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03/30/2019 12:00 AMApril is no longer creeping up. It is only four days away! Winter has lost yet another battle as its grip continues to be less impressive. In some ways, the season never actually deserved the distinction of being referred to as winter, considering how mild it was along the shoreline. Last year, conditions were harsh and many anglers got a much later start.
This year, weather was much more indecisive. Spring felt like it broke earlier as trout stocking got off to a smoother start. One glance at the popular trout management waters revealed more anglers wetting lines earlier and hooking up with respectable catches—and more of them. As the days changed and temperatures fluctuated, reactions to baits and lures differed.
Colder mornings saw fewer trout eager to take baits or lures. As days progressed and warmed up, late afternoon became the magic button. Activity increased, catches mounted and, for a few straight hours, fishing flourished. Cooler nights brought on similar occurrences as days repeated themselves. Both rivers and lakes responded accordingly, but nevertheless, fish continued to be caught.
If this is any indication of how Opening Day will materialize, anglers will be in for a treat. Anticipation is already building. Even fishers that normally shy away from the hustle and bustle of that day are having second thoughts. For some, it’s because of last season’s lackluster opening. For others, it’s because of the way this preseason is emerging. Word is spreading.
Certainly, Captain Morgan’s will once again be hosting the annual Codi and Bubba Memorial Opening Day Trout Contest. Memories of those two boys live on. Their love for fishing and all that is outdoors epitomizes what participating in our fishery is all about. Youth is grand, but becomes grander when sharing it with friends and participating in a sport that serves to develop character and a sense of being. May our two boys forever rest in peace. God bless.
Opening Day is Saturday, April 13 and registrations are now being accepted. The contest runs from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fish anywhere. Prizes awarded for the heaviest three trout caught and weighed in at the shop. Five bucks gets you in and children 12 and under fish free when accompanied by a registered adult. Fish have won weighing as little as one pound to breeders more than 12 pounds. It’s anyone’s guess, so join in on the fun.
On the Water
Long Island Sound inshore water temperatures remain in the low 40s, but not for long. Activity in the Sound is increasing on a daily basis as the season rolls over. Especially noticeable was when the recent full moon caused the tide to dip lower than a foot, revealing the ever-changing bottom—places where fish will gravitate as the water temperature rises.
At first glance, one would expect activity to be minimal. From a people perspective, that would be a reasonable assumption. However, as folks begin to gather in numbers at places like Hammonasset Beach State Park to comb the beach, jog, or take a four-legged friend for a walk, inconspicuous sea life is also moving around. The more comfortable the habitat, the greater the activity level.
River herring are part of that activity as they move into the tidal rivers after spending three- to five years in the ocean. They will return to their home rivers as adults and swim upstream to spawn in the fresh water. Currently a protected species (alewives and blueback herring), they are a food source for various birds of prey, seals, and striped bass, as well as many other fish.
It is this time of year when soft baits and others imitating these river herring are so productive. Generally, the first of our holdover linesiders and those migrating north are the ones engaging schools of these early spring fish. Although females can produce up to 350,000 eggs, only a few make it to adulthood. River herring are a prime food source within our fishery and, as such, their swimming the rivers can be likened to running a gauntlet. It’s no wonder the recruitment is so low and they continue to be protected.
Catch and release trout action continues as the preseason program garners more attention. Rivers like the Farmington, Salmon, and the Hammonasset have all been seeing steady action. Lakes like Amos and Crystal collectively just received 3,130 trout between them, while Lake Quonnipaug recently received 1,275 fish. As other non-stocked lakes and ponds are slowly warming, largemouth and smallie action has been variable with catches of black crappie and perch occurring more often. Consider fishing for white perch off one of the tidal rivers if you haven’t done so already.
Point of Interest
The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection officially released the completed draft of The Blue Plan at a press event held at the Hammonasset Beach State Park Pavilion, after which people were able to interact with a large computer screen at the Nature Center. Assorted maps and overlays detailing various Long Island Sound uses and resource inventories could then be accessed. A thread of videos taken during the development process were also shown on multiple screens. A 90-day public comment period is now open and your comments on the plan are welcomed. Go to www.ct.gov/deep/lisblueplan to view the draft.
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 bait, 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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