11-28-2005, 10:32 AM
[font "Times New Roman"]Weekly Fishing Report - Week of November 21, 2005 [/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#ff0000]This is the last Weekly Report for 2005. We may have special reports on the Atlantic salmon broodstock fishery in the Naugatuck and Shetucket Rivers and ice fishing conditions as these activities continue throughout the colder months. We will resume publishing the Weekly Fishing Report in the spring just prior to Opening Day in April. Please continue to visit the [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fdhome.htm"]Fisheries Division Home Page[/url] for updates on all fisheries issues. [/#ff0000][#ff0000]ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS![/#ff0000][/font] [font "Times New Roman"]![[Image: salmon.gif]](http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishimag/salmon.gif)
[/font][font "Times New Roman"][#004080]INLAND REPORT[/#004080][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]ATLANTIC SALMON[/font]
Broodstock Atlantic salmon fishing in the Naugatuck and Shetucket Rivers is excellent! Anglers are traveling long distances to participate in this unique fishery which has resulted in catches up to 20 lbs. being caught & released. This season’s largest salmon (25.75 lbs) may also have has been caught & released at least once so far. Be the next one to experience the thrill of this beast. DEP expects to stock approximately 120 additional salmon from the Kensington Hatchery into the two rivers, bringing the total number of broodstock Atlantic salmon stocked this fall to nearly 1,800 fish. [font "Times New Roman"]Please visit the [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/salmonstockingphotos.htm"]Salmon Stocking Page[/url] for pictures from the Naugatuck River stocking. [/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#ff0000]Reminder- 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 salmon per day. Fishing for Atlantic salmon is limited to use of single-fly or lure with a single free-swinging hook.[/#ff0000][/font] TROUT
LAKES & PONDS –Late season fishing is variable, the few reports include Colebrook Reservoir (slow), East Twin Lake (mixed reports) and West Hill Pond (good).
RIVERS & STREAMS -Recent fall rains and colder temperatures have resulted in slow action even for the hearty angler. Streamers (9 am-1 pm during low light periods/overcast days) & nymphing (late afternoon) are good choices. For streamers try white, yellow and brown colors. Typical patterns to try include White Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10). Typical bottom bouncing nymphs include Tan & Winter Caddis pupa (#16-18), Serendipity (#14-16), Pheasant Tail (#12-20), Prince (#6-18) and Hare’s ear (#8-20). Some anglers are using scud & egg patterns.
Farmington River- West Branch flows are again high (400 cfs from Hogback, and about 950 cfs below the Still River) due to the rain earlier this week, but should again drop to more fishable levels by the weekend. BWO continue to be the dominant hatch, with Midges & Caddis mixed in. For best action try Blue Wing Olives (#22-26, late morning), Caddis (winter #18-22, early afternoon). Expect most of the action to be between 11:30 am and 3:00 pm.
Housatonic River- Morning TMA water temperatures are in the low 40’s °F. Once again, flows have increased (currently about 2,900 cfs at Falls Village and 4,900 at Gaylordsville as of Thursday morning). Flows should drop to fishable levels over the weekend or early next week. Hatches include Blue Wing Olive (#22-26, early morning), Midges (#22-32) and Winter caddis (#18-22, early morning & late afternoon). There are plenty of fish in the waters but don’t expect to see the action pick up until water temperatures come down 2-3°F (and flows decline). This will trigger the next set of insect hatches which will get the fish feeding again.
LARGEMOUTH BASS and SMALLMOUTH BASS are still providing action (although seasonably variable) for intrepid anglers, with reports from Lake Zoar (fair), Candlewood Lake (slow for largemouth, fair for smallies), Ball Pond (good largemouth action), Amos Lake (good), Highland (fair for smallmouth), East Twin Lake (slow) and Quonnipaug Lake (good).
Good reports for BLACK CRAPPIE from North Farms Reservoir.
Connecticut River – BLACK CRAPPIE are hot right now and are being taken on jigs & shiners in Wethersfield, White Oaks and Crow Point Coves. Local marinas that still have their docks in are a very good place as well. NORTHERN PIKE action reported in the Haddam/East Haddam area.
[font "Times New Roman"] [font "Times New Roman"][#ff0000]NOTES:[/#ff0000][/font][/font] [ul] [li]Winter drawdowns of Gardner Lake (down 1 foot), Billings Lake (down 2 feet), Pachaug Pond (down 4.5 feet), Lower Bolton Lake (down 2.5 feet), Middle Bolton Lake (down 2.5 feet), Glasgo Pond (down 2.5 feet) and Bashan Lake (down 20 inches) are underway. All are scheduled for 3 foot drawdowns except Pachaug (5 feet) and Lower Bolton (2 feet). Levels last reported on November 21th. Beseck Lake is also scheduled to be drawndown approximately 6 feet for dam maintenance and repair. [li]Reminder, Lake Saltonstall and the Maltby Lakes both close to all fishing after next Wednesday (November 30th). [li]DEP’s Quinebaug Fish Hatchery visitor center will be closed until further notice while the building undergoes repairs to the roof. All other areas generally open to the public will remain open. [li]The State Park road toMashapaug Lake is closed (storm damage). This closure may last for an extended period. [li]The Natchaug State Forest entrance road bridge across the Natchaug River off of Route 198 in Eastford is closed to both vehicles and pedestrians indefinitely. 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] [li]A 10 foot Candlewood Lake drawdown is in progress, the scheduled drawdown rate is approximately 1-1.5 feet per week (0.1 - 0.2 feet per day), however, recent rains have slowed the drawdown rate. Water elevation as of 11/23 is 427.4 feet. As a reminder, the summer minimum level is 427.0 feet. [li]Lake Lillinonah water elevation is currently (as of 11/23) slightly below the normal operating range (195.5 to 200 feet). Barring heavy further heavy precipitation, levels should be back up by the weekend. Note that when there is a prediction for heavy rain, NGS may lower Lake Lillinonah 1-10 feet below the typical operating range as a flood control measure. Recorded messages concerning flows and lake levels managed by NGS in the Housatonic River system (Candlewood Lake, Lake Lillinonah, and Housatonic River flows) can be accessed by calling a toll-free number: 1-888-417-4837. [/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]
The water temperature in Long Island Sound (LIS) is in the low 50’s °F. Check out the following web sites for more detailed water temperatures and marine boating conditions:
[font "Times New Roman"][url "http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1"]http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1[/url][url "http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/"]
http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/
[/url][url "http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/330.html"]http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/330.html[/url][/font]
[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]
BLUEFISH are still in LIS with fish weighing in the 12 lbs. plus range. The Race and the Millstone warm water outflow have been fairly consistent.
STRIPED BASS fishing remains good on the major reefs and rip areas as the fall migration continues. Cows weighing 40+ lbs. have been reported over this past week. Striper spots include the usual areas: Watch Hill reefs, the Race, Plum Gut, Millstone outflow, Bartlett Reef, Black Point, Hatchett Reef, Long Sand Shoal, Cornfield Point, Southwest Reef, Sixmile Reef, Milford Point area, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground, Penfield Reef, Compo Beach, and the Norwalk Islands. Also don’t overlook schoolie action in the tidal rivers.
BLACKFISH (TAUTOG) fishing remains strong in LIS and in relatively shallow water (15-20 ft.) for this time of year. The typical tog locations include the rocky reefs in Fishers Island Sound, Black Point area, Hatchett Point, Falkner Island area including Kimberly Reef, the reefs off Madison and Guilford, New Haven breakwaters, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground, the Norwalk Islands and the Cows off Stamford.
[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] [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"][#ff0000]This is the last Weekly Report for 2005. We may have special reports on the Atlantic salmon broodstock fishery in the Naugatuck and Shetucket Rivers and ice fishing conditions as these activities continue throughout the colder months. We will resume publishing the Weekly Fishing Report in the spring just prior to Opening Day in April. Please continue to visit the [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fdhome.htm"]Fisheries Division Home Page[/url] for updates on all fisheries issues. [/#ff0000][#ff0000]ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS![/#ff0000][/font] [font "Times New Roman"]
[/font][font "Times New Roman"][#004080]INLAND REPORT[/#004080][/font] [font "Times New Roman"]ATLANTIC SALMON[/font]
Broodstock Atlantic salmon fishing in the Naugatuck and Shetucket Rivers is excellent! Anglers are traveling long distances to participate in this unique fishery which has resulted in catches up to 20 lbs. being caught & released. This season’s largest salmon (25.75 lbs) may also have has been caught & released at least once so far. Be the next one to experience the thrill of this beast. DEP expects to stock approximately 120 additional salmon from the Kensington Hatchery into the two rivers, bringing the total number of broodstock Atlantic salmon stocked this fall to nearly 1,800 fish. [font "Times New Roman"]Please visit the [url "http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/salmonstockingphotos.htm"]Salmon Stocking Page[/url] for pictures from the Naugatuck River stocking. [/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][#ff0000]Reminder- 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 salmon per day. Fishing for Atlantic salmon is limited to use of single-fly or lure with a single free-swinging hook.[/#ff0000][/font] TROUT
LAKES & PONDS –Late season fishing is variable, the few reports include Colebrook Reservoir (slow), East Twin Lake (mixed reports) and West Hill Pond (good).
RIVERS & STREAMS -Recent fall rains and colder temperatures have resulted in slow action even for the hearty angler. Streamers (9 am-1 pm during low light periods/overcast days) & nymphing (late afternoon) are good choices. For streamers try white, yellow and brown colors. Typical patterns to try include White Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10). Typical bottom bouncing nymphs include Tan & Winter Caddis pupa (#16-18), Serendipity (#14-16), Pheasant Tail (#12-20), Prince (#6-18) and Hare’s ear (#8-20). Some anglers are using scud & egg patterns.
Farmington River- West Branch flows are again high (400 cfs from Hogback, and about 950 cfs below the Still River) due to the rain earlier this week, but should again drop to more fishable levels by the weekend. BWO continue to be the dominant hatch, with Midges & Caddis mixed in. For best action try Blue Wing Olives (#22-26, late morning), Caddis (winter #18-22, early afternoon). Expect most of the action to be between 11:30 am and 3:00 pm.
Housatonic River- Morning TMA water temperatures are in the low 40’s °F. Once again, flows have increased (currently about 2,900 cfs at Falls Village and 4,900 at Gaylordsville as of Thursday morning). Flows should drop to fishable levels over the weekend or early next week. Hatches include Blue Wing Olive (#22-26, early morning), Midges (#22-32) and Winter caddis (#18-22, early morning & late afternoon). There are plenty of fish in the waters but don’t expect to see the action pick up until water temperatures come down 2-3°F (and flows decline). This will trigger the next set of insect hatches which will get the fish feeding again.
LARGEMOUTH BASS and SMALLMOUTH BASS are still providing action (although seasonably variable) for intrepid anglers, with reports from Lake Zoar (fair), Candlewood Lake (slow for largemouth, fair for smallies), Ball Pond (good largemouth action), Amos Lake (good), Highland (fair for smallmouth), East Twin Lake (slow) and Quonnipaug Lake (good).
Good reports for BLACK CRAPPIE from North Farms Reservoir.
Connecticut River – BLACK CRAPPIE are hot right now and are being taken on jigs & shiners in Wethersfield, White Oaks and Crow Point Coves. Local marinas that still have their docks in are a very good place as well. NORTHERN PIKE action reported in the Haddam/East Haddam area.
[font "Times New Roman"] [font "Times New Roman"][#ff0000]NOTES:[/#ff0000][/font][/font] [ul] [li]Winter drawdowns of Gardner Lake (down 1 foot), Billings Lake (down 2 feet), Pachaug Pond (down 4.5 feet), Lower Bolton Lake (down 2.5 feet), Middle Bolton Lake (down 2.5 feet), Glasgo Pond (down 2.5 feet) and Bashan Lake (down 20 inches) are underway. All are scheduled for 3 foot drawdowns except Pachaug (5 feet) and Lower Bolton (2 feet). Levels last reported on November 21th. Beseck Lake is also scheduled to be drawndown approximately 6 feet for dam maintenance and repair. [li]Reminder, Lake Saltonstall and the Maltby Lakes both close to all fishing after next Wednesday (November 30th). [li]DEP’s Quinebaug Fish Hatchery visitor center will be closed until further notice while the building undergoes repairs to the roof. All other areas generally open to the public will remain open. [li]The State Park road toMashapaug Lake is closed (storm damage). This closure may last for an extended period. [li]The Natchaug State Forest entrance road bridge across the Natchaug River off of Route 198 in Eastford is closed to both vehicles and pedestrians indefinitely. 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] [li]A 10 foot Candlewood Lake drawdown is in progress, the scheduled drawdown rate is approximately 1-1.5 feet per week (0.1 - 0.2 feet per day), however, recent rains have slowed the drawdown rate. Water elevation as of 11/23 is 427.4 feet. As a reminder, the summer minimum level is 427.0 feet. [li]Lake Lillinonah water elevation is currently (as of 11/23) slightly below the normal operating range (195.5 to 200 feet). Barring heavy further heavy precipitation, levels should be back up by the weekend. Note that when there is a prediction for heavy rain, NGS may lower Lake Lillinonah 1-10 feet below the typical operating range as a flood control measure. Recorded messages concerning flows and lake levels managed by NGS in the Housatonic River system (Candlewood Lake, Lake Lillinonah, and Housatonic River flows) can be accessed by calling a toll-free number: 1-888-417-4837. [/li][/ul] [font "Times New Roman"][#004080]MARINE REPORT[/#004080]
[/font] The water temperature in Long Island Sound (LIS) is in the low 50’s °F. Check out the following web sites for more detailed water temperatures and marine boating conditions:
[font "Times New Roman"][url "http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1"]http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1[/url][url "http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/"]
http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/
[/url][url "http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/330.html"]http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/330.html[/url][/font]
[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]
BLUEFISH are still in LIS with fish weighing in the 12 lbs. plus range. The Race and the Millstone warm water outflow have been fairly consistent.
STRIPED BASS fishing remains good on the major reefs and rip areas as the fall migration continues. Cows weighing 40+ lbs. have been reported over this past week. Striper spots include the usual areas: Watch Hill reefs, the Race, Plum Gut, Millstone outflow, Bartlett Reef, Black Point, Hatchett Reef, Long Sand Shoal, Cornfield Point, Southwest Reef, Sixmile Reef, Milford Point area, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground, Penfield Reef, Compo Beach, and the Norwalk Islands. Also don’t overlook schoolie action in the tidal rivers.
BLACKFISH (TAUTOG) fishing remains strong in LIS and in relatively shallow water (15-20 ft.) for this time of year. The typical tog locations include the rocky reefs in Fishers Island Sound, Black Point area, Hatchett Point, Falkner Island area including Kimberly Reef, the reefs off Madison and Guilford, New Haven breakwaters, Stratford Shoal/Middle Ground, the Norwalk Islands and the Cows off Stamford.
[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] [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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