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04/19/2019 12:00 AMAnglers from throughout the region jump-started Connecticut’s fishing season as Opening Day drew large crowds. For starters, there were more than 315,000 trout released prior to the official lines-in time of 6 a.m., with another 192,000 ready to be turned loose by the end of May, thus completing the spring stocking.
The wet start in 55-degree temperatures did little to dissuade trouters from their time on, in, or near the water—not even the youngsters. It was a repeat of last year’s Opening day, when hatchery trucks arrived at the trout parks with a load of fresh fish. That gave everyone reason to pause as boys and girls helped with the stocking. Right before their eyes, that little display all but eliminated any excuse for not catching a fish.
Rivers saw similar results as anglers lined the banks, fishing the holes and moving water. Elbow to elbow and vying for any advantage possible, lines often became entangled, sometimes with a fish in tow. Still, trout were hooked, fought, and caught. Some were meant for the table, while others took a detour to a scale or were released. That is pretty much how the day started as Captain Morgan’s annual Codi and Bubba Memorial Trout Contest got underway.
The results depended on where anglers chose to fish. Some remote spots produced good results, but those special spots were meant for the patient ones. Trout parks, key lakes, and major rivers that contained Trout Management Areas and those designated as fly fishing areas were generally more productive, although tight casting quarters was the price that was paid.
Light rain briefly turned steady before easing up by about 9 a.m. As the weather broke, more anglers hit the water. Plenty of fish were caught, including some nice brook trout. Some rivers even got stocked during the day. That prompted a quick response from anglers when a few breeders splashed as they hit the water, rolled, and then swam away. Instantaneously, a flurry of casts were made in that direction, to no avail.
Back at the shop, reports came in of fish that had been caught. It seems that either many anglers were holding out for one of those breeders that never came or that the fish caught were thought to be too small to weigh.
“I know these are small, but I wanted to get the ball rolling,” said first-place winner Chris Brockett of New York.
Guilford’s Harold Foellmer, who finished in second place, echoed a similar comment. Fellow Guilford resident Jim Grabarek fished a lake and pulled in one of those fabulous breeders, along with a brookie, but never made it to the scale. The moral of the story: If you are in a fishing contest, don’t assume that your fish is too small. You never know the outcome.
All in all, the early rain hindered some anglers and challenged others as water conditions varied. There was good brook trout action among the spread of browns and rainbows that were stocked leading up to Opening Day. We saw the traditional heavy turnout. Day two of the season opened with mild temperatures and no rain, but featured dense fog, more challenges, and higher water levels. Still, there were plenty fish left to catch, including elusive breeders, with more on the way.
On the Water
The weekend started off with rain and finished the same way, with some decent fishing in the middle. Long Island Sound inshore water temperatures have been in and around 46 degrees, accompanied by gusty winds and sloppy seas at times. Anyone taking in the wetlands will notice that osprey are now settling in and egrets are picking away at baitfish while working the tidal flows.
That in of itself should signal that schoolie striped bass are in play. More and more are showing up along the beaches and in the rivers. They are hungry and are feeding on whatever looks natural. Bait is working, as are soft plastics, small jigs, spoons, swimmers, and a series of flies.
Blackfish (tautog) are getting off to a slow start, but better than last spring. Small ‘togs have been typically taking soft baits. We need water temps to be pushing closer to the 50s before any better action develops. However, the current water conditions are prime for winter flounder. Fishers need to set up at coves and channels where there is good water flow or a clean muddy bottom.
While trout were the talk of last weekend, they aren’t the only sweet water fish that is getting attention. Largemouth bass are biting harder, pickerel are chasing almost anything thrown at them, and perch are nibbling, along with channel cats and carp—not to mention the black crappie or the white perch.
Have You Seen Jaws?
We need your help! Our mascot Jaws is missing from the front of the store. She either swam away (doubtful) or someone took a liking to her. For more than 20 years, both kids and adults had have had plenty of fun taking pictures with Jaws as she showed off her toothy smile. So, please be on the lookout for this Great White landmark that welcomed everyone and really is quite friendly in absence of the typical shark’s appetite. Let’s find Jaws and keep the kids smiling. No questions asked for her return.
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 licenses, 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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