10-29-2005, 09:43 AM
[font "Times New Roman"]Weekly Fishing Report - Week of October 24, 2005 [/font] [font "Times New Roman"][#004080]INLAND REPORT[/#004080][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#ff0000]ATTENTION ANGLERS: Anglers should continue to use caution when fishing in Connecticut waters due to high and possibly dangerous stream flows and floating debris.[/#ff0000][/font]
![[Image: salmon.gif]](http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishimag/salmon.gif)
[font "Times New Roman"]ATLANTIC SALMON[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]This week’s planned stocking of the Naugatuck and Shetucket Rivers with 400 Atlantic salmon from the federal hatchery in Vermont was postponed due to poor weather. DEP now plans to stock these fish early next week. There is also a possibility that an additional 400 salmon from the federal hatchery may also be stocked later next week. These salmon will typically weigh 5-6 pounds each. DEP currently expects to stock the first group of spawned salmon from its Kensington Hatchery during the week of November 7th.
[#ff0000]Reminder [/#ff0000]- Anglers are reminded that catch-and- release fishing is in effect through November 30, 2005. From December 1, 2005 to March 31, 2006, anglers may keep one fish per day. Fishing for Atlantic salmon is limited to use of single-fly or lure with a single free-swinging hook.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]TROUT[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]LAKES & PONDS –Trout fishing is variable, with reports from Wonoscopomuc Lake (fair, reminder: lake closes October 31st), Amos Lake (slow), Highland Lake (slow), East Twin Lake (mixed reports), Beach Pond (good), West Hill Pond and Great Hollow Pond (fair).[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]RIVERS & STREAMS - Fluctuating flows during the past several weeks have led to highly variable trout fishing, with anglers reporting some periods of good fishing in a number of rivers and streams including the Mill (TMA, 25 trout for one angler), West Branch Farmington (TMA), Saugatuck, Pomperaug, Farmill, Salmon, Pootatuck, Norwalk and Pequonock Rivers and Salmon Brook (36 brook trout). Thanks to Tuesday’s rains, flows are again high (but currently dropping) in many rivers and streams. As flows again recede anglers using streamers or nymphing should have success (especially during the early morning and late evening). For streamers try white, yellow and brown colors. Patterns to try include White Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10). Nymphs include Caddis pupa (#14-16), Serendipity (#14-16), Pheasant Tail (#12-20), Prince (#6-18) and Hare’s ear (#8-20).[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Farmington River - West Branch flows are stained and currently high, with about 410 cfs from Hogback to Riverton and about 1,100 cfs below the confluence of the Still River. Inflows from the Still should continue to decrease, making the river more fishable by this weekend. Patterns that had been working include Blue Wing Olives and Caddis (tan #14-18, all day; green #22-26, evening; summer pupa #18-20 morning).[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#ff0000]Housatonic River - The river is currently unfishable due to very high flows[/#ff0000], about 5,300 cfs at Falls Village and about 8,800 cfs at Gaylordsville (flows are beginning to drop, and the river may be somewhat fishable by late this weekend or early next week). The water temperature is about 46°F at Falls Village.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]LARGEMOUTH AND SMALLMOUTH BASS fishing continues to be variable, ranging from slow to good, with reports for largemouth from Lake Zoar (slow), Candlewood (fair, but still tough for some anglers, a 6.7 lb bass among the catches), Maltby Lakes (good), Highland Lake (very mixed reports, mostly slow but a 7.9 lb bass among the catches), East Twin Lake (slow), Rogers Lake (mixed reports), Bantam Lake (good), and Batterson Park, Long, Hatch (slow), Mudge (4.3 lb bass), Bigelow (slow although one nice 4 lb bass) and Pachaug Ponds. Limited action for smallmouth bass reported from Candlewood Lake, Squantz Pond and Highland Lake.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]WALLEYE action reported from Saugatuck Reservoir (6 fish up for one angler including a 7-pounder), Lake Saltonstall (7 fish up including a 7.75 lb beauty), Beach Pond and Squantz Pond (5 fish up to 25.5").[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]YELLOW PERCH action reported from Beach Pond, Maltby Lakes and Tyler Lake.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]A nice 16” BLACK CRAPPIE was caught by Steve Craig (Plainfield) at Beach Pond.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]In the lull between rain and high flow events, fishing for NORTHERN PIKE was reported to be good in the Haddam Meadows area of the Connecticut River.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#ff0000]NOTES:[/#ff0000][/font] [ul] [li][font "Times New Roman"]The state park road to MASHAPAUG LAKE IS CLOSED due to storm damage. This closure may last for an extended period.[/font] [li][font "Times New Roman"]The Natchaug State Forest entrance road bridge across the NATCHAUG RIVER off of Route 198 in Eastford will be closed indefinitely beginning November 1st. This closure applies to both vehicles and pedestrians. For additional information including alternate access: [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/stateparks/forests/natchaug.htm"]http://www.dep.state.ct.us/stateparks/forests/natchaug.htm[/url][/font] [li][font "Times New Roman"]Due to flood control management, scheduled drawdowns of Lake Lillinonah and Lake Zoar were postponed one week. LAKE LILLINONAH is scheduled to be drawndown 5 feet starting Friday night, October 21st with refilling scheduled to begin Sunday night, October 30th. The drawndown of LAKE ZOAR will begin Friday night, Oct 28, with refilling scheduled to begin Sunday night, November 6th.[/font] [li][font "Times New Roman"]A 3-foot drawdown of HIGHLAND LAKE is scheduled to begin on November 1st.[/font] [li][font "Times New Roman"]Winter drawdowns of Gardner Lake, Pachaug Pond, Lower Bolton Lake, Glasgo Pond and Bashan Lake are scheduled to begin by the end of October.[/font] [li][font "Times New Roman"]on Lake, Glasgo Pond and Bashan Lake are scheduled to begin by the end of October.[/font] [/li][/ul] [font "Times New Roman"][#004080]MARINE REPORT[/#004080]![[Image: stb2.gif]](http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishimag/stb2.gif)
[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]The water temperature in Long Island Sound (LIS) ranges from the high 50’s to low 60’s °F. Check out the following web sites for more detailed water temperatures and marine boating conditions:[/font]
[url "http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1"][font "Times New Roman"]http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1[/font][/url][url "http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/"][font "Times New Roman"]
http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/
[/font][/url][url "http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/330.html"][font "Times New Roman"]http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/330.html[/font][/url]
[font "Times New Roman"]Also remember to check the CT [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/angler.htm"]Angler’s Guide[/url] page 52 for tidal information and page 50 for saltwater trophy fish award info.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Still a lot of BLUEFISH throughout LIS making it tough for anglers seeking STRIPERS. Bluefish fishing will remain good untilwater temperatures drop into the lower 50’s °F. Schoolie striper action can be found in the Thames, Niantic, Connecticut, and Housatonic Rivers. Other spots include the Watch Hill reefs, Ram Island Reef, the Race, Plum Gut, Millstone Point, Bartlett Reef, Black Point, the humps south of Hatchett Reef, Long Sand Shoal, Connecticut River breakwater to White Sands Beach, Cornfield Point, Southwest Reef, Sixmile Reef, the reefs off Madison and Branford, New Haven Harbor, Milford Harbor breakwaters to Charles Island and Milford Point area, Penfield Reef, the Norwalk Islands, and Stamford Harbor.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]SCUP (porgies) fishing is good but time is dwindling down as the fishery closes November 1.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]BLACKFISH (tautog) fishing continues to heat up on the major reefs and should continue until water temperatures chill to the mid to upper 40’s °F.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]HICKORY SHAD fishing remains good in the Mystic River (Noank), Niantic River, Connecticut River, Clinton Harbor and the East River (Guilford).[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]LITTLE TUNNY and ATLANTIC BONITO fishing is hit or miss. Plum Gut, the Sluiceway, the Race, Pine Island area off the Thames River, Millstone Point and Pleasure Beach in Waterford, Hatchett Reef, and Long Sand Shoal are spots worth trying.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#ff0000]PLEASE NOTE: [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/marineinfo/saltregs.htm#scup"]SCUP[/url] FISHING CLOSES NOVEMBER 1ST[/#ff0000][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#ff0000]Please see the [/#ff0000][url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/marineinfo/saltregs.htm"]Current Marine Fisheries Recreational Regulations[/url][#0080ff] [/#0080ff][#ff0000]page for the latest regulations on common saltwater fish species or download t[b]he [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/pdf.htm"]2005 Marine Fisheries Brochure[/url]. [/#ff0000][/b][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#009999]Interested in participating in the Marine Volunteer Angler Survey? Please see page 41 of the 2005 CT [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/angler.htm"]Angler’s Guide[/url] for contact information. Your participation is critical to effective fisheries management of your marine fishery resources. Thank you.[/#009999][/font] [center][font "Times New Roman"][url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/weekly/fishadv.htm"]Weekly Fishing Report[/url] | [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/index.htm"]Bureau of Natural Resources[/url][/font][/center] [font "Arial"][size 2][url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/index.htm"]Home[/url] | [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/aboutdep/contact/contact.htm"]Contact Us[/url] | [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/search2.htm"]Search[/url] | [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/survey/survey.htm"]Feedback[/url] | [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/legal.htm"]Website Legal Info[/url][/size][/font]
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[font "Times New Roman"][#ff0000]ATTENTION ANGLERS: Anglers should continue to use caution when fishing in Connecticut waters due to high and possibly dangerous stream flows and floating debris.[/#ff0000][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]ATLANTIC SALMON[/font] [font "Times New Roman"]This week’s planned stocking of the Naugatuck and Shetucket Rivers with 400 Atlantic salmon from the federal hatchery in Vermont was postponed due to poor weather. DEP now plans to stock these fish early next week. There is also a possibility that an additional 400 salmon from the federal hatchery may also be stocked later next week. These salmon will typically weigh 5-6 pounds each. DEP currently expects to stock the first group of spawned salmon from its Kensington Hatchery during the week of November 7th.
[#ff0000]Reminder [/#ff0000]- Anglers are reminded that catch-and- release fishing is in effect through November 30, 2005. From December 1, 2005 to March 31, 2006, anglers may keep one fish per day. Fishing for Atlantic salmon is limited to use of single-fly or lure with a single free-swinging hook.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]TROUT[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]LAKES & PONDS –Trout fishing is variable, with reports from Wonoscopomuc Lake (fair, reminder: lake closes October 31st), Amos Lake (slow), Highland Lake (slow), East Twin Lake (mixed reports), Beach Pond (good), West Hill Pond and Great Hollow Pond (fair).[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]RIVERS & STREAMS - Fluctuating flows during the past several weeks have led to highly variable trout fishing, with anglers reporting some periods of good fishing in a number of rivers and streams including the Mill (TMA, 25 trout for one angler), West Branch Farmington (TMA), Saugatuck, Pomperaug, Farmill, Salmon, Pootatuck, Norwalk and Pequonock Rivers and Salmon Brook (36 brook trout). Thanks to Tuesday’s rains, flows are again high (but currently dropping) in many rivers and streams. As flows again recede anglers using streamers or nymphing should have success (especially during the early morning and late evening). For streamers try white, yellow and brown colors. Patterns to try include White Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10). Nymphs include Caddis pupa (#14-16), Serendipity (#14-16), Pheasant Tail (#12-20), Prince (#6-18) and Hare’s ear (#8-20).[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Farmington River - West Branch flows are stained and currently high, with about 410 cfs from Hogback to Riverton and about 1,100 cfs below the confluence of the Still River. Inflows from the Still should continue to decrease, making the river more fishable by this weekend. Patterns that had been working include Blue Wing Olives and Caddis (tan #14-18, all day; green #22-26, evening; summer pupa #18-20 morning).[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#ff0000]Housatonic River - The river is currently unfishable due to very high flows[/#ff0000], about 5,300 cfs at Falls Village and about 8,800 cfs at Gaylordsville (flows are beginning to drop, and the river may be somewhat fishable by late this weekend or early next week). The water temperature is about 46°F at Falls Village.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]LARGEMOUTH AND SMALLMOUTH BASS fishing continues to be variable, ranging from slow to good, with reports for largemouth from Lake Zoar (slow), Candlewood (fair, but still tough for some anglers, a 6.7 lb bass among the catches), Maltby Lakes (good), Highland Lake (very mixed reports, mostly slow but a 7.9 lb bass among the catches), East Twin Lake (slow), Rogers Lake (mixed reports), Bantam Lake (good), and Batterson Park, Long, Hatch (slow), Mudge (4.3 lb bass), Bigelow (slow although one nice 4 lb bass) and Pachaug Ponds. Limited action for smallmouth bass reported from Candlewood Lake, Squantz Pond and Highland Lake.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]WALLEYE action reported from Saugatuck Reservoir (6 fish up for one angler including a 7-pounder), Lake Saltonstall (7 fish up including a 7.75 lb beauty), Beach Pond and Squantz Pond (5 fish up to 25.5").[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]YELLOW PERCH action reported from Beach Pond, Maltby Lakes and Tyler Lake.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]A nice 16” BLACK CRAPPIE was caught by Steve Craig (Plainfield) at Beach Pond.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]In the lull between rain and high flow events, fishing for NORTHERN PIKE was reported to be good in the Haddam Meadows area of the Connecticut River.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#ff0000]NOTES:[/#ff0000][/font] [ul] [li][font "Times New Roman"]The state park road to MASHAPAUG LAKE IS CLOSED due to storm damage. This closure may last for an extended period.[/font] [li][font "Times New Roman"]The Natchaug State Forest entrance road bridge across the NATCHAUG RIVER off of Route 198 in Eastford will be closed indefinitely beginning November 1st. This closure applies to both vehicles and pedestrians. For additional information including alternate access: [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/stateparks/forests/natchaug.htm"]http://www.dep.state.ct.us/stateparks/forests/natchaug.htm[/url][/font] [li][font "Times New Roman"]Due to flood control management, scheduled drawdowns of Lake Lillinonah and Lake Zoar were postponed one week. LAKE LILLINONAH is scheduled to be drawndown 5 feet starting Friday night, October 21st with refilling scheduled to begin Sunday night, October 30th. The drawndown of LAKE ZOAR will begin Friday night, Oct 28, with refilling scheduled to begin Sunday night, November 6th.[/font] [li][font "Times New Roman"]A 3-foot drawdown of HIGHLAND LAKE is scheduled to begin on November 1st.[/font] [li][font "Times New Roman"]Winter drawdowns of Gardner Lake, Pachaug Pond, Lower Bolton Lake, Glasgo Pond and Bashan Lake are scheduled to begin by the end of October.[/font] [li][font "Times New Roman"]on Lake, Glasgo Pond and Bashan Lake are scheduled to begin by the end of October.[/font] [/li][/ul] [font "Times New Roman"][#004080]MARINE REPORT[/#004080]
[/font] [font "Times New Roman"]The water temperature in Long Island Sound (LIS) ranges from the high 50’s to low 60’s °F. Check out the following web sites for more detailed water temperatures and marine boating conditions:[/font]
[url "http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1"][font "Times New Roman"]http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1[/font][/url][url "http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/"][font "Times New Roman"]
http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/
[/font][/url][url "http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/330.html"][font "Times New Roman"]http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/330.html[/font][/url]
[font "Times New Roman"]Also remember to check the CT [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/angler.htm"]Angler’s Guide[/url] page 52 for tidal information and page 50 for saltwater trophy fish award info.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]Still a lot of BLUEFISH throughout LIS making it tough for anglers seeking STRIPERS. Bluefish fishing will remain good untilwater temperatures drop into the lower 50’s °F. Schoolie striper action can be found in the Thames, Niantic, Connecticut, and Housatonic Rivers. Other spots include the Watch Hill reefs, Ram Island Reef, the Race, Plum Gut, Millstone Point, Bartlett Reef, Black Point, the humps south of Hatchett Reef, Long Sand Shoal, Connecticut River breakwater to White Sands Beach, Cornfield Point, Southwest Reef, Sixmile Reef, the reefs off Madison and Branford, New Haven Harbor, Milford Harbor breakwaters to Charles Island and Milford Point area, Penfield Reef, the Norwalk Islands, and Stamford Harbor.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]SCUP (porgies) fishing is good but time is dwindling down as the fishery closes November 1.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]BLACKFISH (tautog) fishing continues to heat up on the major reefs and should continue until water temperatures chill to the mid to upper 40’s °F.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]HICKORY SHAD fishing remains good in the Mystic River (Noank), Niantic River, Connecticut River, Clinton Harbor and the East River (Guilford).[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]LITTLE TUNNY and ATLANTIC BONITO fishing is hit or miss. Plum Gut, the Sluiceway, the Race, Pine Island area off the Thames River, Millstone Point and Pleasure Beach in Waterford, Hatchett Reef, and Long Sand Shoal are spots worth trying.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#ff0000]PLEASE NOTE: [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/marineinfo/saltregs.htm#scup"]SCUP[/url] FISHING CLOSES NOVEMBER 1ST[/#ff0000][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#ff0000]Please see the [/#ff0000][url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/marineinfo/saltregs.htm"]Current Marine Fisheries Recreational Regulations[/url][#0080ff] [/#0080ff][#ff0000]page for the latest regulations on common saltwater fish species or download t[b]he [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/pdf.htm"]2005 Marine Fisheries Brochure[/url]. [/#ff0000][/b][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#009999]Interested in participating in the Marine Volunteer Angler Survey? Please see page 41 of the 2005 CT [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/angler.htm"]Angler’s Guide[/url] for contact information. Your participation is critical to effective fisheries management of your marine fishery resources. Thank you.[/#009999][/font] [center][font "Times New Roman"][url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/weekly/fishadv.htm"]Weekly Fishing Report[/url] | [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/index.htm"]Bureau of Natural Resources[/url][/font][/center] [font "Arial"][size 2][url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/index.htm"]Home[/url] | [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/aboutdep/contact/contact.htm"]Contact Us[/url] | [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/search2.htm"]Search[/url] | [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/survey/survey.htm"]Feedback[/url] | [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/legal.htm"]Website Legal Info[/url][/size][/font]
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