Printer Friendly Version - ASMFC Approved CT/NY 2024 Summer Flounder and Scup Regulations

ASMFC approved NY/CT regional compromise for the 2024 summer flounder (fluke) fishing season regulations. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

CT DEEP Inland Fisheries division is well on their way to stocking 500,000 trout for the spring season - including some real trophies. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

A salmon trip to Alaska is likely to turn into an annual event for Steve ‘PopPop’ Prisco and Grandson Ryan Antman (14) of Guilford, as their recent hook and line successful excursion netted them quite a haul. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Summer flounder, often referred to as chameleons of the sea because they can change coloration to blend with their bottom habitat, have been the cause of many meetings and discussions on how to best address the mandated harvest reduction of 28%. Although they are not currently being overfished, the ongoing effort is to reduce the fishing rate to prevent overfishing and minimize bycatch.

Adults migrate seasonally with changes in water temperature. In late spring and early summer, they migrate from the outer edge of the continental shelf inshore to our shallow coastal waters and estuaries. The average life span of a fluke is 12-14 years, and spawn several times during the fall and early winter, when water temperatures change and their food source peaks. Larval flounder are also born with one eye on each side of their head. However, as they grow, one eye relocates to the other side of the body, leaving the fish with both eyes facing up.

As the fishing season progresses, fluke start earlier on western Long Island Sound and gradually migrate to the eastern part. Like clockwork, it was on June 8 when a CT record fluke, weighing 15.3 pounds, 32.6 inches (15+ years old) was caught in Niantic Bay by Bill Proulx of Ashford. Meanwhile, New York recreational fishers prefer a longer season without too much concern for size. Connecticut fishers, on the other hand, are more concerned about minimum size, since smaller fluke are generally more prevalent in the Sound.

As a result, there have been differing opinions as to the best way to reach the 28% reduction in the Recreational Harvest Limit (RHL), which included season/daily bag limit and minimum size limit. Well, after many meetings on both sides of the pond and among fishers within CT and NY, state management teams listened and put their heads together to come up with a good compromise - at least until the next go-around.

The compromise presented to ASMFC that will both benefit the fluke biomass, as well as improve upon the RHL, has been approved. Connecticut is a go and New York is on board. However, the one last minute drawback would be if New York’s Governor’s office does not approve their end’s regulatory process, which is most unlikely. As it stands, the regional summer flounder 2024 regulations for CT and NY is as follows: May 4 through Aug. 1, 3 fish at 19”; Aug. 2 through Oct.15, 3 fish at 19.5”. Scup was part of the deliberation and Option No. 1 was unanimously adopted across the board rather quickly: Recreational and Private vessels; May 1 through Dec. 31, 30 fish at 11”; For-hire vessels: May 1 through August 31, 30 fish at 11,” which increases to 40 fish from Sep. 1 through Oct. 31.

High pressure and winds persisted, before a weak high pressure briefly controlled the area as a weak trough passed offshore. A cold front then pushed through the region bringing much lower air temperatures, followed by a couple of days of another high pressure that settled over our waters. A frontal system and accompanying low pressure moved in, bringing colder weather and steady rain (with occasional downpours) before bouncing back to 50-60 degrees. Meanwhile, Long Island Sound water temperatures remained in the mid-40’s, with periods of gusty, high winds to 30 knots and seas ranging from calm to 3-5 feet before moderating.

The cold front and sudden drop in air temperatures slowed inland fishing activity. Most fish species sought the most compatible depths, while their metabolic systems slowed. This drop in temperatures and barometric pressure lasted but a short time, as conditions moderated once again into the 50’s, and the previous feeding pace resumed. It was not the temperatures that dropped into the 20’s that affected fish like trout, but rather the sudden change that produced the lockjaw effect.

As we move closer to Easter, we ought to see a modest improvement in water flows and levels, provided the seasonal rains (over 17” so far this year) hold back. Trout stocking trucks have been busy stocking the projected 500,000 trout to be stocked in CT waters through May. That includes the Trout Management Areas (TMA’s), Trout Management Lakes (TML’s), Trophy Trout Areas (TTA’s), Trout Parks, Wild Trout Management Areas (WTMA’s), as well as most of the other rivers, lakes, and ponds. Note that as mentioned previously, the trout Catch and Release season ends on the second Saturday in April - the exception being the TML’s, where one trout at 16” is allowed per day until then, when the daily creel limit reverts to 5.

If it sounds like trout season is upon us, you are right. Aside from sudden temperature drops, fishing has been extremely good. Rivers have been swollen and challenging but very productive. Lakes and ponds were affected less, where not only trout have been caught, but also respectable largemouth bass, some smallies and pickerel, and plenty of panfish. Live and scented baits, swimmers and inline spinners, as well as typical springtime bass baits like spinnerbaits, cranks, and jigs, are being used effectively. Nymphs and streamers have been the go-to’s for the fly fishers. It is a great time to take the kids, grandkids, and the less fortunate out to hook into their first fish. One would be surprised about how much of a positive effect it will have on both youngsters and adults.

Water temperatures in Long Island Sound have been holding around the mid-40’s and trending higher. That is good news for striped bass fishers. Runs of alewives, herring, and hickory shad are showing up, which is prompting increased feeding in several of the lower tidal rivers below the brackish line. Mid-March had seen linesider action along several of the beaches straddled by minor feeder outflows. Some over-the-slot stripers have been caught farther up-river, however, mostly below the slot or close to within it have been caught along the shore. Choice flies have been Clousers, Half and Half’s, and Deceivers that will work well in conjunction with an 8-9 weight fly rod setup.

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 ventures. Gift certificates are also available.

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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.