CT Fishin' Tips
September 2016

Your source for Connecticut fishing news, pointers, and tips!
Connecticut Hunting and Fishing Day

Connecticut Hunting and Fishing Day will be held at  two great locations  this year:

Saturday, September 10

Saturday, September 24

Both events will be from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM with shuttle parking available

These  FREE  events feature activities for all ages, including live birds of prey, target shooting, hunting dog demonstrations, archery, children's crafts and activities, fishing demonstrations, and more! Equipment vendors, sporting clubs, fish & wildlife exhibits, and conservation organizations will also be present.

Visit the  Hunting and Fishing Day webpage often for updates on events, participants, parking info, and more!
Latest Bites

NEW!  The Weekend Fishing Forecast is being posted on our CT Fish and Wildlife  Facebook page  each Friday.

NEW!   Youth fishing passport scorecard to keep track of your catches during the " Fishing Challenge."

Saltwater Fishing Day  - Thank you to the 300+ people who came out to try their hand saltwater fishing at Fort Trumbull State Park on August 13, 2016. The day was very hot, but that did not stop the fish from biting. Catches included; fluke, black seabass, porgy, snapper bluefish, sea robin, and even a "mystery fish" - see below.

Free Fishing License Day #2 :  546 people obtained their 1-day free fishing license.  Most indicated (through an on-line survey) that this program is a great way to spend time together with family and friends.  We all have become "hooked"!  

Fishing in autumn can't be beat:  There is no better way to take in the spectacular fall colors than from the water (and to spend time with family and friends).  See you on the water- Fish ON!

Big Time CARP fishing coming to Connecticut once again (October 9-14, 2016). $100,000 prize if you break the state record (details). 
Fall Trout Stocking Update:  Due to the unprecedented lack of rainfall and low flow conditions throughout the state, in all streams and rivers, and the continuing warmer-than-normal, seasonal water temperatures in lakes and ponds, all fall trout stocking is postponed indefinitely (hopefully temporary). With an exception in the West Branch Farmington River (see below). 

With uncertainty in the short-term weather forecast we are still optimistic that conditions will improve.  Until that point (i.e., substantial rainfall or significantly cooler air temperatures) stocking trout stocking would not be prudent.  
Our DEEP  weekly fishing report has your detailed fishing information 
Labor Day Weekend Trout Stocking
Pack your fishing gear- DEEP will be stocking 2,000 Brown trout into the upper portion of the West Branch Farmington River (Hogsback Dam in Hartland to the upstream boundary of the Year-round TMA at the old bridge abutments in Barkhamsted) for your fishing trips over Labor Day Weekend.
Regulations require catch and release from September 1 to 6:00 am on the second Saturday of April (opening day). Good Luck!
Water in this section of the river will be much lower than normal, however, as it is coming from the bottom of the West Branch Reservoir, it is very cold and will not be stressful for the trout.
The emergency closure and creation of "No Fishing" zones around 8 key tributaries in the lower portion of the Farmington River remains in effect until 9/15/16. No trout will be stocked in the lower sections of the river (to avoid the potential stressful combination of low flow and elevated temperatures).
¡Vamonas a Pescar!
Información disponible en español relacionada con la pesca en Connecticut.

Los folletos de la pesca en aguas dulces y aguas saladas fuerón traducidos en español para la distribución a la comunidad hispana residentes en Connecticut. El objetivo de los folletos de pesca en español es para ayudar a fomentar, aumentar y promover la participación hispana en esta actividad que se lleva acabo en familia.

Somos afortunados en Connecticut por el gran abastecimiento de peses . La población de Connecticut tiene oportunidad de pescar a no más de 5 millas de su residencia. Si a ústed le gusta la Trucha, Lobina, Lucio Norteamericano, Panfish o especies de aguas saladas como Lobina Rayada, Summer Flounder, Porgy o Anjova, las aguas de Connecticut lo ofrecen. ¡Vamonos a Pescar!
Cops and Bobbers - Hooks and Ladders
Thanks to a collaborative effort between the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Riverfront Recapture, City of Hartford Police and Fire, AMR ambulance, the Wilson-Gray YMCA, and DEEP's CARE program, over 60 youth were educated about Connecticut's freshwater fish and learned how to rig a fishing rod.  They also perfected their casting, and most importantly, built a community connection with police and firefighters.  T o help them continue their new found passion, each youth was provided with their own fishing rod and reel courtesy of Bass Pro Shops.
Celebrate 150 Years of Natural Resource
Conservation  in Connecticut!

The DEEP's Bureau of Natural Resources is celebrating its 150th Anniversary in 2016.  Joining in the celebration are the Divisions of Wildlife, Inland Fisheries, Marine Fisheries, Forestry, and the Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police, as well as many partners.

Throughout 2016, we will look back at our history and also look ahead to the future of natural resources in our state. 
Follow along with the celebration and participate in special events to be held year-long. Learn more on our  Facebook Page and the  DEEP Website.
This Month's Mystery Fish
If you think you can correctly name the fish in this photo, email DEEP.Inland.fisheries@ct.gov with your guess.  Good luck!
Mystery Fish Revealed
Last month's  Mystery Fish was t he Oyster Toadfish, Opsanus tau, also known as the ugly toad, oyster cracker and "bar dog".  It can be found along the eastern seaboard in tidal creeks, bays, coves and estuaries.  Toadfish lie and wait for crabs, shrimp, and small fish to swim by their hiding spot, then lunge in ambush. Most toadfish that are caught by anglers are about 10-12 inches in length.  The current Connecticut state record Oyster Toadfish weighed in at 2.5 pounds and was caught by Zach Naoumides in 2007. 

One of the many interesting facts about this fish is the "foghorn" call made by the male while attempting to attract a mate (recording courtesy of  Sciaenid Acoustics Research Team, East Carolina University). 
Oyster Toadfish, Opsanus tau.
For your tackle box

Soft Plastics -  Every shape, color, size imaginable.
Worms, lizards, crayfish, grubs, minnows, and even crabs all come in soft plastic versions.  Soft plastic lures gained popularity with the success demonstrated by the original "rubber worm", which is often fished "weedless" (when the point of the hook is tucked just inside the body of the lure).  This type of lure proved deadly for Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass.  Other smaller versions, like "grubs" have been tricking sunfish, perch, and calico bass for decades.

The fishing industry continues to develop new scents, shapes, and movements of these soft plastic lures perfecting the ability to get a fish to bite.  The choices can seem overwhelming,  but the best advice is to speak with your local bait and tackle store owner.  Let them know what you would like to catch and where you will be fishing; they will get you what is "hot".    
Have you fished here?
The Shetucket River starts in Windham where the Natchaug and Willimantic Rivers merge, and winds its way along Route 32 south to Norwich.  The Shetucket is mostly known for fall stocking of surplus broodstock Atlantic Salmon, a program that started in the early 1990's as a result of the desire to create a unique angling opportunity.  
 
A surplus broodstock Atlantic Salmon is a hatchery fish that is past its reproductive prime.  As such, these fish are released into two designated broodstock areas, one on the Shetucket River and the other on the Naugatuck River, and several lakes and ponds (depending upon the number of fish available).  
 
Regulations on this unique fishery are complex and change throughout the year. Please refer to page 28 of the 2016 Angler's Guide for details.
 
In addition to the salmon, the Shetucket provides excellent trout fishing and is managed as a "Trophy Trout Stream"; it is stocked with the majority of fish being larger than 12 inches and a daily limit of two trout per angler.  Each year the Shetucket is stocked with about 6,000 to 8,000 fish and boasts good summer fishing for Smallmouth Bass and Fallfish (a feisty native minnow that can grow up to 14 inches).
 
If you are looking for an ideal and peaceful fishing trip, the Shetucket is worth a cast

The ultimate fish story! You can be on our next cover! We are looking for that special photo to capture the essence of the great fishing here in Connecticut. Be sure to keep your cell phone, Go-Pro, or camera handy!  Get all of the contest details on our web page  and email your submissions to:

deep.inland.fisheries@ct.gov (subject:  Angler's Guide Cover Contest).   

Good Luck!
License Fees Fund Hunting and Fishing Programs

100%  of the fees collected from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, tags, permits, and stamps goes to support fish and wildlife conservation, preservation, and recreation programs administered by the Bureau of Natural Resources. 

Each time you purchase a license your contribution goes to support hunting, fishing, and open space right here in CT. 

So, the next time you see a bald eagle, harvest a white-tail, pheasant, or turkey, or catch a brown trout or striped bass, give yourself and your fellow sportsmen a pat on the back!



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