A few years ago I met Mike Taylor at the Springfield Sportsmans Show. Both traditional trout lures, like small swimmers and spinners, as well as live bait including minnows, dillies, crawlers and meal worms are enticing trout to bite. As a result of that licensing process, fish passage facilities were built at all three dams in Vermont and New Hampshire to support the restoration of our native migratory Atlantic salmon and American shad. We can't wait to get out there! Find the right location: Stripers can be found in a variety of locations, including bays, estuaries, rivers, and along the coastline. The local shad bite had still yet to materialize, not for lack of angler effort. The Buck Pond is a natural great pond. As I do, I notice a text from him saying, The bite is on.. The best part is that your money will be going towards a good cause. This horseshoe-shaped pond was formed when the river cut a new channel during postglacial times. Five Mile is a 48-acre pond located immediately north of Route 20A in a highly urbanized section of Springfield. All maps created in 2009. If you have a minute, please check it out and vote for us! You can learn how to get involved at www.ctriver.org/hydropower. Lets fix this now so we dont pass this problem on to the next generation. Dont be surprised if a giant bass eats one too! The Rainbow Dam in Connecticut is the first dam on the Farmington River, and is located 8 miles upstream of where the Farmington River joins the Connecticut River. In April and May the arrival of herring should start the striper bite. The shadbushes (or shadblows) are in full bloom now. Continue with the reports. Some of the features on CT.gov will not function properly with out javascript enabled. Booking a trip with Lopstick is a good way to get to know the upper Connecticut River. Females (roes) are larger than males (bucks). George I'm so glad to see you back for the spring and really look forward to your reports all season long. An anglers guide to fly fishing Maldives. Our first trip will be the weekend of May 6 & 7 for Peconic Bay Captain Mike at Tartan II said hes pulling the boat and starting on a new paint job next week. On the freshwater side of things, trout fishing continues to produce great action for many anglers taking advantage of good fishing conditions. It has both giant smallmouth and largemouth bass, and fish are quite abundant. Free Classifieds- Buy, Sell, Trade, Want Ads, etc. Registered: 09/04/03. Here are a few hot spots. This post covers spots, species, fishing gear to use, and best time to fly fish the Maldives. If youd like to book a guided trip and support a good cause at the same time, look to the Connecticut River Conservancy. Both traditional trout lures, like small swimmers and spinners, as well as live bait including minnows, dillies, crawlers and meal worms are enticing trout to bite. Whatever you like to fish for, this is the time to go. Could anyone tell me what is the best place? Your email address will not be published. local waters are stacked with rain bait and the fish are moving in on them !! Fly fishing the Connecticut River can be excellent no matter what part of the river you visit. Such a long flowing river must have some fishing. It was a short tussle, and he was released after a Kodak Moment. Book online or call for information. Thanks for the reports. This was the first week shops reported nascent bass activity in the Connecticut River, a bite that will only get better and better over the next couple of months. American Shad ( about shad assessments) Harvest of American shad allowed only in the Connecticut River system. Hes very knowledgeable and conservation minded. Thanks! Born , raised and still living in Holyoke. VTDigger publishes Vermont business and economic news. Introduced to the West Coast. Atlantic Coast from New Brunswick to central Florida. Fishing Media: Videos, DVDs, Books, Magazines, etc. We would fish from boats that were anchored upstream from a major compression point that would funnel the shad to us as they moved upstream. During spring, striped bass and bluefish swim 4 miles or more upriver to feed. A little while later, another shadaholic C&R a very small roe. We cover the states hospitals, the states psychiatric care system, the Green Mountain Care Board, insurers, state health care policy, Medicaid and Medicare. Not a lot of gizzard Shad pass through the gates of the local fish gates monitored every year based on my observations over the past few years. var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-677254-1"); We also specialize in coverage of state finances and the impact of tax and budget policy on Vermonters. Every now and then and occasional 8/10/15 20 pound carp jumping out of the water. It is starting. Keep an eye on their social media pages to find newly added speakers and dates. Local trout fishing is still going strong and many of the local streams are still coughing up plenty of stockies. Savoring the shad run in the Delaware River with shad darts and flutter spoons. Every year, for decades, hundreds of thousands of American shad have been successfully lifted via a fish elevator over the Holyoke dam, only to be stymied by the next obstacle upstream the Turners Falls dam. Theyll be prepping the boats and gear over the next few weeks. They are fully stocked with trout lures, artificials baits, minnows, dillies, crawlers and meal worms along with plenty of terminal tackle, line as well as rods and reels. Lower jaw does not rise steeply within mouth. In the Northeast, these fish migrate from their wintering grounds in the south during the spring, moving up the coast to their spawning grounds in the Chesapeake Bay and Hudson River. It flows from the Canadian border in New Hampshire all the way to Long Island Sound. Use the right gear: For conventional anglers, Light to medium spinning or baitcasting gear is typically used to target stripers. The West Springfield dam (formerly called the DSI Dam) in Massachusetts is the first dam on the Westfield River, and is located 4 miles upstream of where the river joins the Connecticut River. Fish and Wildlife Service. Make sure to release fish quickly and handle them carefully to minimize stress and injury. thats been on my bucket list for some time now. 100 fish days were not unusual. There are dozens of species to target and more beautiful water than could be covered in a lifetime. If mild weather and conditions on the Sound remain status quo or improves and winds/seas do not kick up, the last week and one-half will be fruitful. Easy in and out marina, fish accessible almost immediately = more fish in the boat and less time cruising from location to location. In addition to the Holyoke Fishlift, fishways at the Turners Falls and Vernon dams are now open. The fish-smelling slime never seems to leave my hands, even when I wipe them on my waders, but I wear it like a badge of honor, a lasting reminder of my first American shad. American eel live their adult lives in our rives and migrate out to sea to spawn. The traditional Pheasant Tail Nymph is a good choice of fly when fishing the upper Connecticut River tailwater. In the meantime, the river is high but clear and fishing well for other species like bass, panfish, pickerel, pike and even bowfin. Tidal river activity is up as linesiders are taking worms, swim baits and some topwaters. Half-Day trips for Blues & Bass will start Friday, May 19th and Fluke trips start Wednesday, May 10th. PDF Timing is everything, and what I ain't got. The Fish and Aquatic Conservation program leads aquatic conservation efforts for the U.S. Maximum depth: 21 feet. var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-677254-1"); Shad of course migrate up the Merrimack River while the Parker River is the pick locally for perch. Techniques: Vary your retrieve speed and pay attention to how the fish are reacting. Went 6 for 11 on a small short shank spoon. In Connecticut, spring runs of shad occur in all major rivers (Connecticut, Housatonic, Pawcatuck and Thames), with the largest run occurring in the Connecticut River. We know this because we count the number of fish passing through these structures. The last seven miles of the river is a striper and bluefish haven, thanks to the abundance of bait in this large estuary. Connecticut is a phenomenal bass fishery. The Saugatuck Reservoir is also open now and anglers have been putting in time there in search of trout, walleye and smallmouth bass. Up to 5 pounds every fourth or fifth cast. I am hoping the shad get going big time next week with the warmer weather. Largemouth bass bite crawling wake baits, DEEP stocks lake trout in select waters, and herring ignite better striped bass fishing amid mild weather. On calm, late summer evenings on the Connecticut River, thousands of small, silvery juvenile shad can be observed popping out of the water in pursuit of minute insects. I just can't decide if I want to do Largemouth in a lake, Smallmouth on the river, or a dedicated Shad trip. The Leesville Dam on the Salmon River in Connecticut is monitored only for Atlantic salmon. Theyre also lining up a bunch of new tackle including many new rods as they prepare for the coming se Karen at AW Marina told me they were back open this weekend and will be open weekends for the rest of the month while adding in weekdays as the eastern sound season gets going. Although some of the popular spots may start to get picked over, the warm weather should help give anglers more areas to find themselves a spring tog bite. 116 Shore Rd. Shad migrate by the hundreds of thousands from the Atlantic Ocean up the Connecticut River each spring. They hadnt heard of any fresh striped bass yet but thats not from lack of effort. If August, then expect to have a lot of fun fishing for scup and seabass. Since late 2012, five hydroelectric facilities in the heart of the Connecticut River have been in the process of renewing their operating licenses, which are issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Most fly fishers already have a wallet with a variety of flies covering hatches, swimming critters and transitioning insects. That said, the warmer weather should lead to some better flounder action, however limited it may be. Anglers dropping Asian crabs, mostly on jigs are picking away at spring limits of keeper blackfish. If you're an avid angler in the Northeast, then you know that striped bass, also known as "stripers," are one of the most popular gamefish in the region. thanks for the info. Below the Holyoke Dam is where the majority of people go. The summer has its doldrums, but topwater bass is still good. It seems that JavaScript is not working in your browser. Perfect. The best action right now is still mostly a bait bite but those looking for stripers chasing newly arriving herring reported getting into fish on lures. Tight Lines Technical Help, Test Posts, Feedback, Computer talk, etc. Search for volunteer opportunities around the country, News about wonderful wild things and places, FWS is taking steps to mitigate climate impacts, Search employment opportunities with USFWS. Expand fishway operation to accommodate resident riverine species such as walleye and sucker that make spawning migrations. Fish are liking that combo! Western Long Island Sound has seen some solid bass and blackfish action while most activity in the central and eastern sound is still confined to tidal rivers and estuaries. There has been a variety of bait in the area, likely none more important to spring stripers than herring. Minor runs also occur in the Quinnipiac, Hammonasset and East rivers. Massachusetts South Shore/South Coast Fishing Report. You might consider another Marina or arrange a pick up at a different place. That bite will only continue to improve as the fish continue spread out. The annual HG&E Shad Derby is one of the region's largest fishing events. Connecticut River spin fishing is every bit as varied and fun as fly fishing. 2023 HG&E Shad Derby Dates: May 13, 14, 20, 21 Time: 9 am - 5 pm* "https://ssl." Dont miss our complete guide to fly fishing around Connecticut. Use the lightest line you can find for the size fish available in your region. He fishes between 250 and 320 day each year and has caught over 160 different fish species on the fly. Trolling is always a top producer. Fish were taking more top-water plugs this week but swimmers and gliders continue to be hot baits. By following these tips and being prepared for the spring striper season, you'll be well on your way to a successful and enjoyable fishing trip. The rivers and bay water temps have climbed into the mid 50's. Shad fishing continues to improve throughout the Susquehanna River with lots of hickory shad and some American shad too. Exception: Naugatuck River, Shetucket River, Housatonic River and lakes stocked by CT DEEP. Sinai, NY 11766 The Flashail Whistler is an important fly to carry if you want to catch Connecticut River pike. They spawn in the main stem of the Hudson and the largest of creeks during the month of May. Catching them is like the lottery you have to be in it to win it. Fishing shad does not require a heavy rod. Its an incredible fishery for trophy fish of all sorts. Connecticut River Fishing (An Anglers Guide), Types of Fishing in the Connecticut River, Best Spots for Fishing the Connecticut River, our complete guide to fly fishing around Connecticut. When I talked to Andrew at Fishin Factory 3 told me the striper bite in the river started to pick up this week. I was told they were gizzard Shad by one of the local kayak Anglers with a lot more experience than myself in this particular location. Bobby Js said tog fishing was very good over the last week. A BIG WARMUP late March and April will be lights out !!! In 2003, the American shad was designated Connecticuts State Fish. Until the mid-1700s, eating shad was considered disreputable, but the fish gained favor during the Revolutionary War as salmon numbers dwindled. The water was down a little from my last outing on Friday, 29th.April, clear, and at about dead high tide, the current was virtually slack. 116 Shore Rd. One of the easiest ways that anyone can support bird habitat conservation is by buying duck stamps. Late report. Depending on what part you fish and when, Connecticut River fishing can be very different. Sign up for our FREE Fishing Reports Today! Lopstick Lodge in Pittsburgh, New Hampshire provides a great guide service. by Jimmy Fee. Articles in Connecticut Wildlife Magazine. I wondered if you could give at least a general location as i would like to bring my friend to a true shad run. The Connecticut River is a tidal river with a tidal influence that extends many miles into Northern Connecticut. Autumn is another phenomenal time of year on the river. Ive been fishing the Connecticut River for years, since I live not 10 minutes from it. CT Commercial Fishing Industry: Then and Now-- About CT's commercial fishing and how it has changed over time. Carp, smallmouth bass, walleye, pike, catfish, and striped bass can be caught here. Top. : "http://www. data-event-category="Navigation header guest". Sinai, NY 11766 It works for pike, striped bass, bluefish, and even largemouth or smallmouth bass. Respect the Fish: Stripers are an important species in many coastal ecosystems and are also highly prized by anglers. No trout water. Anyone with hot spots for me? 866-347-4836. Inland waters continue to be stocked with fresh loads of trout to meet the demand of anglers. All Outdoors: Camping, Hiking, Photography, Mushroom Hunting, etc. Seeing red tail hawks, Eagle, great blue heron, Cormorans, ducks, and last but not least turkey buzzards. Karen said she is looking forward to seeing everyone soon and has high hopes for another great year. Most recent Connecticut River Basin Fishway Passage Counts. We know this because we count the number of fish passing through these structures. by Jimmy Fee. Habits. Saltwater Sinker Guide for Northeast Bottom Fishing. The Salmon River joins the Connecticut River 18 miles upstream of the Long Island Sound. They offer a wide variety of rods, reels, tackle and baits as well as rod and reel repair. I am thinking another week or two unless somebody connects big time. Soft baits and crabs were the tickets to success. Everything from bait to spinners and swimmers were reportedly taking fish. Hed been selling sand and bloodworms to anglers looking to tangle with their first bass of the year. The state record for common carp in Connecticut was well over 40 pounds, and caught out of the Connecticut River. Theyre also lining up a bunch of new tackle including many new rods as they prepare for the coming season. Personally my shad season still in doubt, but 4 weeks after MCL tendon tear, past few days have been able to actually walk a few steps without cane or crutches, physical therapy continues. Shad will swim farther upstream than any other herring. var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? American Shad with a dart. VTDigger covers criminal justice issues including Vermont legal issues, Vermont courts and the Vermont Department of Corrections. Ive even met people who had traveled all the way from Europe to fish for carp here. Glad to hear you got some fish. Connecticut River trout fishing is really good. Over the coming two months, the fishing will get even better as the water warms back up. Tailwater The tailwater stretches near Pittsburgh, New Hampshire, are the best for trout fishing the Connecticut River. Striped bass and bluefish are the primary targets here in spring, early summer, and fall. Connecticut River fishing is amazing. Trout season will open in Rhode Island this Saturday, April 8th at 6 a.m. and at that very same moment, Connecticut's harvest season for trout will also begin. Word from Colin at Fishin Factory 3 in Middletown is that trout fishing is excellent at many recently stocked places including Day Pond Trout Park and the Salmon River. The Fisherman Paul, I'm sorry to hear about the MCL tear. 2010 CTF Game Dinner & Swap Meet: Feb. 13. Wills & Dellinger-Pate: Menthol and flavors are the lures that hook kids to tobacco. Keep an eye out for birds diving and feeding, as this can also indicate the presence of stripers below. Its hard to whittle down a simple fly selection for such a large river with so many species, but here are some good flies to try. The Wilder, Bellows Falls and Vernon dams in Vermont and New Hampshire, and the Northfield Mountain Pump Station and Turners Falls dam in Massachusetts, impact more than 175 miles of the Connecticut River. Shad populations in the Connecticut River have substantially decreased compared to historic levels due to factors like climate change, overfishing, river alterations, pollution, water. Good fight. Some of their River Stewards are licensed guides and can take clients out on different parts of the Connecticut River. The decisions that result from this relicensing will affect our river and these fish until we revisit this license in 2060 or so. I feel very privileged to live so close to this great fishery. On Tuesday, I took him up on his offer to introduce me to the American shad fishery on the Connecticut River.