09-13-2004, 09:15 AM
[font "Times New Roman"]Weekly Fishing Report - Week of September 6, 2004 [/font] [font "Times New Roman"][#004080]INLAND REPORT [/#004080][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#ff0000]SPECIAL NOTICE: A public hearing on the 2004 Inland Fisheries proposed regulations has been scheduled for September 14 at the DEP Phoenix Auditorium, 79 Elm Street, Hartford. Questions concerning the hearing and/or the proposed regulations should be directed to the Inland Fisheries Hartford office (860-424-3474). Copies of the Notice of Intent and text of the proposed regulations are also available (again, please contact our Hartford office at 860-424-3474).[/#ff0000][/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 despite last week’s rain. Good reports include: Lake Hayward (4.5 lbs.), Lake Zoar, Mansfield Hollow, Upper Moodus, Colebrook and Rainbow Reservoirs, Columbia, Crystal (Ellington), East Twin (5 lbs.), Wyassup, Winchester (5.5 lbs.), Bantam, Amos, Mamanasco, Middle Bolton, Candlewood, Uncas, Pattagansett (7 lbs. 12 oz., 23”), Wonoscopomuc and Bantam Lakes, and Mudge and Pachaug Ponds.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]SMALLMOUTH BASS action reported at Lake Housatonic, Crystal (Ellington), Candlewood and Gardner Lakes, Colebrook and Hogback Reservoirs, Squantz Pond, and the Quinebaug (very good), Willimantic (very good) and Housatonic (excellent) Rivers.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]TROUT[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Rivers & streams - Due to this week’s rains, anglers should expect fishing to be difficult throughout the state (especially in the west) with the exception of the Upper Farmington River. Recent supplemental stockings and managed water flows may keep this area productive. Anglers can expect fishing the Farmington River to improve by this weekend, especially the Farmington River TMA (from the lower Collinsville Dam downstream to Rt. 4 in Unionville) and from the Hogback Dam downstream to the top of the West Branch Farmington River TMA (both reaches recently stocked).[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Anglers are advised to move their efforts more toward terrestrial fly patterns as hatches dwindle. Expect to have better action on streamers as the fall approaches. The Farmington River is upper 60’s °F with 370 cfs of off-color flows above Riverton. The Still River is currently adding an additional 400 cfs but should drop as the rains end. Insect hatches are mostly stable and unchanging. The continued presence of the Trico (#22-28) is offering anglers a challenge. The remaining bugs consist of Isonychia (#12-14, fast water, evening), tiny Rusty Spinners (#22-26), Blue Wing Olives (#16-20, mid-late afternoon), Sulphur duns (#18-20, still some in Riverton area mornings only; 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 65°F with 900 cfs of dirty flows. Insect hatches include: Sulfurs (#18), Blue Wing Olive (#18-22, early morning; spinner fall in evening), Isonychia (#12-14 evening, September is peek month), Rusty Spinner (#10-24), Light Cahill (#12-16, evening) and Black caddis (#16-18, early morning & evening). 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, September is peek month). Don’t forget streamers (morning & evening). Patterns to try include: White, Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10). Areas of best reported trout activity included: Farmington (22” brown), Fenton and Housatonic (16-18”) Rivers.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Lakes & Ponds – Some lakes are still producing good trout fishing. Areas of activity include: Beach Pond, West Hill Pond, and East Twin (21 fish at 5 colors, drifting shiners), Highland, Crystal (Ellington) and Wonoscopomuc Lakes.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]NORTHERN PIKE fishing is reported to be good in Mansfield Hollow Reservoir (36”), Bantam Lake and Winchester Lake (5.5 lbs.). Some WALLEYE action reported from Saugatuck Reservoir and Squantz Pond (20”). CALICO BASS action is reported in Silver Lake (Meriden), Oxoboxo Lake and Pachaug Pond. Angling for SUNFISH is an excellent late summer activity. Use worms, grubs, jigs or small poppers for them. Areas to try include: Halls, Crescent, Billings, Dog and Hatch Ponds, and Mamanasco Lake. YELLOW PERCH are reported from Rainbow Reservoir, Crescent (Southington), Candlewood (JUMBOS), Red Cedar and Tyler Lakes.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Connecticut River –NORTHERN PIKE fishing has been good in the mainstem downstream from Hartford to Haddam and near Haddam Meadows. CATFISH (10 lbs., 27”) are providing great late summer action on cut bait (chunking) in the deeper holes. BLACK CRAPPIE fishing is reported as excellent on small shiners in the back coves of the river. LARGEMOUTH BASS are being taken in the coves around Hartford-Middletown and in the lower river. SMALLMOUTH BASS are reported in the Enfield area & near the mouth of the Farmington River. STRIPED BASS action is slow in the lower 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"][#ff0000]SPECIAL NOTE: [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/marineinfo/saltregs.htm#Blackfish"]TAUTOG (BLACKFISH)[/url] AND [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/marineinfo/saltregs.htm#Black_Sea_Bass"]BLACK SEA BASS[/url] FISHING SEASON IS CLOSED FROM SEPTEMBER 8TH THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21ST.[/#ff0000][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]The water temperature is in the high 60’s to 70 °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)
[/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"]![[Image: bluefish.gif]](http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishimag/bluefish.gif)
BLUEFISH fishing is pretty hot and heavy throughout LIS. Choppers mix in size from about 2 to 14 lbs. Bluefish spots include the reefs off Watch Hill, Ram Island Reef, the Race, Millstone warm water discharge, mouth of the Connecticut River to Essex during the flood tide, Long Sand Shoal, Sixmile Reef, Crane Reef, Sixmile Reef, Falkner Island area (North Rip), New Haven Harbor, Charles Island area, Penfield Reef, Norwalk Islands, and Stamford and Greenwich Harbors. SNAPPER BLUEFISH fishing is fair to good.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]STRIPED BASS – Fishing for striped bass is good but the increased abundance of bluefish makes it tough going. The usual striper spots include the Watch Hill reefs, 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, and the reefs around the Norwalk Islands are all your typical striper spots. Best techniques include live lining bunker, hickory shad, scup, snapper blues, and eels or trolling the tube and worm combination.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]SUMMER FLOUNDER fishing has dropped off to a slow pick. Fluke spots worth trying 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 area, lower Connecticut River during the flood tide, Long Sand Shoal, the Falkner Island area, and New Haven Harbor including the outer breakwater area.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]SCUP fishing is good at most the major rocky reefs and wrecks throughout LIS but you may have to move around to find them.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]HICKORY SHAD fishing is fair to good in the Niantic River.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]ATLANTIC BONITO are off the Watch Hill Reefs, the Pine Island area (Groton), the Race, and the Millstone Point area.[/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]
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[font "Times New Roman"][#ff0000]SPECIAL NOTICE: A public hearing on the 2004 Inland Fisheries proposed regulations has been scheduled for September 14 at the DEP Phoenix Auditorium, 79 Elm Street, Hartford. Questions concerning the hearing and/or the proposed regulations should be directed to the Inland Fisheries Hartford office (860-424-3474). Copies of the Notice of Intent and text of the proposed regulations are also available (again, please contact our Hartford office at 860-424-3474).[/#ff0000][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]
LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is reported as good despite last week’s rain. Good reports include: Lake Hayward (4.5 lbs.), Lake Zoar, Mansfield Hollow, Upper Moodus, Colebrook and Rainbow Reservoirs, Columbia, Crystal (Ellington), East Twin (5 lbs.), Wyassup, Winchester (5.5 lbs.), Bantam, Amos, Mamanasco, Middle Bolton, Candlewood, Uncas, Pattagansett (7 lbs. 12 oz., 23”), Wonoscopomuc and Bantam Lakes, and Mudge and Pachaug Ponds.[/font] [font "Times New Roman"]SMALLMOUTH BASS action reported at Lake Housatonic, Crystal (Ellington), Candlewood and Gardner Lakes, Colebrook and Hogback Reservoirs, Squantz Pond, and the Quinebaug (very good), Willimantic (very good) and Housatonic (excellent) Rivers.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]TROUT[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Rivers & streams - Due to this week’s rains, anglers should expect fishing to be difficult throughout the state (especially in the west) with the exception of the Upper Farmington River. Recent supplemental stockings and managed water flows may keep this area productive. Anglers can expect fishing the Farmington River to improve by this weekend, especially the Farmington River TMA (from the lower Collinsville Dam downstream to Rt. 4 in Unionville) and from the Hogback Dam downstream to the top of the West Branch Farmington River TMA (both reaches recently stocked).[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Anglers are advised to move their efforts more toward terrestrial fly patterns as hatches dwindle. Expect to have better action on streamers as the fall approaches. The Farmington River is upper 60’s °F with 370 cfs of off-color flows above Riverton. The Still River is currently adding an additional 400 cfs but should drop as the rains end. Insect hatches are mostly stable and unchanging. The continued presence of the Trico (#22-28) is offering anglers a challenge. The remaining bugs consist of Isonychia (#12-14, fast water, evening), tiny Rusty Spinners (#22-26), Blue Wing Olives (#16-20, mid-late afternoon), Sulphur duns (#18-20, still some in Riverton area mornings only; 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 65°F with 900 cfs of dirty flows. Insect hatches include: Sulfurs (#18), Blue Wing Olive (#18-22, early morning; spinner fall in evening), Isonychia (#12-14 evening, September is peek month), Rusty Spinner (#10-24), Light Cahill (#12-16, evening) and Black caddis (#16-18, early morning & evening). 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, September is peek month). Don’t forget streamers (morning & evening). Patterns to try include: White, Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10). Areas of best reported trout activity included: Farmington (22” brown), Fenton and Housatonic (16-18”) Rivers.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Lakes & Ponds – Some lakes are still producing good trout fishing. Areas of activity include: Beach Pond, West Hill Pond, and East Twin (21 fish at 5 colors, drifting shiners), Highland, Crystal (Ellington) and Wonoscopomuc Lakes.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]NORTHERN PIKE fishing is reported to be good in Mansfield Hollow Reservoir (36”), Bantam Lake and Winchester Lake (5.5 lbs.). Some WALLEYE action reported from Saugatuck Reservoir and Squantz Pond (20”). CALICO BASS action is reported in Silver Lake (Meriden), Oxoboxo Lake and Pachaug Pond. Angling for SUNFISH is an excellent late summer activity. Use worms, grubs, jigs or small poppers for them. Areas to try include: Halls, Crescent, Billings, Dog and Hatch Ponds, and Mamanasco Lake. YELLOW PERCH are reported from Rainbow Reservoir, Crescent (Southington), Candlewood (JUMBOS), Red Cedar and Tyler Lakes.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Connecticut River –NORTHERN PIKE fishing has been good in the mainstem downstream from Hartford to Haddam and near Haddam Meadows. CATFISH (10 lbs., 27”) are providing great late summer action on cut bait (chunking) in the deeper holes. BLACK CRAPPIE fishing is reported as excellent on small shiners in the back coves of the river. LARGEMOUTH BASS are being taken in the coves around Hartford-Middletown and in the lower river. SMALLMOUTH BASS are reported in the Enfield area & near the mouth of the Farmington River. STRIPED BASS action is slow in the lower 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"][#ff0000]SPECIAL NOTE: [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/marineinfo/saltregs.htm#Blackfish"]TAUTOG (BLACKFISH)[/url] AND [url "http://dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/marineinfo/saltregs.htm#Black_Sea_Bass"]BLACK SEA BASS[/url] FISHING SEASON IS CLOSED FROM SEPTEMBER 8TH THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21ST.[/#ff0000][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]The water temperature is in the high 60’s to 70 °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"]
BLUEFISH fishing is pretty hot and heavy throughout LIS. Choppers mix in size from about 2 to 14 lbs. Bluefish spots include the reefs off Watch Hill, Ram Island Reef, the Race, Millstone warm water discharge, mouth of the Connecticut River to Essex during the flood tide, Long Sand Shoal, Sixmile Reef, Crane Reef, Sixmile Reef, Falkner Island area (North Rip), New Haven Harbor, Charles Island area, Penfield Reef, Norwalk Islands, and Stamford and Greenwich Harbors. SNAPPER BLUEFISH fishing is fair to good.[/font] [font "Times New Roman"]STRIPED BASS – Fishing for striped bass is good but the increased abundance of bluefish makes it tough going. The usual striper spots include the Watch Hill reefs, 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, and the reefs around the Norwalk Islands are all your typical striper spots. Best techniques include live lining bunker, hickory shad, scup, snapper blues, and eels or trolling the tube and worm combination.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]SUMMER FLOUNDER fishing has dropped off to a slow pick. Fluke spots worth trying 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 area, lower Connecticut River during the flood tide, Long Sand Shoal, the Falkner Island area, and New Haven Harbor including the outer breakwater area.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]SCUP fishing is good at most the major rocky reefs and wrecks throughout LIS but you may have to move around to find them.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]HICKORY SHAD fishing is fair to good in the Niantic River.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]ATLANTIC BONITO are off the Watch Hill Reefs, the Pine Island area (Groton), the Race, and the Millstone Point area.[/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]
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