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03/30/2017 12:00 AMOne week to go! Opening Day of trout season officially starts on Saturday, April 8, when the first cast of the year for most anglers will be made at precisely 6 a.m. There have already been some good indications as to what most key rivers, lakes, and ponds will reveal. It’s apparent that there will be fish to be caught, especially considering the number of releases made in the Trout Management Areas (TMA), plus the number of stocked trout cut this year from the smaller rivers and brooks.
Memories are forever and hardly anything changes with the most vivid ones. It is hard to believe that 12 years have passed since we lost two young fishers who most locals knew. They fished in good weather or bad and loved participating in the shop’s trout contest—always trying to best each other’s catch. Whether their run to the scale was in wet and mud-splattered clothes or bone dry, the chatter was omnipresent and their smiles quite prevalent.
In memory of these two lads, the contest has morphed into the annual Codi and Bubba Memorial Opening Day Trout Contest in which anyone can participate, weigh-in a trout caught anywhere, and have fun doing it—just like the boys had always done. It’s anyone’s guess what the weather will be like, although we’ve been in more of a warming trend than not. It could be cool like last year, a touch more of the white stuff could fall, or perhaps a spectacular sun-filled day will greet us all.
Regardless, traditions are hard to break and, although the weather may affect a few, the masses will be out looking to fill their limits or catch and release as many as time allows. Preparations began a while ago. Gear is being or has been upgraded, line and terminal tackle restocked, and the latest in lures and flies stowed neatly in their respective boxes. However, since traditions don’t often go ignored, it’s likely that the night-before crowd will be out in force with their stories, last-minute licenses, and other purchases like bait. Here’s to a good opening and a streak of good luck.
On the Water
Spring is gaining the upper hand, while winter is on a downward spiral and sputtering. A few more blasts of cold and stiff winds gave pause, but the fisheries, flora, and fauna are painting a much different picture. Even insect hatches have burst onto the scene. Long Island Sound inshore water temperatures have once again passed the 40-degree mark as we close out another month.
Sights are sharply focused on Opening Day of trout season on April 8, the second Saturday. Many TMAs have already been stocked where water levels permitted, as well as other more popular lakes, rivers, and streams. Although Connecticut waterways will receive about 90,000 fewer fish than last year for various reasons, the 532,700 fish earmarked for the season ought to keep anglers reasonably happy. For the most part, a majority of the waters receiving fewer trout are the ones less frequented.
It is also worth noting that the last of remaining Seeforellen strain of brown trout, averaging 3.5 pounds, were stocked. These particular browns are hardy and have been a challenge for anglers when hooked. Production of this popular strain in the Kensington Hatchery will cease due to the budget ax, with the remaining fry distributed into rivers and streams. Maine is receiving our fertilized eggs to begin its own production program and, if and when Connecticut is able to resume the program, it will be looking toward Maine to reciprocate.
Preseason activity in the shop has already increased as more fishers looked to acquire gear, bait, and licenses. Due to the milder winter, we saw the action start earlier and spread out a bit. Because of that, we are hopeful that the mad dash just before the season opens will ease up, although history shows that it most likely will not.
For the moment, the marine fishery is taking a back seat, but it won’t stay there very long. In between the bouts of unsettled weather, striped bass have been aggressively feeding in the upper tidal rivers. Many smaller schoolies have filtered down and are also joining in, even though water temperatures need a nudge upward. On less windy days, it would be worth casting a line. Both winter flounder and blackfish (tautog) season open on Saturday, April 1. ‘Togs may stall until water temps climb, however, flattie catches in the bays, around the lower tidal rivers, and harbor channels should be somewhat productive. Keep in mind that the daily creel limit for the flounder is two fish at a 12-inch minimum length and ‘togs need to be 16 inches with a daily creel limit of two fish. The season for winter flounder goes through Sunday, Dec. 31, while the spring ‘tog season runs for the month of April.
Trout Contest
Captain Morgan’s is now accepting registrations for the annual Codi and Bubba Memorial Opening Day Trout Contest. Saturday, April 8 is the day. Fish anywhere. Weigh-ins at the shop until 5 p.m. 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 crabbing supplies, 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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