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03/23/2017 12:00 AMThe last of the limited catch and release trout preseason is rapidly approaching. Most of the rivers designated as such have had their initial stocking, while fishers keeping abreast of the program have been walking the banks and fishing those waters. A good portion of anglers casting a line have already been into fish.
Coming off winter, the water may be either high or on the low side, but is generally clear and cold. By this time, trout initially stocked have acclimated themselves to their new environment and spread out, although the prize breeders have nestled in and around deep structure or pools. These are the fish that most fly fishers are after—the elusive rainbows, robust browns, or even the occasional delicate native brookie.
Sure, another stocking will follow shortly before and after Opening Day, but still, these fish will be more timid and have not quite gotten off hatchery food—a point in favor of today’s advanced scented baits. However, during preseason fishing, the same rivers will normally be much quieter with considerably fewer fishers to be wary of.
At this time, fishers will often find a nymph or streamer to be the fly that’s most successful. Drifting a nymph along the bottom or stripping in a streamer from across or up-river can be absolutely deadly. Patience, though, will be the key, with multiple attempts being the norm.
That’s the way it is with selective trout. Sometimes, they give in and, other times, it’s the fisher who yields. However, the one with the most patience and tricks to draw from will usually win out. Repetition with a twist often prevails. Maybe a little more or less flash will do the trick. Perhaps adding a bead head or eliminating it altogether would be the answer. At any rate, the longer your fly is in the water, the better the chances are of a hookup.
Spring is here! The sun crossed the celestial equator heading from south to north and, in our hemisphere, plants have already sprouted and we’ve noticed a marked change as our sunrises are arriving earlier and sunsets later. Fish have awakened and fishers are beginning to respond. Although we may get another spurt of winter, technically, it’s over. So for fishers looking to take advantage of some preseason action, check the Angler’s Guide for regulations stipulating catch and release trout waters open to fishing prior to Opening Day on Saturday, April 8.
On the Water
“Rocky Road” is a term that’s been used to describe everything from ice cream to movie titles. Consequently, it would be fitting to also use it to describe the recent winter, which was a rocky one full of high and low pressures. Thankfully, it ended (at least in theory), when on March 20, the vernal equinox (aka spring) was officially ushered in, hopefully making way for more seasonable weather.
For now, though, inshore water temperatures of Long Island Sound are climbing from a reduced 37 degrees, while influenced by on-again, off-again small craft warnings and pounding surf. It was only a few weeks ago they topped off at 43 degrees. Longer days and spurts of sun are warming the bays and, even as we enter spring, winter flounder have already been showing signs of life in time for their seasonal opening of Saturday, April 1. Although striped bass have been active for several weeks (especially in the upper tidal rivers), they, too, are trending down river. Catches of schoolies are on the rise, but did sputter during the blows and intermittent snowfalls. Generally, soft swim shads, a few hard-bodies, and jigs are best to toss now, although small top water poppers shouldn’t be ruled out. Soon to follow will be both American and hickory shad in many tidal rivers and estuaries, with much of the former being found in the Connecticut River.
Most of the recent attention in the shop has been directed toward fishing rivers, lakes, and ponds. With opening day of trout season just two weeks away and stocking underway, getting the last out of preseason fishing has been on many fisher’s agendas. That includes the bass, pike, pickerel lakes, and salmon waters. Just like every year, gearing up for the season is a tradition that’s already started in earnest and will continue right through Opening Day Eve and beyond.
Recently, tides have favored the shellfisher as Guilford’s beds once again got a workout. Although shellfish were deeper and scratching was a bit more strenuous at times, the effort was worthwhile considering how much more tasty the chilled bivalves are. Permits for the 2017 season in Guilford and Madison are currently available at Captain Morgan’s, as well as all the gear and accessories needed for a successful day of clamming.
Trout Contest
Captain Morgan’s is now accepting registrations for the annual Codi and Bubba Memorial Opening Day Trout Contest, which takes place on Saturday, April 8. Fish anywhere. Weigh-ins at the shop. Prizes. Kids under 12 fish free when accompanied by a registered adult. Tickets are $5.
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 fishing trips, 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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