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03/16/2017 12:00 AMIn some places, the rivers will actually flow green. Most of the time, fishers are thinking in terms of environmentally sound, clean waters. On St. Patrick’s Day, though, there are more than a few celebratory traditionalists who will actually look for green water in which to cast their lure—maybe even with a touch of the blarney to coax a fish or two. Who knows? With a little Luck of the Irish and a couple of green beers, St. Paddy’s Day could easily turn into one heck of a fish story.
It was some years ago, back in the late 60s, that a trip to Chicago took us to the infamous Chicago River. Happenstance had it that it was on St. Patrick’s Day and, since neither a rainbow (not the trout) nor a leprechaun was in sight to lead us to the revered pot of gold, we decided to wet a line in the vegetable-based, green dyed river. Come to think of it, the water matched the Guinness.
There were a wide variety of fish in the river from bass and panfish to catfish and carp. In Lake Michigan, coho salmon were running. However, as we were confined to a river meandering through the city, anything caught would likely be of the catch and release variety. We had heard that the river running through would be dyed green and that the color would only last about five hours or so.
To a fisherman, what would be more classic than catching fish from a green river on St. Paddy’s Day and then toasting the event with the same colored brew? Time was of concern and, since traveling without a fishing rod was a rare occurrence, all we needed to do was to find a suitable spot. Of course, one did not stop to think about the crowds nor the parade route—let alone the traffic.
Through all of the toasting and commotion that was going on around us, we did manage to pull a few bottom fish out of the river. Interestingly enough and to many a surprise, the fish seemed to garner as much attention as the one-liners and pub jokes. However, there was a question as to whether or not those participating in the festivities realized these fish were very much alive and had actually been caught moments ago out of the green river below.
If this took place today, surely the thought would cross people’s minds as to whether those catfish were the real McCoy. Based on the comments and expressions back then, those folks may still be pondering that today while reminiscing and telling the story. They are probably trying to figure out if what they remember actually happened or if it was an illusion. Hmmmmmm...
On the Water
Welcome Daylight Saving Time and hello St. Paddy’s Day. This past weekend, we gained an hour of daylight at the end of the day, giving folks some extra play time after work. That was all well and good, provided that air temperatures didn’t tank while more winter weather reared its head in the form of our latest nor’easter, Stella. Nevertheless, we will soon be through March and into another marine and inland fishing season.
Long Island Sound inshore water temps have been hovering around the low 40s, giving increasingly more life to the tidal rivers and tributaries. That in of itself is reflected in the increased striped bass activity as more food becomes available. Late-day activity has been up on days where the barometric pressure is more favorable, although early morning flooding tides have produced varying results. To date, the daily limit on striped bass of one fish measuring a minimum of 28 inches remains unchanged.
Many of our lakes and ponds have also shown increased activity, but not every one of them is in sync. Timing is important, as are fishing depths and structure. Trout Management Lakes continue to remain open through Friday, March 31, while bass lakes not stocked with trout are fishable throughout the year. To target brown trout (1 at 16 inches minimum length), a 1/4-1/2 ounce spoon or an 1/8-1/6 ounce inline spinner would be good choices. For the largemouths, consider single or double bladed 3/8-1/2 ounce spinner baits. Colors will depend on water clarity and depth. Certainly, a live shiner will not be ignored by these fish mentioned or a pickerel or black crappie.
Preseason Trout Management Areas have also been producing these cold water fish. Nymphs and streamers, as well as small floaters patiently worked are getting attention especially in rivers recently receiving fish. Stocking is underway throughout the state, with the Trout Management Lakes getting some preferential treatment. Even with the recent snowfall, a few fishers were spotted taking advantage of the tranquility offered when fishing in a river less traveled.
Black Sea Bass Update
It’s open season from Monday, May 1 to Sunday, Dec. 31 with a minimum size of 15 inches and a creel limit of five fish. Minimum lengths exclude the dorsal tail filament or tendril. Rules may change during the year.
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 licenses, 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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