If you fish the sweet water for trout and have an opinion or strong feeling about Connecticut’s age-old tradition of Opening Day one way or another, then you should register your opinion on Wednesday, March 16, because what’s at stake is continuing the elimination of Opening Day that was initiated last year with Public Act 21-12. Simply put, the act in part prohibits closed seasons for trout, but also keeps in place regulations promoting the health of the species such as catch and release and creel and minimum size limits.

What originally was conceived to help offset the confines of COVID-19 by lifting prohibitions on closed fishing seasons for trout has morphed into prospective permanent legislation eliminating this tradition. It appears as though Connecticut is taking the initiative in this respect, considering that all states from Maine to Pennsylvania embrace a statewide Opening Day of trout season.

In one respect, annual events, family get-togethers, camp outs, early morning breakfasts, and the like are at risk of fizzling. Take away that special annual event mixed with a little competitive spirit that has stood the test of time and it is often replaced with a void or something less compelling. From another perspective, when we eliminate looking forward to an action-packed, rain-or-shine day and substitute it with the feeling of, “There is always tomorrow,” which in many cases does not materialize, a vivid memory of an invigorating outdoor fishing experience is lost.

By eliminating an Opening Day of trout fishing, does it ease the pressure on the fish by reducing the impact of crowds? Does it put more or less pressure on the hatcheries? Will fewer anglers purchase a fishing license and trout stamp? Will fewer people fish or reduce the number of trips taken? These and other questions go unanswered since little data, if any, is available from states that still, and always have, supported an Opening Day policy.

Personally, this angler will miss the traditional Opening Day. The camaraderie that comes with those many events, as well as the challenges, wild stories, and memories associated with that special time will be lost. But then again, Opening Day of trout season has always been part of my fishing life. Who’s to say that an ongoing, open-water, year-round trout season won’t eventually be welcomed in the future? After all, there probably will be more elbow room and any angler can appreciate that.

So, register now for the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection’s Zoom webinar at 6:30 p.m. on March 16. Public input will be sought regarding inland sport fishing regulations, including lifting prohibitions on closed trout waters, thereby eliminating the traditional Opening Day of trout fishing season. Register via portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Fishing/Regulations/Fishing-Regulations.

As the upcoming webinar gets closer and Public Act 21-12 eventually heads to the legislature, make your voice heard. Your public comment will have a profound effect as to its ultimate form and passage. In addition to the Zoom hearing, you may also voice your opinion by emailing william.foreman@ct.gov.

On the Water

As March rolled in like a lamb, a weak clipper low and its frontal system passed us by, bowing to another that passed over the waters mid-week. Temperatures dropped and seas kicked up to four feet as 25- to 30-knot winds roughened up the Sound. The Arctic high pressure that followed hit the area by the weekend, leaving us with rain. Air temperatures began to warm into the 40s and then the 50s after flirting with single digits and low teens. Once again, it was a week of mixed low visibility, clouds, sun, and winds that kept inshore water temps in the mid- to high 30s, while a wave of low pressure brought another cold front,

One can pretty much say that ice fishing has melted away, at least south of I-95 and all along the shoreline. With the low temperatures in the northern parts of the state, some ice fishers might find some ice worth testing, but in all probability, it would be a risky proposition at best. Considering that we are gaining about two minutes of daylight each day and Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 13 (clocks ahead), fishing only gets better. Lately, there have been more anglers in small vessels fishing the ice-free waters for trout than anything else.

All waters are now open for trout fishing since closed water prohibitions have been lifted. Still in place, though, are regulations concerning catch and release, Trout Management Lakes (TML), minimum size, and creel limits, including the release of any species caught (other than trout) until their official season opens.

With all of the media attention given to the elimination of an Opening Day for trout, anglers are still inquiring as to when it is. The short answer is, “There isn’t one.” Before this year is out, Opening Day as we knew it may be in the history books unless there is a sudden unexpected turnaround.

We have been seeing more 40- to 50-degree weather and fewer sustained bitter cold ones. Add another year to an early start of trout season and more anglers are hitting the lakes, ponds, rivers, and some streams. Stocking is cranking up and more fish are continuing to be caught early. The question is: Will the stocking program be able to keep up with the demand or will the fishing pressure be spread out so as to absorb any sudden impact of shoulder-to-shoulder anglers lining the banks and gathering at the boat ramps?

FYI

Recent stockings of interest are Farmington River in the West Branch Trout Management Area (TMA), Mohawk Pond, Naugatuck River in the lower TMA, Tyler Pond, and West Side Pond. Previous stockings were the Hammonasset River TMA, Long Pond, Mill River TMA, Lake Quonnipaug, and Rogers Lake. Stocking will continue during the week’s upcoming mild weather. For TMAs, it’s catch and release until Sunday, April 10 unless otherwise stated. For Trout Management Lakes, it’s one at 16 inches through Thursday, March 31 and then five fish per day. For Trophy Trout Areas, it’s two fish per day. For Wild Trout Management Areas, it’s two trout at a 12-inch minimum per day for Class 2 and five trout at a nine-inch minimum per day for Class 3.

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 flies, swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison. Masks required inside. 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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