Printer Friendly Version - Catch and Keep is Now in Effect for Most CT Trout Waters

Ignoring protective catch and release regulations is harmful to a fishery and bad for the pocketbook. Even at a two or five trout limit, this was still way over the top! Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

John Peters of Guilford caught and released this 25” colorful trophy trout on a six-pound test line tied to a jointed swimmer while fishing Madison waters. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Chris Brockett of Clinton hooked and released this 3.9-pound largemouth bass on a jig during one of those cool, windy, overcast morning days. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Gale warnings with south winds topping 50 knots and flooding tides not only hampered fishing attempts, but unseated this popular, refurbished historic Guilford Grass Island shack from its pilings, endangering the structure and creating a potential hazard to navigation. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Coincidentally, Catch and Keep day fell on the old traditional Opening Day of trout season. Stocking has been top-rate, as multiple stockings have already taken place in many waters. In order to keep trout anglers in the game throughout the year and to offset the elimination of a long-standing tradition, inland waters are basically open to fishing year-round. However, all trout caught from March 1 until the second Saturday of April at 6 a.m. are to be released, giving them more unhampered time to acclimate to their surroundings.

For whatever the reason may be, this has not resonated with all anglers. With the publication of stocking reports, social media, and those who track the stocking trucks, it can easily be determined when trout stocking occurred or is occurring. This undoubtedly brings out anglers and puts pressure on the fish and, unfortunately, leads to illegal catches - knowingly or unknowingly.

While the majority of anglers recognize the value of managing fisheries and do abide by the regulations - whether in agreement or not - too many do not. Recaps relayed of interactions with individuals filling stringers and coolers are increasing - especially right around stocking locations and times. The latest was this morning when John said, “I confronted this guy with a stringer full of trout and said it’s now only catch and release here!” His only comment was, “Want a few?”

Although many trout anglers have already gotten their first catch of the season out of their systems, a cross-section of anglers actually made their first cast this past weekend. Fishing was brisk once heavy rains, thunderstorms, and high winds subsided. Trout parks throughout the state received their last minute stocking to shore up what fish have already been stocked, and, needless to say, activity along the banks was brisk.

Saturday saw high wind advisories and cooler temperatures that did have an effect on the number of anglers out at the crack of dawn. Mixed sun and clouds summed up the first part of the weekend, but conditions eased during the latter half. Monday saw a complete reversal that carried into the first half of the week. All in all, trout were caught, but mostly not without persistence in finding the successful formula.

High pressure that brought air temperatures 13 degrees above the average daily high and plenty of sun gradually shifted offshore, along with a backdoor front slipping down from the north and northeast. The stationary front will remain nearby for a couple of days before lifting back north as a warm front, while a deepening low pressure moved closer. A cold front then moved through before that low pressure left the area, allowing a secondary cold front to swing through. During that period of flux, daytime air temperatures hovered around mid 50s and 60s, mixed with sun, clouds, and rain as night temperatures remained in the mid-to-high 40s. Meanwhile, Long Island Sound saw periods of gusty circling winds to 40 kts with about 3-5 foot seas and visibility varying between 1-3 and 15+ miles. Water temperatures continued trending upward into the high 40s and even breaking 50 degrees in some near-shore locations.

Not only did that full-blown marine recap do wonders to advance fishing conditions but also signaled anglers to be extra careful on the water. Blackfish (tautog) season got a shot in the arm, as water temperatures around the walls and parts of the shoreline climbed. Togs on the walls were particular to spots, baits offered, and presentation. Sea worms, clams, and some crabs were toyed with and eventually eaten. Tog jigs and single/double hook rigs were effective, along with softer and preferred natural baits. Even warmer temperatures this coming week should further advance the tog bite, not only on the walls, but also on the near-shore reefs.

Striped bass continue their feeding on live finfish in the tidal rivers, along the beaches, and in some bays. Soft swim shads, spoons, hard swimming lures, and some topwater plugs are being used effectively, along with sea worms and a few other select natural baits. For now, expect to hook into mostly schoolie bass and a few in (or near) the slot limit of 28-31 inches. Fly fishers have been capitalizing on flooding tides when winds were calmer or from the north. Stripping clousers, deceivers, and Half/Half flies, as well as a few local derivatives on an 8/9 wgt set up, is about right to get the job done.

As freshwater anglers geared up for the Catch & Keep opening day that went off on April 13, inland waters eventually simmered down, lowering levels and easing the flows. Since many schools had last week off during the onset of pristine spring weather, anglers were more than ready. Almost timed perfectly with the eclipse, the prior and following days brought families, friends, and other trout anglers to the rivers, ponds, and lakes (including the trout parks).

White flowering trees and a slew of flora bloomed, changing a drab landscape into bursts of color! Warm temperatures combined with rainy days also brought out many of nature’s critters. They swarmed along inland waters (rivers, lakes, ponds) which have been repeatedly stocked, thereby providing easy meals for trout. This natural forage has given anglers using bait or artificial imitation lures and flies an advantage. Early morning and late day hours, along with warming temperatures, also brought out insect hatches that generated topwater action.

In addition to very good trout catches, lake and pond largemouth bass activity continues to raise eyebrows. Jigs, cranks, soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and a few select topwaters have been productive. Smallmouths have been caught along the weed lines on small jigs and hard cranks, as well as soft plastics. Pickerel have been taking plastic worms and spinners, panfish have been on small jigs and natural baits, while anglers are eyeing black crappie. Up into the tidal rivers, anglers are focusing on channel catfish and white perch.

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 adventures. Gift certificates are available for a special angler!

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 Rd, 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.