Connecticut

DEP WEEKLY FISHING REPORT
Provided by the
CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
www.ct.gov/dep/fishing

FISHING REPORT NUMBER 32: 11/26/2008

THIS IS THE FINAL REGULAR SEASON 2008 FISHING REPORT
(reports will resume next spring).

OCCASIONAL REPORTS WILL BE ISSUED DURING THE ICE FISHING SEASON.
THANK YOU, HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND HAPPY FISHING!

INLAND REPORT

ATLANTIC SALMON
Broodstock Atlantic salmon stocking update - DEP completes its 2008 broodstock salmon stockings this week, with approximately 110 salmon being released into the Shetucket River today (Wednesday, 11/26). This stocking will bring the total number of broodstock salmon stocked this fall to over 1,100 fish. Of the salmon stocked this year, approximately 500 salmon were stocked into the Naugatuck River, 440 salmon were released into the Shetucket River, and the two lakes being stocked experimentally this fall, Crystal Lake and Mashapaug Lake, received 90 salmon each.

Naugatuck River anglers are reminded that DEP is not stocking salmon upstream of the Route 8 Bridge in Campville this fall due to a DOT bridge repair project limiting access. Additionally, in the Beacon Falls area, DEP will no longer be stocking the area along the RR tracks in Naugatuck State Forest due to safety concerns.

ATLANTIC SALMON - Crystal Lake is producing some catches (fish up to 10 lbs) as the fish have settled down from the recent stocking. Mashapaug Lake was slow last week, with only one report of success reaching us. The Shetucket River and the Naugatuck River (numerous catches including a 20 lb male) are producing some very good action.

TROUT
Rivers & streams - The cold and wet weather has slowed action, causing anglers to change their tactics. Under these conditions the trout will start to move into slower water, target pools and the slower side of the deeper runs and riffles. Some nice catches have been reported from the Farmington River, Housatonic River, and Naugatuck River. A number of smaller streams also continue to provide some nice action on wild brook and brown trout. Fall is streamer and nymphing time. White, yellow and brown are good streamer colors, and patterns include White Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10). Nymphs to bottom bounce include caddis pupa (#14-16), Serendipity (#14-16), Pheasant Tail (#12-20), Prince (#6-18) and Hare’s ear (#8-20).
FARMINGTON RIVER - Flows are clear and moderate from Hogback (West Branch Reservoir) to Riverton, currently approximately 330 cfs. Below Riverton, flows are moderately high with the Still River adding an additional 370 cfs. Water temperatures are in the upper 30’s/low 40’s°F. Insect hatches include BWO, Caddis and Midges. For best action try Blue Wing Olives (#22-28, best around 2 pm until dark; use emergers, duns & rusty spinners), Caddis (winter #14-20, early afternoon; try X-Caddis, Elk Hair or Sparkle Pupa), Golden Stonefly Nymphs (#8-14), Egg patterns (#10-18) and Midges (#22-32).
HOUSATONIC RIVER - Flows are fairly clear but moderately high due to the rains earlier this week, currently 1,650 cfs at Falls Village and 2,300 cfs at Gaylordsville. Call FirstLight Power at 1-888-417-4837 for updated flow information. Morning water temperatures are in the mid/upper 30’s°F. Insect hatches include Blue Wing Olive (#18-26) and Midges (#20-26; try Griffith’s Gnat or Midge Pupa); Emergent Sparkle Pupa, X-Caddis, Elk Hair or Henryville Special. Colder weather is pushing the fish into pools and into areas of slow to moderate current. Olives are about done, you may still see a few on moderate days. Midges are the main hatch now. Expect to fish mainly subsurface. Anglers using stoneflies, egg patterns and midges are having success. Nymphing has been the most consistent tactic. Slowly fished streamers can connect with fish also. Expect to work for the fish and for the takes to be subtle in the colder waters. Page 1 of 2
Lakes & Ponds - Late season action is variable with some success being found at Crystal Lake, East Twin Lake, Highland Lake, Saugatuck Reservoir, Mashapaug Lake and Beach Pond.

LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is reported as fair with reports from Amos Lake, Stateline Pond, Wood Creek Pond, Highland Lake, Mashapaug Lake and Beseck Lake.
SMALLMOUTH BASS action is still productive at Candlewood Lake (4.4 lb smallie among the catches), Coventry Lake and Colebrook Reservoir. Fish in 18-25 feet of water on the humps near deeper water.
NORTHERN PIKE fishing at Bantam Lake and Winchester Lake is still productive.
BLACK CRAPPIE are being reported from Silver Lake, Beseck Lake, Candlewood Lake, Dog Pond, Halls Pond and Black Pond (Meriden).

CONNECTICUT RIVER - A few STRIPED BASS catches (on plastics) were reported on the outgoing tide at the mouth, but after the recent rains, action is fairly slow. NORTHERN PIKE were reported in the Middletown to Haddam Meadow area. BLACK CRAPPIE are still providing some action in the coves (small shiners on light jig heads).

FISHING ACCESS, BOAT LAUNCH & DRAWDOWN INFORMATION

Anglers are reminded that the fishing season closes after November 30th at a number of areas including Bunnells Pond (Beardsley Park), Great Hollow Pond, Lake McDonough, the Maltby Lakes, Lake Saltonstall, Mohegan Park Pond (Spaulding Pond, Norwich), Lake Chamberlain and at most designated “children’s areas”. (Please refer to the 2008 CT Angler’s Guide for complete regulations).

“Winter” drawdowns of a number of Eastern CT lakes are in progress. Reported lake depth status for the following water bodies is current as of Thursday, November 20th.
- Scheduled for 2-foot drawdown: LOWER BOLTON LAKE (down 17 inches)
- Scheduled for 3-foot drawdowns: BASHAN LAKE (down 20 inches), BESECK LAKE (down 36 inches), BIGELOW POND (down 20 inches), BILLINGS LAKE (down 25 inches) and POWERS LAKE (down 8 inches).
- Scheduled for 5-foot drawdowns: PACHAUG POND (down 51 inches) and PICKEREL LAKE (down 23 inches).
- Scheduled for 6-foot drawdowns: GARDNER LAKE (down 30 inches, reported as “un-launchable”) and MIDDLE BOLTON LAKE (down 67 inches).

A three-foot drawdown of HIGHLAND LAKE began on November 1st.3.

Although the campground at Hopeville Pond State Park has closed for the season, access to the HOPEVILLE POND boat launch will be available through Thanksgiving (gate will be unlocked, please close after use).

The boat launch at Indian Well State Park on LAKE HOUSATONIC is currently scheduled to remain open for daytime use until December 1st.

Fishing access at LAKE SALTONSTALL will not be available for the rest of the 2008 season due to a planned drawdown to facilitate work on the spillway, inlets and embankment.

The “seawall” area extending from the handicap-accessible fishing pier to the permitted swim area at SQUANTZ POND is currently open to fishing. Anyone with a fishing pole can now access the fence through the several gates. Anglers can also enter the water in that area (except for the one area posted “no trespassing”).

DEP WEEKLY FISHING REPORT
CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106
www.ct.gov/dep

For regulation updates, please check our web site www.ct.gov/dep/fishing.
DEP WEEKLY FISHING REPORT
CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106