09-29-2007, 09:39 PM
Published on 9/28/2007
Morgan McGinley Morgan McGinley
Day Staff Columnist
State fisheries managers are ratcheting up the number of fish and the diversity of locations for fall trout stocking, but the long drought, still in progress, threatens to prevent some of the streams and rivers from receiving fish.
The Department of Environmental Protection wisely has increased its fall trout program to take advantage of mild autumn weather and the increased activity of year-round fishermen. But fisheries personnel say they have had to delay some stockings in rivers and streams because there wasn't enough water for trout to survive. Very warm September days have raised stream temperatures and low flows have left many streams low on oxygenated water, a must for trout.
State personnel and Thames Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited members stocked the Shetucket River in Sprague and Scotland Monday, but were prevented from spreading out the fish in some locations because water flows were too low to permit the volunteers to haul live carts -- plastic boxes filled with fish -- downstream. Instead, the group chose locations at the deeper pools where there was adequate habitat for the fish.
DEP spokesmen say they have had to amend the stocking schedule because of a lack of rain. Both the timing and the stocking itself are threatened by the drought. Fisheries personnel are hoping for a good rainfall in the next week so they can visit streams.
As an alternative to streams, the department has stocked ponds and lakes first before considering river stockings. Both the Yantic River and Moosup River stockings are on hold until there is more water.
The department, in a new venture, plans to stock Trout Parks, areas designated for family fishing, more than once this fall. Some areas will get two stockings, others three. More than 49,000 trout will be stocked statewide, including a significant number of brown trout exceeding 12 inches in length. Rainbow trout also will be stocked.
Trout anglers seeking fun on beautiful fall days can find good fishing at these Eastern Connecticut locations:
Mohegan Park Pond, Uncasville; Natchaug River, Chaplin; Moosup River Trout Management Area north of Route 14 in Plainfield; Salmon River Trout Management Area, East Hampton; Yantic River Trout Management Area, Bozrah; Willimantic River Trout Management Area, Willington.
Pachaug River, Voluntown, Quinebaug River, Plainfield and Danielson; Shetucket River, Sprague; Yantic River open area, Bozrah; Amos Lake, North Stonington; Beach Pond, Voluntown; Rogers Lake, Old Lyme; Wyassup Lake, North Stonington.
Anglers willing to travel several hours can find outstanding autumn fishing on the Housatonic River in Cornwall and the West Branch of the Farmington River in New Hartford and Riverton.
Fall fishing is more difficult than spring angling because trout spook more easily in low-water conditions. A quiet, cautious approach will win the day.
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Morgan McGinley Morgan McGinley
Day Staff Columnist
State fisheries managers are ratcheting up the number of fish and the diversity of locations for fall trout stocking, but the long drought, still in progress, threatens to prevent some of the streams and rivers from receiving fish.
The Department of Environmental Protection wisely has increased its fall trout program to take advantage of mild autumn weather and the increased activity of year-round fishermen. But fisheries personnel say they have had to delay some stockings in rivers and streams because there wasn't enough water for trout to survive. Very warm September days have raised stream temperatures and low flows have left many streams low on oxygenated water, a must for trout.
State personnel and Thames Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited members stocked the Shetucket River in Sprague and Scotland Monday, but were prevented from spreading out the fish in some locations because water flows were too low to permit the volunteers to haul live carts -- plastic boxes filled with fish -- downstream. Instead, the group chose locations at the deeper pools where there was adequate habitat for the fish.
DEP spokesmen say they have had to amend the stocking schedule because of a lack of rain. Both the timing and the stocking itself are threatened by the drought. Fisheries personnel are hoping for a good rainfall in the next week so they can visit streams.
As an alternative to streams, the department has stocked ponds and lakes first before considering river stockings. Both the Yantic River and Moosup River stockings are on hold until there is more water.
The department, in a new venture, plans to stock Trout Parks, areas designated for family fishing, more than once this fall. Some areas will get two stockings, others three. More than 49,000 trout will be stocked statewide, including a significant number of brown trout exceeding 12 inches in length. Rainbow trout also will be stocked.
Trout anglers seeking fun on beautiful fall days can find good fishing at these Eastern Connecticut locations:
Mohegan Park Pond, Uncasville; Natchaug River, Chaplin; Moosup River Trout Management Area north of Route 14 in Plainfield; Salmon River Trout Management Area, East Hampton; Yantic River Trout Management Area, Bozrah; Willimantic River Trout Management Area, Willington.
Pachaug River, Voluntown, Quinebaug River, Plainfield and Danielson; Shetucket River, Sprague; Yantic River open area, Bozrah; Amos Lake, North Stonington; Beach Pond, Voluntown; Rogers Lake, Old Lyme; Wyassup Lake, North Stonington.
Anglers willing to travel several hours can find outstanding autumn fishing on the Housatonic River in Cornwall and the West Branch of the Farmington River in New Hartford and Riverton.
Fall fishing is more difficult than spring angling because trout spook more easily in low-water conditions. A quiet, cautious approach will win the day.
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