Printer Friendly Version - Match the Hatch May Not Mean Bugs

Scott Pierson of Ivoryton holds his impressive 20 pound, 42” Musky caught while trolling a large plug in 17-mile long Chautauqua Lake, NY. Scott is accompanied by accomplished international journalist and fishing partner Chris Toothaker of Maryland, formerly of Guilford. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

A few times during the year, this lure pattern excels as a fish getter. Other times, it could go down as just a missed opportunity but still a catcher. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Salamanders are ecologically important as an integral part of the food chain, some of which are protected. Both live and realistic imitations make effective baits for freshwater trout and bass. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

60-degree May weather in March, and April showers, appear to have come a month early. Then raise the bar from higher daily lows to recently experiencing more of the mid-50’s, and we have spring. We will also encounter rising water levels and soon, fish like shad will key on low salinity, as well as fresh water runoff, before swimming up river to spawn. In spite of temperatures feeling warmer, water is actually much cooler now (43 degrees +/-) and will begin to take its toll in about one minute on anyone doused. So, take safety precautions seriously.

There are more early signs of a transformation, as anglers are outpacing some of the fisheries. Both sea and land birds are getting busy, the mud in the wetlands is loosening up, and minnow traps are getting their once-over or being replaced in anticipation of a decent spring. Even some of the normally quiet beaches and public parks at this time have been seeing an increase of beach-goers, hikers, and in some cases, anglers, as temperatures hit record highs.

We have definitely noticed a progressive increase in license requests as well as questions regarding regulations and restrictions - a sign that anglers are getting out and about. Saltwater is being tested all along the shoreline, especially by river junctions and flows northward into brackish waters and beyond. Gaining around two minutes of daylight per day is advancing the time spent on the water fishing and prompting folks to wet a line. A mix of lures, bait, and flies are being experimented with, getting varied results in the briny.

If your fly box needs filling, now is the time to restock and add a few new patterns. Catch and release is cranking up, as we recently noticed native trout taking more nymphs while stockies went for streamers, inline spinners, swimmers, scented, and natural baits. In addition to trout and bass, we have also experienced multi-specie fish feeding - and it is only getting better. Just adjust your type of fishing to match conditions and the challenges of winter-to-spring turnover. In this case, sudden changes in water levels and flows should dictate your decision that ultimately will make a big difference.

Strong low pressure continued to track across the Canadian Maritimes east of Nova Scotia that slowly weakened, before a high pressure system built to the south. That brought unseasonable 60-degree temperatures (20 degrees above the average daily high) before giving way to a change. A weak low pressure then passed to the north of the region, before a frontal system impacted the area with some more rain, wind, and cooling temperatures with mixed sun before rising to the mid-50’s. Long Island Sound nearshore water temperatures rose to the mid-to-high 40’s, high seas and gusty winds moderated, while visibility went from hazy patchy conditions to excellent.

It took about a week before trout and salmon rivers moderated from fast moving to somewhat fishable. After the rains, the Shetucket for example, rose to 8.65 feet before dropping to 5.25 feet, with a high of 5,700 cfs dropping to 2,000 cfs within six days.

It is advisable to check levels and flows before heading out. Needless to say, lesser trout rivers and streams experienced high runoff and fast flows during the same period, making even weighted nymphs, sinking swimmers, heavier spoons, and spinners a challenge. Sun, less wind, and more manageable conditions made fishing lakes and ponds more favorable and productive.

Restrictive catch and release inland trout waters are getting more and more activity, even though anglers have expressed pro/con opinions about March fishing under those regulations. Since the end of February and into March, river, lake, and pond stocking has been in full swing - the one key factor bringing out trout anglers. What’s more is that they are catching fish as the water conditions improve, and hookups are becoming increasingly apparent.

With water depths and flows typically springlike, weighted flies, deep swimmers, and spinners, as well as appropriately weighted natural baits, are being successfully fished. During this season’s period of seasonal transition, and on days when calmer winds along with warming air temperatures prevailed, one could anticipate an early hatch. Soon the well-soaked but drying vernal pools will see salamanders exiting for larger, more permanent bodies of water, giving a clue as to which pattern of lures to use. Being cognizant of that bit of nature can really make for a good day of trout fishing.

Largemouth bass do eat these amphibians and generally will not pass one up after they moved into a pond or lake, since they threaten basses’ eggs. Smallmouths will also snap them up - even turtles and sunfish. As a hint, adult salamanders only require food about 2-3 times a week and usually eat at night, whereas younger ones eat daily. Fish for bass at day’s end by rock structure serving to conceal these evasive caudates that have existed for 164 million years.

A three-inch body length salamander is about 18 years old. There are 13 salamanders listed under the Endangered Species Act, including the Blue-spotted salamander, under the CT ESA. However, the yellow-spotted salamander is not federally or state listed as threatened or endangered. Salamanders are mostly harmless to people, but since the skin of all salamanders contain toxins, wet gloves are advisable when handling, for both their protection and yours. With your help, they can live to be 30 years old when carefully moved from harm’s way.

Certainly, other freshwater species are providing anglers the opportunity to hit the lakes and ponds for some early pre-spawn fishing. Worms are coming out of the ground and are showing up on the pavement after the warm temperatures and rain. That means other consumables are working their way, either out of the mud or down the banks into the water.

A food foray is currently being enjoyed by fish from such an event, as well as feeding on natural baitfish. There continues to be striped bass activity in key tidal rivers, as well as baitfish moving into the Sound. It is an early feed for seals and sea birds, but a little early for runs of schoolies. However, it is not so for a shot at winter flounder or, perhaps, a hickory shad.

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.

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.