Printer Friendly Version - Preseason Action Heats Up in the Trout Management Areas

The Burlington hatchery built in 1923, the oldest in the state, brings brook, brown, and rainbow trout full cycle from birth to adulthood and then stocked along with Broodstock trophies like this one. Photo illustration courtesy of Captain Morgan

One advantage of quick-passing, intermittent snowfalls is that sweet water anglers have more opportunities to wet a line. Unlike a good New England dose of ground-soaking snow, which is healthy for the surrounding habitat, deep snow can cause challenges for those attempting to fish. Namely, these challenges include trudging over lesser-traveled paths and through brushy obstacles. This can be burdensome, yet invigorating at the same time.

A light-falling snow is normally not wind-driven, allowing for reasonably good visibility. Structures like semi-submerged tree branches jutting out from the water’s surface become highlighted, as do the river banks. Even the riffles can be spotted more readily as they glisten, outlining the surrounding target area. What is not readily spotted are numbers of anglers—another benefit.

Just because we may consider trout to be a cold water fish, this does not mean that river fishers enjoy fishing for them in weather 20 degrees and below. Since our recent weather pattern has consisted of snow ending with sleet and then rain, there have been many days where air temperatures have hovered around 30 and above—much more palatable. This range helps keep rod tips from freezing and lines more manageable, as well as half fingers from numbing.

So far, preseason stocking of the catch and release Trout Management Areas (TMA) has gone rather smoothly. For the most part, weather has cooperated and ice has been less of an issue than last season. Streamer flies such as Mickey Finns, Slim Jims, or ghost patterns are productive, as are a variety of bead head nymphs; try a dropper rig.

Regardless of which nymph pattern used, keep it down (micro split shot), slow, and use a good buoyant strike indicator. Spin fishers can entice bites with a heavy enough inline spinner or small countdown. Above all, try to pick days that are within a warming trend, especially after a rainy period. Mid-day, when the air temperature is warmer, is optimal. Remember, cold slows down metabolism, while warmth increases it, thereby increasing fishing activity.

These past two weeks have seen some excellent catch and release fishing in our local rivers including brown trout caught in the Farmington River previously hatched from Survivor Program. As more TMA are being stocked, preseason fishing will only get better. Paying attention to long-range weather forecasts and noting trends is important to success. Putting that data together with your best fishing options including which rivers to fish and the best locations on them, will only serve to further deliver that success. So, shake off those offseason cobwebs, get your mojo working, and go take a romp along your favorite TMA as a warmup to the spring striped bass run.

It didn’t take March long to usher in a few winter surprises that barely lived up to New England standards. Long Island Sound kicked up a bit, as did the fog. However, with the longer days, water temperatures remained around 38 degrees. Some commercial traffic crossed the waters and slipped in and out of the harbors, while a few bald eagles entertained the birdwatchers in and near the rivers. For those wanting other water-type adventures, our resident seal population has been willing and eager to oblige. Otherwise, check out a few of the striped bass holdover rivers (Connecticut, Thames, Housatonic) for some small fish catch and release action.

Following the most recent preseason trout stocking in the TMA and Trout Management Lakes, fishing lit up. Water levels moderated, although some rivers remained higher than normal, while their flows varied. There was a mix of fish caught spanning the species of browns, brookies, and bows. Some of the broodstock caught were impressive for this time of year, while even fish in the 10- to 12-inch range were a welcome catch in lieu of the precarious winter season.

Ice fishing, at least in this neck of the woods, has all but had it. Any ice still around should probably be avoided. The upside is that many of the lakes and ponds not stocked with trout have been open, and some of those hungry largemouth bass, pickerel, yellow perch, and black crappie have been doing more than nibbling. Water temps are still cold, although live shiners fished about two-thirds down from the surface in the rich oxygenated level were reasonably productive.

Along those lines, ice has not been negatively affecting Atlantic salmon fishing as it has in the past. Water levels and flows have been more accommodating, allowing for improved fishing conditions—pending, of course, the timing of water release from upriver dams. While increased flows do not necessarily have an adverse effect on swimming salmon, the direction and timing could, thereby causing fishers to plan ahead by checking dam release data. It would behoove salmon enthusiasts to take advantage of the month of March before the season temporarily closes until Opening Day of trout season on Saturday, April 13.

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 rod repairs, 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...

This year’s preseason stocking of Connecticut’s Trout Management Areas proved rewarding for anglers who fished the mild weather and took advantage of the 307,000 fish that were recently released. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan