Printer Friendly Version - Depleted River Herring, Shad Stocks Require Prompt Action

Overfished stocks of Atlantic herring (TR) and river herring are on the forefront of NEFMC, as it prioritizes aggressive fishery management regulations to improve stock status. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Distinguishing characteristics of Atlantic herring, river herring, and shad species that are the focus of stock rebuilding and restoration. Credit to NH Fish & Game; Texas Wildlife Department. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Darrell Brake of Madison caught and released this 50-pound class striped bass on a live eel also, highly reliant and heavy feeders on river herring during migrations. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

The swords are rattling for further changes in Atlantic herring regulations, since the stock is viewed by many as severely overfished. Atlantic herring has been in a rebuilding plan. Results from monitoring their status points to a directional change - at least in some jurisdictions. Amendment A10 is in the process of being scoped out and is inviting public input to be considered in any potential changes to the Annual Catch Limit, which is used from food to lobster bait.

The New England Fishery Management Council (The Council) is conducting a series of scoping meetings to solicit comments regarding the range of alternatives to consider in Amendment 10 (A10) to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan. Actions to be considered would affect New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The Council is proposing to take action through A10 to address spatial and temporal allocation and management of Atlantic herring at the management unit level to minimize user conflicts, contribute to optimum yield, and support rebuilding of the resource.

The Council is also proposing to take action to enhance river herring (alewife and blueback herring) and shad (American and hickory) avoidance and other catch reduction measures to better support ongoing coastwide restoration efforts for those species. The Council is scheduling the scoping meetings in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. A summary of public comments received will be provided to the Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate.

Here in Connecticut, the taking of anadromous river herring (collectively referred to as blueback herring and alewives) are currently prohibited, although landlocked alewives can be taken from 12 named lakes and ponds. American and hickory shad are also protected, and they can be harvested by recreational anglers in aggregate of six daily. A very slight but interesting observation is that documented river herring runs have shown fluctuations in returning numbers - some considerably higher, while others much lower. The reason for the fluctuations are being debated and are currently unknown.

The scoping meeting held in Mystic on April 17 drew diverse and collectively united attendees consisting of government appointees, fisheries management, Long Island Sound affiliate organizations, scientists, educators, recreational fishers, etc. Sponsored by New England Fisheries Management Council and presented by Jamie Cournane, Ph.D (Atlantic Herring Analyst-Lead), it heard public, overwhelmingly supportive comments of ‘Time and Area’ closures with respect to Area 2 that directly affects southern New England stocks. Maine and Cape Cod mid-water trawl caps are 76.7 and 32.4 mt, respectively. Southern New England is 129.6 mt.

The effects of these closures would trickle down from commercial mid-trawls of Atlantic herring and their bycatches of river herring and shad, which are basic habitat building blocks that support fish and bird migrations and are of a socio-economic importance to Connecticut. Unlike days of yore when rivers ran silver with river herring, and fish populations were strong, today we are witnessing depleted stocks of migrating river herring, followed by a decrease in fish, bird, and other animal life that follow and rely on them for survival. It is obvious that more needs to be done to reverse the trend, in addition to knocking down dams and improving water quality perhaps, even reducing the commercial catch-cap.

Public comments are due by 8 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30. Email them to: comments@NEFMC.org.

Deservedly, high pressure finally built in from the northwest, followed by a slow moving warm front from the southwest for more than a day. High pressure then built in for a brief period before a cold front replaced it, making way for another high pressure that built back in. Air temperatures ranged from the mid 50s to the mid 60s, as mixed sun and clouds (with intermittent light rain) trickled through the week. Meanwhile, Long Island Sound and its tributaries moderated as near shore water temperatures touched the low 50s, and winds and seas became more manageable for fishers and smaller vessels.

With less than one week left for blackfish (tautog) spring season, toggers were out making the best of the early season. Soaking a seaworm or clam from shore has been increasingly the way to go, as near shore water temperatures have been rising. Windy, onshore conditions have been the exception being when lee side protection was absent. Breakwalls, rock, and boulder strewn fields have been effective spots when adding a crab or two to your rig or tog jig - winds aside. Splashing hulls have been behind schedule, so boat traffic has generally been on the lighter side.

The interest for catching winter flounder has increased over the past few years, since catches appear to have improved up and down southern New England coasts of Cape Cod, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Locally, sandy bottom and clean mud bottoms of channels and bays are the best shots at catching these right-handed flatties and a chance at a blackback. Use some of your clams and seaworm tog baits, along with a log of chum, rig up, and go for it. Two fish at 12” is a small catch for a family dinner, but a few members of the same household can add up to a pretty good breaded and stuffed meal.

As one fishery comes to a temporary close, others come to life. Thank you spring. Day by day, striped bass are mixing it up with fishers as tidal rivers, bays, and beaches experience aggressive feeding on available shad, menhaden, and other finfish. The holdover migration is on the move, as well as the one up the coast. A 10-12 pound light to medium, moderate, or fast setup is ideal for slot limit size and below fish. Spooled with braided line will get that additional yardage, should a large linesider take you up on your offer and make a run for it. An 8/9 wgt fly fishing setup is about right for the rivers and beaches. Seaworms, clams, hard, and soft lures are doing it for the conventional casters, while sinking flies and unweighted ones are generally best for skinny water environments.

There is no let-up in anglers fishing inland waters for trout, even as levels and flows present various difficult obstacles, such as maintaining a good drift, an appropriate depth, or targeting a specific hole. In these conditions, fish will tend to remain in areas offering energy-saving conditions and a moderate passage or developing food source. Whether fly fishing a nymph, dry or streamer, or taking the conventional spinning route with natural/scented bait, spinners, or swimmers, the need to fish these with the most natural movement as possible is significant.

Sun and warm water temperatures that trigger spawning rituals are making headway in most lakes and ponds. Feeding is well underway, and protecting their territory is becoming more evident. The basses, especially largemouth bass, are responding to hard and soft lures, including jigs and spinnerbaits, pickerel are taking spinners and spoons, while panfish and channel cats are onto live and scented baits.

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 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.