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Congress recently acknowledged the importance of the recreational fishing industry to the United States economy by passing the Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Recreational fishers are already eager to jump into the 2017 season. Some river hounds kept fishing every opportunity at hand, while striped bass chasers worked the lower tidal rivers for their hookups. Most folks have been busy getting their gear in shape, servicing, or checking out new products. Whether fishing the briny or sweet, doing conventional or fly fishing, the urge to get on the water has already taken its bite.

The one common comment that keeps cropping up centers around changes in the fishing regulations. Most should be settled and in place without any major changes some time in March, once approved by the legislature and signed into law. However, anglers following the fluke saga will realize that this one might require a little more tap dancing in order to meet the Recreational Harvest Limit. As it stands, we can expect to see an increase in the size limit, a reduction in the daily creel limit, and, in all probability, a shorter season.

We now have 51 days until the opening day of trout season, but who’s counting? With that event comes the American shad run and, before one realizes it, we are into another new fishing season and the first striped bass of the year for many. February has a knack of reminding us that winter is still here, and that’s OK. The days are longer and, when the sun blasts through, it has a way of awakening our innermost fishing desires.

Irrespective of one’s feelings regarding ever-changing regulations, one thing is sure: Recreational fishing is now recognized on the federal level as a serious and intricate part of our economy. According to the recently adopted legislative socio-economic bill, the Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act, the recreational fishing industry will be included as part of the key economic indicators. It directs the Department’s of Commerce Interior and Agriculture, acting through the Bureau of Economic Analysis, to team up to analyze and quantify the impact that outdoor recreation, including fishing, has on the United States economy.

Trying to keep pace with the weather is like reading on a head-spinning roller coaster. Just this past week it rained, sleeted, and snowed, while air temperatures bounced from the teens to approaching 60 degrees. Add mild wind to small-craft warnings to the mix and one had quite the weather pattern. Although south of Interstate 95 saw mostly rain events, it was cold enough to ice up some local ponds. Further north though, it was colder and more snow fell, so a few folks attempted their hand at ice fishing.

That was until last Thursday, when the Northeast I-95 corridor and much of the state got hit with the major Winter Storm Niko. Double-digit snowfall was the norm. It hit many areas, creating hazardous blizzard conditions and making removal difficult. Following that was a little clipper and then Orson. The upside is that it left the ground with plenty to soak up and there are only 32 days until spring.

For the most part, though, any fishing attempted took place in open waters, where the rivers were still flowing and the lakes were waiting to harden up again. Salmon fishing cranked up and there was decent trout fishing in most of the Trout Management Areas, as well as the catch and release stretches that will remain fishable until opening day. Not only is it quite picturesque on the water, but this is a good time to exercise your fly casting arm by drifting nymphs on the bottom or stripping streamers below the surface.

Live shiners prompted solid hits in the rivers, lakes, and local ponds. From trout to largemouth bass and other species in between, fish turned on to the live bait as temps moderated. When the mercury dips again, we could see many of the lakes set up with more safe ice. Other live baits such as herrings have been in the lower to upper tidal rivers, stimulating striped bass holdovers to feed. Imitation lures, whether soft or hard and including small jigs, are the go-to baits to use when on the river bottom or a submerged structure. Fish them with a slow and steady retrieve, at times imparting a twitching action.

Winter is known to be a great time to go shellfishing and many clammers were out scratching the beds. However, our awkward weather pattern has created some challenges since rainfall and subsequent water testing has temporarily and intermittently closed some of the areas. Nevertheless, many took advantage of the unseasonably mild days to catch their limits, which quickly turned into delicious appetizers and meals. If you haven’t obtained your 2017 shellfish license for the Guilford and Madison area, now is the time to do so.

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 flies, 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...

Fishing and boating shows regularly draw huge crowds from a cross section of outdoor recreational enthusiasts. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan