There seems to be a growing interest in preserving planet Earth. Events such as World Fish Migration Day, which is meant to create awareness of the importance of open rivers and migratory fish; as well as Earth Day, which this year promoted the end of plastic pollution; are observed worldwide. Happenings like these are meant to do one thing: advocate for a healthier environment.

Going back in history, we have seen Connecticut’s rivers transition from crystal-clear waters to horrendous conditions due to factories discharging waste. Little did anyone realize how devastating the industrial boon would be to our fisheries. We have experienced the result of damming these rivers during those explosive manufacturing years, and we’ve seen our rivers shed fish migrations, while Long Island Sound became a body of water to feel less proud about.

All the while, products that have proven non-biodegradable, like plastics, have clogged our oceans. Unfortunately, efforts launched to help clean things up have been reactive. Nevertheless, they are geared toward educating the general public in the hopes of converting harmful actions into those more positive and proactive in nature.

For the past few decades, we have been attempting to claw our way back to the early years, when anadromous fish returned to our waters to spawn and the Sound had a healthy fishery. A quote from a Long Island Sound study starts off by stating, prior to 1607, “Perhaps as many as 10,000-15,000 [Native Americans] live near Long Island Sound, harvesting bountiful fish and game along the shore and interior forests.”

It is doubtful that we will ever return to those days of yore, but nevertheless, we are making progress and, hopefully, our attempts will not be in vain. Our waters are a lot cleaner now and many returning fish, including Atlantic menhaden, are doing so with improved numbers. We are removing dams that stifle spawning runs and adding fish ladders for river herring (alewives and blueback herring), as well as Atlantic salmon.

These protected herring are an important forage fish that are a magnet for striped bass and other wildlife. In turn, they provide an opportunity for fishers to engage in one of their favorite pastimes—recreational fishing—for either sport and/or table fare. Continued awareness and effective management is needed in order to protect and conserve our delicate and threatened fish populations. Keep on fishing, but perhaps do so in a more mindful manner of not only the fish you are catching, but also your surroundings.

On the Water

During the opening days of trout season, air temperatures called for layering up, while the heavy rain and stiff wind called for foul weather gear. Once the trout season opener passed, the rain and wind subsided, opening a window for the sun to break through. Temps edged closer to 60 degrees. Finally, it felt like spring!

Some inland river levels rose and flows increased, creating challenging conditions, although others remained quite fishable. It was the hazards from fallen branches and whole trees that made some favorite spots a magnet for lures, as well as great cover for recently stocked trout. By the numbers of anglers that came through the shop, there appeared to be a good crowd hitting the water.

Most trout seen were on the smaller side with a good mix of rainbows, browns, and brookies. The trout parks and popular rivers seemed to have gotten a good percent of the fish stocked and should be given consideration as choice destinations. Even those experienced anglers fond of wild brookies who worked the less publicized rivers achieved better than average results. The normal mix of baits and artificials tested the waters, but it didn’t take long before natural forage and good imitations thereof generated better results—at least this week.

Out on the Sound, inshore water temperatures climbed above 45 degrees. That little extra was enough to bring blackfish (tautog) in closer. With less than a week left before the spring closure on Tuesday, May 1, there ought to be a few good days of ‘tog fishing left. Winter flounder will remain open, creating a limited fishery, but one where the right-handed flatties are biting. Small boaters could easily fish the inside bays, channels, and harbors with sea worms or clams for their two-fish limit. Rigging up your medium action trout rod would be ideal, and even a lighter one will do the trick.

On the other hand, striped bass are not quite on fire, but are pretty close. Catching and releasing 10- to 20-inch schoolies is achievable. Our shoreline is active with these linesiders and jolts of a 40-inch bass are not uncommon, either. The southern migration is regaining momentum. Sandworms are doing it. Soft plastics are in the game, as are jigs and swimmers.

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 permits, 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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