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04/13/2017 12:00 AMLast-minute forgetfuls lined the aisles of Captain Morgan’s as Opening Day of trout season unexpectedly crept up on them. The rush to acquire a license—and everything that goes with it to make a successful day—was anticipated. This activity spilled over to the next day as more anglers realized the season opener was at hand and time was rapidly running out. Add in those traditionalists who were already up to speed and looking to grab their bait and a few incidentals—well, you get the picture.
Anglers were set to unleash their barrage of baits as the sun edged closer to rising on Opening Day. Air temperatures were nearing the high 30s on this crisp morning, with the flowing water making it feel even colder. Still, it was warmer than last year. To many stream-side anglers, it seemed as though 6 a.m. would never come. Of course, it finally did.
When it was time for lines in, every form of lure, fly, and live and artificial bait one could name was launched. Cobwebs of fishing line covered the water and, in a few cases, nearby branches. Some rivers had a slower start before the first trout broke water, while for others, hookups came sooner. Fighting the swift water was a chore by itself. Adding a fish on the line made landing one even more interesting.
More fish were stocked at designated trout parks where many families gathered. Youngsters stood wide-eyed, with several assisting the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection in the stocking of these additional trout. This instantly neutralized previous questions from onlookers like, “Where’s all the fish?” It soon became obvious that if there was a problem catching, it was most likely with the fisher and not the fish.
Meanwhile, the scale at Captain Morgan’s was weighing fish for the annual Codi and Bubba Memorial Trout Contest. Reports of the fishing varied, with several anglers having to hit more than one river to catch their limits. Throughout the day, sizes pretty much emulated the stocking reports. Most were within 10 to 12 inches. The morning bite was scattered with a few spots actually producing good catches of small fish. Most, though, had a hard start, although they gradually picked up during the latter part of the day.
The largest contest trout weighed was caught by Curtiss Sepko of Windham with an end-of-day brown trout weighing 1.43 pounds. Next was John Iacobelis of Killingworth with a rainbow weighing 1.05 pounds. He was followed by Chris Brockett of Clinton with a feisty tiger trout weighing 0.72 pounds. Contest runner-ups were Jim Wills of Westbrook with his 0.57 brookie and Kyle Dunphy of Northford with his 0.44 rainbow.
Overall, the general consensus was that catches were about average on Opening Day, in spite of the 90,000 reduction in the trout stocked. Fish sizes also seemed smaller, with fewer breeders caught. The only time the shortfall became evident was when anglers attempted to fish the smaller brooks and streams. As the spring weather moderated and feeding increased, hookups edged up.
On the Water
A series of downpours prior to Opening Day totally soaked the ground, creating intense runoff conditions. Each new deluge added to already high river and stream levels, creating faster flows. Add the melt off from upper New England waters, and our inland waterways became swollen, approaching flood stage.
Nevertheless, these late spring rains improved the state’s drought conditions, while also creating challenging times for trout anglers. Even the stocking trucks had to navigate around the waters to select suitable release spots for the trout. Although the water levels of the lakes and ponds rose, the job was less of an ordeal when approaching them.
However, like clockwork, the ospreys were quickly on the scene to answer the dinner bell. Even a few eagles got into the act. The upside is that anglers will have a shot at the larger 3- to 10-pound (1,000) breeders, 14- to 16-inch (1,500) browns and 12- to 14-inch (17,500) rainbows, provided they survived the talons. Chances are, there will be plenty of trout to go around.
The bright side was that, during the next few days, air temperatures rose and our waterways had the opportunity to moderate. Rain subsided, wind calmed down, the sun shone brightly, and the fishing scene took on a whole new look. It really began to feel like spring. Large and smallmouth bass and black crappie are two inland species that seem to agree, as their bite is becoming better.
Out on the Sound, winter flounder catches improved. The bays, coves, and harbor channels became more manageable as water temps edged toward the mid-40s. Smaller vessels were able to anchor up and set their chum lines without getting banged around too much. Two flatties at 12 inches is not considered a good day’s catch, although a family affair could put together a good meal. Blackfish (tautog) have a little ways to go before water temps encourage inshore feeding. Think the third week of April.
Striped bass are being caught more readily along the shoreline as the holdovers continue to spread out from the rivers. Soft plastics, hard swimmers, jigs, and some baits are proving successful. The adverse weather put them down for a bit, but once that improved, the bite followed. Continue to keep any eye out for the shad run. More boats will be splashed after having a few good days to prep them.
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 clam 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...
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