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03/02/2016 11:00 PMThis is the year when changes will occur. From politics in Washington D.C. to the politics in our fisheries, there will be adjustments that will affect our daily lives and the way we do things. Our fishery management oversight originates with the Department of Commerce and trickles down through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and, ultimately, to our councils and statewide partners.
Locally, we will be monitoring changes in our black sea bass regulations (perhaps five fish of 15 inches through December), whether or not Connecticut residents see the introduction of a trout and salmon stamp, and the effect when seniors who aren’t grandfathered in will have to pay for an inland and marine fishing license starting in 2017. As more and more pressure is exerted on state agencies to come up with revenue-generating programs, we are likely to see more of the same until the budget is balanced.
Recreational fishing plays an important role in our economy and also teachers youngsters about fish, fish management, and conservation through school programs. It’s an invaluable resource indicator as to the health of Long Island Sound and surrounding tributaries. For example, when a fish kill occurs, it could often be traced to a lack of oxygen (hypoxia), which can indicate high nitrogen levels. That, in turn, will generate sample testing of the water and fish, which can lead to undertaking corrective measures and overall healthier conditions.
There is also the issue with the Exclusive Economic Zone, whereby federal jurisdiction of certain waters between Montauk and Point Judith are on track to be relinquished to New York and Rhode Island state management. This move could adversely affect the livelihood of Connecticut commercial fishers. Another major change underway is the Blue Plan. As previously reported here, a more comprehensive effort by a representative group of interests will be made to better manage our Long Island sound resource. Although this promising plan is in its infancy, the infrastructure is coming together and meetings are already taking place. We are looking for positive results from this one.
On the Water
There are signs everywhere pointing to an early spring as we end February and step into March. The most obvious sign is the air temperature fluctuation. Every short, cold spell is followed by 50-degree days that are getting longer and longer. There have been spring rains that spread the scent of new birth and leave garden worms on the wet ground. Birds are everywhere, from robins and bluejays to hawks and eagles—and there are more four-legged critters scurrying around.
However, what we are seemingly more interested in is our fisheries. Water temps in the Sound have been in the low 40s, while inland, one is hard-pressed to find any safe ice for fishing. We have been seeing small winter flounder being plucked from the shoreline by ambitious seagulls. River herring and shad are starting to make their way into the rivers to spawn, killifish are in the wetlands, and there are plenty of Atlantic menhaden who have stayed behind.
Is it too early to make a cast or two for striped bass? I don’t think so, especially in the main tidal rivers. A jig head trimmed with a soft plastic in either white or chartreuse would be a good test. The same holds true for white perch that seek out the coves, although using worms would be better. There have also been some sizable broodstock Atlantic salmon caught in the Shetucket River, but recently, the action has slowed, most likely due to the number of anglers fishing it.
By the time you read this column, all trout-stocked waters will have closed to fishing until opening day on Saturday, April 9 at 6 a.m., with the exceptions being catch and release Trout Management Areas, Wild Trout Management Areas, and the lower tidal rivers designated as sea run trout streams. The Trout Management Lakes (TML) remain open through Thursday, March 31 with a daily creel limit of one fish at 16 inches.
Lake Quonnipaug in Guilford is one of those TMLs that disallows ice fishing. As a result, anglers look toward ice-out, which usually occurs during the third week in March. At that time, fishing comes to life. This year is different. There has been limited ice and, recently, the shore has been quite fishable with trout and pickerel already hammering live shiners. Sizes have been average, but their fight has been tenacious. It looks as though we will have a whole month to fish, as opposed to only one week. For some good late winter fishing, check out other TMLs, as well, and, if you want more fun, Guilford shellfishing has been outstanding, especially with those good moon tides.
Note: Email us pics of your catches to share with our USA and international fishing friends who keep up with the latest fishing news and frequent social media.
For all things fishy including fly fishing, swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter, where we don’t make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better...
Tight Lines,
Captain Morgan
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