Printer Friendly Version - Sniffed Out

EnCon officer Blackwell and K-9 partner Luna team up to protect wintering striped bass in Connecticut’s key tidal rivers, by educating anglers and vigorously enforcing existing fishery regulations. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Fishing for broodstock Atlantic salmon is one way to engage with a Connecticut winter fishery having the need to wet a line and experience stubborn and wild runs arises. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Harbor seals pass time until the hunt for food resumes in Long Island Sound, associated bays, beaches, and tidal rivers. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Law enforcement has dogs that are used to sniff out contraband, drugs, explosives, people, and the like. But fish? You better believe it! Word is out all along the banks of main tidal rivers and, as one fisher said, “I heard of that, but until I saw one in action, I never would have believed it.”

If you have been fishing illegally poaching striped bass, or any other fish for that matter, and attempt to hide them, they will be found by one of the extremely well-trained K-9 partners that are affectionately considered officers in every sense. They could be some distance away, buried deep beneath leaves and fallen trees, or stashed in a truck, it does not matter.

If approached by a Connecticut EnCon officer and you have been harvesting fish illegally, fess up. If not, it will not go well. According to dedicated Conservation Officer Blackwell, who, incidentally, comes from a background in law enforcement, the numbers of striped bass that are harvested illegally on a daily basis are astronomical. From fish that will barely fit on a dinner plate, to stripers under and over the slot limit (28-31”), all are fair game to these poachers.

Striped bass are already moving north from the DelMarVa region for various habitat-related reasons. If they are forced out of CT in order to survive, sooner or later, they will run out of meaningful space. To report poaching, call Emergency Dispatch 24/7: 860-424-3333.

Officer Blackwell and six year-old K-9 member, Luna, are quite a team. If there are fish stashed anywhere around, Luna (a graduate of a University of Texas program) will sniff them out. Anything used in the commission of an infraction can be confiscated, including everything from fish and gear to vehicles. So as not to go to waste, all confiscated fish are donated to animal rehabilitation centers like A Place Called Hope, Killingworth, and Wildlife in Crisis, Weston.

On the flip side, CT EnCon officers are one of the most helpful and informative resources to be found on and around the water. Their knowledge of local inland and marine fisheries, which they are willing to share with anglers to further enhance their angling experience, is exceptional. A tip to those who may have gone astray and are approached is to be cooperative, truthful, and polite. Do not play the language game. This would be the best route to take if any consideration can be given. Along with protecting our wildlife, educating the fishing public is one priority in which our conservation officers excel.

We experience a return to spring-like weather, after another brush with a winter snowfall and below-average overnight air temperatures. A Canadian high pressure system warmed the region and remained in control, just shy of a week before another change. Low pressure approached, bringing with it a mostly rain event, which opened the door for another high pressure system. This created a rise in daytime temperatures from the mid-30’s to the mid-40’s, before climbing into the mid-50’s. Intermittent sun, clouds, and rain persisted during that period, after midnight temperatures rose accordingly. Long Island Sound water temperatures returned to the low 40’s from the high 30’s, as rotating and somewhat gusty winds created seas rising from below 1 foot to 3 feet.

Key tidal river action for striped bass continues at the unfortunate expense of the holdover population. There is enough forage to keep these linesiders fed during the ebb and flow of the tide, and the breaks in weather fronts and patterns. Artificial lures and natural baits are giving local shore casters some decent action. However, out-of-state anglers from quite a distance away are descending on our tidal rivers, complicating matters. The illegal harvest of short fish is problematic, and will ultimately encourage and initiate winter tidal river restrictions in order to protect the fishery.

There are plenty of fishing options to take advantage of in Connecticut - especially when the recent Bald Eagle full moon occurred. The upper regions of the state have supported some ice fishing, since those areas containing scattered lakes and ponds have been colder and have had around 4-5” of ice, however, much of the rest of the state is wanting! But that leaves enough open water to fish, although, there may or may not have trout catch/release or other restrictions posted. Note: Starting on March 1, trout fishing in most waters is catch and release only. Catch and keep for trout begins again at 6 a.m. on Saturday, April 13 - the second Saturday.

Lately the focus has been on trout (including Seeforellens), backed up by broodstock Atlantic salmon found in the Naugy and Shetucket rivers. With the coming break in weather, anticipate a resurgence in the bass, toothy critter and panfish bite, including tidal river white perch.

Fly Fishing Clinic: Now accepting reservations for 2024. An outstanding opportunity for the experienced or intermediate fly fisher! Booking inland and marine fly fishing lessons with top flight, highly experienced instructors and guides. From trout, salmon, steelhead, and sea-run browns to striped bass, bonefish, permit, and tarpon, etc., techniques learned and honed will improve your fishing. Gift certificates are also available.

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 the latest gear, flies/fly fishing, rods/reels, clam/crabbing supplies, fishing trips, licenses/permits, and much more, 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 and Authorized Penn Premium Dealer, where we don't make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better.