move their efforts more toward terrestrial fly patterns as hatches slow. The Farmington River is upper 50’s (above Riverton) to low 60’s°F with about 400 cfs of slightly stained flows (at Riverton). Insect hatches are mostly stable and unchanging. The only change is the appearance of the Trico (#22-28). The remaining bugs consist of [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/weekly/needhami.pdf"]Needhami[/url] (#24-26, early morning), Isonychia (#12-14, fast water, evening), Blue Wing Olives (#16-20, mid-late afternoon), Sulphur duns (#18-20, still some in Riverton area only 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 (#14-20, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#16-18, mid day), Flying Ants (#18-22, mid day, when windy/humid), Stone Hopper (#8-12, mid day) and Golden Drake (Potomanthus, #10-14, late evening) are successful patterns. The Housatonic River is about 65°F with off color flows currently about 1100 cfs and dropping. Insect hatches include: Sulfurs (#18), Blue Wing Olive (#18-22, early morning; spinner fall in evening), Isonychia (#12-14 evening), Light Cahill (#12-16, evening), and Black caddis (#16-18, early morning & evening). Look for Midges and stoneflies at the mouths of streams. Golden stonefly nymphs hatch at first light and adults egg-lay after dark. Try Black/Cinnamon Ants (#18-22, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#14-18, mid day), Stone Hopper (#8-10, mid day) and Flying Ants (#18-22, mid day, when windy/humid). Don’t forget streamers (morning & evening). Patterns to try include: White, Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10). Best trout fishing reports from: Farmington (15-16”) and Housatonic Rivers. Good catch-and-release fishing (especially around dusk) continues to be reported from some Wild Trout Streams such as the Tankerhoosen River and Merrick Brook.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Lakes & Ponds – Some lakes continue to produce good fishing. Areas of activity include: Crystal (Ellington), East Twin (15-17”) and Highland Lakes, Beach Pond, West Hill Pond and Colebrook Reservoir (brook trout).[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]NORTHERN PIKE reported to be good in Bantam Lake, Winchester (18-20”) Lake, Hopeville Pond and Pachaug Pond. Anglers are reporting KOKANEE in West Hill Pond harder to find (but try corn/grubs in pm.). Some WALLEYE are being reported from Saugatuck Reservoir and Squantz Pond (including a 26” catch). CALICO BASS action is reported in Silver Lake (Meriden), Oxoboxo Lake, Park Pond and Pachaug Pond. SUNFISH are providing excellent summer time action throughout the state. Use worms, grubs, jigs or small poppers for them. Areas to try include: Crescent, Billings, Crystal (Ellington), and Mamanasco Lakes and Halls Pond. Good YELLOW PERCH action reported from Crescent (Southington), Candlewood (JUMBOS), Red Cedar and Tyler Lakes.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Connecticut River – STRIPED BASS action remains good in the lower river on bait. NORTHERN PIKE fishing has slowed down both in the coves and mainstem downstream from Hartford to Haddam.. LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing reported good in the coves around Hartford-Middletown and in the lower river. SMALLMOUTH BASS action reported good north of Hartford especially in the Enfield area & near mouth of the Farmington River. CATFISH are still providing summer time action on cut bait (chunking) in the deeper holes of the river.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#ff0000]Boating Access Notes: [/#ff0000]The Boating Division also cautions boaters when using the Great Island launch in Old Lyme at low tide. Due to storm activity, access to the Sound from this launch is severely restricted during low tide.[/font] [font "Times New Roman"][#004080]MARINE REPORT[/#004080][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]
The water temperature is about 70’s °F. Check out the following web site for more detailed water temperatures:[url "http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1"]http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1[/url]
[/font] [font "Times New Roman"]Also remember to check [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/anguide.pdf#page=48&zoom=100"]page 48[/url] in the [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/angler.htm"]2004 Angler’s Guide[/url] for tidal information and [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/anguide.pdf#page=46&zoom=100"]page 46[/url] for saltwater trophy fish award info.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]STRIPED BASS – Fishing for striped bass remains good to excellent for cow bass! The only problem is getting your baits away from marauding bluefish! As usual live lining bunker, hickory shad, scup, snapper blues, and eels or trolling the tube and worm combo are the techniques used to catch trophy fish. Linesider spots include the reefs off Watch Hill, Ram Island Reef, south shore of Fishers Island, the Race (Valiant Rock), the Sluiceway (area between Plum Island and Great Gull Island), the hump south of Bartlett Reef, Black Point, the humps south of Hatchett Reef, Long Sand Shoal, Cornfield Point, Southwest Reef, Sixmile Reef, the reefs off Branford, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground area, the reefs around the Norwalk Islands, and the Cows off Stamford.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]BLUEFISH fishing is rated good to excellent throughout LIS. Choppers weighing about 4 lbs. are all over the place! The reefs off Watch Hill, Ram Island Reef, the Race, Millstone warm water discharge, lower Connecticut River (between the Baldwin Bridge (I-95) and the Amtrak RR Bridge), Long Sand Shoal, Sixmile Reef, Cornfield Point, Crane Reef, Sixmile Reef, Falkner Island area (North Rip), New Haven Harbor, Charles Island area, Penfield Reef, Norwalk Islands, and the reefs off Stamford and Greenwich. SNAPPER BLUEFISH fishing is prime time with fish ranging in length from 5-8 inches. Small metal lures and light spinning tackle is all you need. Even though they are small, watch out for those teeth when handling![/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]SUMMER FLOUNDER fishing can be hit or miss. Try fishing deep water (40+ ft.) with a live snapper on three-way or slip sinker rig is a good combination for that trophy doormat. Finding where they are is the key! Fluke spots include the south side of Fishers Island (Isabella Beach), mouth of the Mystic River to Groton Long Point, the hump south of Bartlett Reef, Black Point, lower Connecticut River, Long Sand Shoal, Crane Reef to Duck Island, the Falkner Island area, New Haven Harbor including the outer breakwater area, Charles Island area, and the channels leading into Norwalk Harbor.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]TAUTOG (BLACKFISH) fishing is fair to good at the reefs in Fishers Island Sound, Bartlett Reef, Hatchett Reef, Crane Reef, Southwest Reef, Kimberly Reef, the reefs off Branford, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground, and the Norwalk Islands.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]SCUP fishing remains good to excellent at all the major rocky reefs and wrecks throughout LIS. Average size of scup are about 13 to 14 inches in length! Simple gear such as small hooks baited with small squid strips on three-way bottom rigs or fish-finder/slip sinker rigs work well.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]HICKORY SHAD fishing has improved in the Niantic River (rated good to excellent) but remains spotty in the lower Connecticut River.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]ATLANTIC BONITO have become more consistent in the Pine Island area (Groton), the Race and the Millstone Point area. Sunrise is the most productive time for these speedsters.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]BLUE CRAB crabbing has improved. Try crabbing in the Stonington-Mystic area, the Blackhall and Lieutenant Rivers, and the Hammonasset River in Clinton.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#009900]Interested in participating in the [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/anguide.pdf#page=44&zoom=100"]Volunteer Marine Angler Survey[/url]? Please see [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/anguide.pdf#page=44&zoom=100"]page 44[/url] of the 2004 CT Angler’s Guide for contact information. Your participation is critical to effective fisheries management of your marine fishery resources. Thank you.[/#009900][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]For the latest information regarding [#000000]size and catch limits[/#000000] on common marine fish species, please see the [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/marineinfo/saltregs.htm"]Current Marine Fisheries Recreational Regulations[/url][#0080ff] [/#0080ff][#000000]page.[/#000000][/font] [center][font "Times New Roman"][url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/weekly/fishadv.htm"]Weekly Fishing Report[/url] | [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/index.htm"]Bureau of Natural Resources[/url][/font][/center] [font "Arial"][size 2][url "http://dep.state.ct.us/index.htm"]Home[/url] | [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/aboutdep/contact/contact.htm"]Contact Us[/url] | [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/search2.htm"]Search[/url] | [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/survey/survey.htm"]Feedback[/url] | [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/legal.htm"]Website Legal Info[/url][/size][/font] [font "Arial"][size 2]Send comments or questions regarding this site to[/size][#800000][size 2] [url "mailto:dep.webmaster@po.state.ct.us"]dep.webmaster@po.state.ct.us[/url][/size][/#800000][/font] [font "Arial"][size 2]Copyright 1998-2004 Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection[/size][/font]
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