Printer Friendly Version - The River Colony of 1636 Still Thrives Today

Paul Kilbourne of Branford closed out the spring blackfish (tautog) season with these two ‘togs—the larger being 18 inches caught on a crab at a nearshore reef. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

It has been a constant diet of wind, rough seas, and rain mixed in with both cold and warm days throughout last month and, quite honestly, fishers (and people in general) are getting tired of it. April has always been known as a transitional month where almost anything in the way of weather can be expected, but this past one was just too erratic.

Gardeners have been frustrated with the cold and frosty overnights, and fishers had to make seat-of-the-pants decisions about fishing for blackfish (tautog) out on the Sound, even through the last day of the spring ‘tog season. Fortunately, though, some of those wind-thrust days emanating from the north and northwest were hindered by land, affording some variable nearshore protection.

However, we are into the month of May, where the average Long Island Sound water temperature is 53 degrees. In April, the average is 43.9 degrees with the coldest being 35.4 and the warmest 53.1. The Sound is definitely warming and, with the winds settling down, plans to go fishing should tend to be on much firmer ground. At least gardeners will be able to breathe a sigh of relief.

It still may be a bit on the chilly side to comfortably go swimming (or clamming), but overall, we are headed in the right direction. Estuaries are becoming more lively with migrating fish, and the coastline is seeing positive migrations of striped bass, shad, and menhaden. Fields are getting greener, flowers are blooming, and more fishers are hitting the briny, while the inland waters are surging with trout anglers and bassers are working the lakes and key rivers.

Back in 1636, when Connecticut was known as The River Colony (one of the original 13), in addition to making money shipbuilding, lumbering, mining, whaling, and, of course, fishing, it traded in food, rum, and iron bars. The Connecticut River, a main transportation route, was just as key then as it is today with its American shad run, multi-specie recreational fishing opportunities, and a key migration route for anadromous and catadromous fish such as striped bass and the American eel.

With transformation from ice-bound choked rivers in the winter to free-flowing water avenues in the spring, rivers like the Housatonic, Quinnipiac, Connecticut, and Thames have sprung to life as fish and fishers are taking note. Both are ready to embark on the centuries-old sport of hook and line that commences in early spring and will presumably last through late fall. So, get ready to really enjoy everything that embodies being outdoors fishing on the water with the added thrill of even hooking into and catching a fish.

Prior to the weekend, a cold front moved through, followed by a couple of low-pressure troughs, before high pressure from the west set in for the weekend. Some rain, cool air temperatures, gusty winds, and small craft advisories proceeded, but once into the new week, air temps shifted to the 60s, approaching 70, and nearshore Long Island Sound water temps broke into the low 50s.

The tautog spring season ended as May opened a new fishing chapter in the Sound. With much better weather (together with a warming trend), ‘toggers picked up the pace just as in previous years during the final week. Unfortunately, the wind persisted, so working the tides got a little dicey until the last day, when the northerly winds eased, giving nearshore ‘toggers better options. Shorts dominated, but numerous fish in the three- to four-pound range were caught, along with a few seven- to nine-pounders and a limited number of prized whitechins that fell for ‘tog jigs and crabs.

Anglers fishing the bays and harbor channels reasonably protected from the northwest winds were able to duck in and chum for winter flounder. Catches varied depending on water conditions and the ability to set anchor and hold bottom. Not much in the way of blackbacks, but once set up, a few keeper sized flatties could easily be the reward if worms, clams, or mussels caught their attention. Summer flounder (fluke) season opened to slow pickings considering water temps were only in the high 40s, while porgy (scup) can use a little more time as well.

Many of the tidal rivers have been experiencing runs of hickory shad—a popular member of the herring family that also makes for good striped bass and bluefish bait. When fished live or chunked, it’s hard for a bass or blue to pass one up. Similar in shape to a baby tarpon, they are good fighters, occasional jumpers, and actually taste pretty good once boned. They are definitely a light gear challenge. Birds of prey such as osprey and eagles are quite efficient plucking them from the water both for a meal or returning to the nest to feed their mate or chicks.

Inland water anglers have been experiencing the same kind of challenges as those fishing the briny. Primarily, it has been the wind and varying water conditions. Although easier to fish in a lake or river, levels and clarity have been raising havoc in certain locations where the bite reverses course very quickly. In addition, the drastic swings in temperatures and barometer readings cannot be overemphasized when it comes to the bite turning on and off.

When the bite is on, all species of trout have been aggressive on various baits, artificials, and flies, although some inland waters have been particularly challenging. Larger lakes have been more susceptible to the wind, but after getting to a protected spot, the effort has paid off in many instances. Safety first, so keep en eye on the trolling motor battery level and wear that personal flotation device. It is a long paddle back against the wind!

Taking the transition from April to May into account and that winds should calm down in the coming days, fishing for the basses and other lake, pond, and river species should improve with the intermittent rain and warming temperatures. Look for heightened large and smallmouth, catfish, and pickerel activity, along with some early morning northern pike action, as well as black crappie and limited white perch catches.

The delay in the printed inland and marine version of the fishing guide for 2022 has to do with changes to many of the regulations as they relate, in part, to Public Act 21-12, which is currently going through the legislative process and will become effective sometime this summer. Until then, consult the 2021 guide for inland and online for marine.

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 rods, swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days, located at 21 Boston Post Road in 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.

The male osprey returns to share a freshly caught hickory shad when his mate snatches it away, then flies off to enjoy a private meal, leaving the eggs to his watch. Photo illustration courtesy of Captain Morgan