Those fishers and hunters who have gotten their licenses early and actually read the fine print will have noticed that the state thanks you for your support. Support, you ask? That’s right.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of natural resource conservation in Connecticut. Dating back to 1866, efforts to protect our state’s waters, woodlands, habitats, wildlife, and aquatic species have been in place. In fact, these efforts pre-date our first national park, Yellowstone, which was established in 1872 by an Act of Congress and under exclusive control of the secretary of the Interior. It was deemed a “public park or pleasuring-ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people...”

In 1866, legislation was passed creating a State Fisheries Commission, which, in essence, was the beginning of our “comprehensive efforts to conserve resources, waters, woodlands and habitats—as well as wildlife and aquatic species,” according to Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Robert Klee. Later, in 1895, that commission was renamed the Connecticut Board of Fish and Game.

Shortly thereafter, the first special game protectors were appointed, followed by the state’s first state-owned fish hatchery in Windsor Locks. Due to the popularity of trout fishing and effective management, trout populations grew. This led to three additional trout hatcheries (Kensington, Burlington, and Quinebaug) to satisfy the public’s increased demand for more trout.

Today, there are 32 state forests (170,000 acres) in the forest system. Meshomasic State Forest was the first one designated in 1903. In 1971, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) was created, combining environmental quality and conservation under one umbrella, which included inland fisheries, marine fisheries, wildlife, forestry, and enforcement. In 2011, DEP was transitioned into the DEEP, with the agency’s Bureau of Natural Resources undertaking more of the enhancement and preservation work.

According to Bill Hyatt, bureau chief for Natural Resources, new challenges lie ahead that involve “invasive species, climate change, habitat conservation, and managing increasing interactions between people and wildlife.” These will be met, in part, with “science-based strategies” to ensure quality management of our natural resources in the 21st century.

That said, we all have a part to play. It is obvious that if we want to protect our fish and wildlife for posterity, then we must understand what it takes and pass that information on to all those who are unfamiliar. Together, we can make a difference!

On the Water

One crazy winter has embraced us, so far. Within one week, we saw our first real snow, a January thaw, and little to no ice for ice angler’s to enjoy. We still have February for a few surprises, but for now, it feels like early March. Long Island Sound is around 38 degrees and, in between gusty winds, it has been rather pleasant.

There has been the typical shore bird activity, pods of seals basking on the rocks, red tail hawks scouring the wetlands for a four-legged meal, and eagles employing their talons to latch onto a meal of surf or turf. Animal life has certainly taken advantage of this mild winter, including foxes who have been poking around the Connecticut shoreline for their fair share.

Most of the fishing activity has been confined to the sweet water rivers for trout, the lower tidal flows for sea runs, or those waters stocked with broodstock Atlantic salmon. What little ice has formed has been relegated to a few shaded small ponds protected from the wind and still have some snow around acting as insulation. There has been a little crappie action. Other than that, most other lakes have open water or only very tentative ice along the edges.

If you’re anxious for some striped bass, try fishing the open waters of our main tidal rivers. They have been schooling in the upper reaches, in some coves, and moving occasionally into the Sound following the food trail. Other fishers have their eye on Atlantic herring or are booking cod trips, pending weather conditions.

Captain’s Kickoff

Certainly, Super Bowl 50 will be on the minds of many. No matter what your favorite team is or who wins, there will be many celebrations of the Big Five O. Will the Broncos stampede over the Panthers or will the Cats claw their way to victory?

This one is expected to run the table of emotions. Will New York fans cross the line in favor of Peyton Manning and the underdog Broncos or stick with the NFC favorite, the Carolina Panthers? After a totally fair, unbiased test, our in-shop pork rind gives the pigskin nod to Carolina, even though there is a soft spot for one of the league’s best quarterbacks in what will likely be his last hurrah.

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 clam supplies, 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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