Connecticut Opening Day of Fishing April 19, 2014

Finally after a long hard winter, the weather has finally warmed up enough to feel like spring here in Connecticut and that means fishing season is just around the corner.  Actually the season opener is just  5 days away.  For many opening day is more about traditions then the fishing.  That means fishing the same spot with many of the same folks, maybe even camping out or stopping by one of the many fisherman breakfasts that will be happening around the state.

Salmon River, Colchester CT

For me the tradition of opening day has long faded, mostly because as my kids were growing up opening day conflicted with other opening days like baseball.  Also with many Trout Management Areas open to year round fishing, I no longer have to wait for opening day to wet a line and chase some trout.  But I still enjoying seeing others as they work on their opening days plans and preparations.  For me I will most likely spend the early morning out in the woods scouting for turkeys, but I will most certainly stop by my local fisherman's breakfast and then head home to get ready for the family invasion for our Easter celebration and maybe, just maybe I will even run down to the lake and wet a line just to say I fished the opener.

Willimantic River Rainbow Trout

So for all those heading out on opening day in hopes of catching that wall hanger, here are some links with great information on fishing in Connecticut.

DEEP's Fishing Website

Everything you need to know about fishing in Connecticut can be found on the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's (DEEP) website.   Here you can get information about licenses and permits and even make an online purchase.  Review the 2014 Anglers Guide for the latest fishing regulations and a list of lakes, pond, rivers and streams opening to fishing.   Don't forget to review the Stocking Reports and maybe even subscriber to the weekly fishing reports.  If you have young ones that like to fish or you are introducing to fishing for the first time stop by the Youth Fishing Passport page for all kinds of great information and special events for the young fisherman.  Don't forget to stop by the Connecticut Fish and Wildlife Facebook page so you can share photos from your trips and to get the latest information available.

Check those water levels

I am always checking the water levels of the streams and rivers I plan to fish, especially after we've had some rain.  Spring showers can blow out a stream or river quickly and using the USGS Website.  You can use these water reports to view current conditions, see the median levels over the course of many years and  to use it to gauge how quickly a body of water returns to normal levels after a rain.

Whatever your opening day plans and traditions are I wish you a very safe, fun and successful day.

Now get out on the water and enjoy!

Connecticut Fish Hatchery Victim to Budget Cuts

Taken from Pg 194 of the 2014 & 2015 proposed budget

The beginning of every year brings around the typical state budget issues and discussion that are sure to include items close to the sportsman's and sportswoman's heart and the recent proposal holds true.  Last year it was the states pheasant stocking program and while looking over the 2014 & 2015 proposed budget it looks like the state fish hatcheries are the target this year.  The proposed cut show a savings of $299,820 over two years  from closing one of Connecticut's state fish hatcheries, which realistically amounts to the tiniest piece of sand in comparison to the waste of state government.

Look, I'm tired of giving up more of my paycheck to support the overly fat programs that are part of our state spending and I agree cuts need to be made and making those cuts are never easy, but to me when they target outdoor related expenses they are relying on two things.  First is the uproar that the sportsman and sportswomen of Connecticut will most surely have and the hope of these sportsman groups proposing some type of license increase or new stamp to fund the program to keep it from being cut.

Considering that the majority of the money Connecticut sportsman pay out  each years ends up in the general fund, raising the licenses or creating new stamps are NOT something many of us would support.  If these new increases or funds where put directly into the programs and budgets they are meant to support, well many sportsman would most likely reluctantly agree.

Some numbers on effects of Recreational fishing here in Connecticut.

•  251,000 state residents take 5.4 million fishing trips and spend $198 million per year

•  51,000 non-residents take 457,000 fishing trips and spend $45 million per year in CT.

•  Recreational fishing supports over 4,400 jobs in CT. • Trout are the most sought after gamefish species in Connecticut attracting approximately 2.1 million fishing trips per year and generating ~$50 million per year in annual expenditures having a net economic impact of $67.5 million per year.

•  Approximately $2.8 million in annual license revenue is generated by trout anglers in Connecticut.

•  Approximately 100 lakes and ponds and over 200 rivers and streams are stocked annually with trout.

•  The overall benefit to cost ratio for Connecticut’s Trout Program is 25 to 1. 

The savings created by closing the hatchery in this case would be minor to the potential of costs in the future to reopen said hatchery or improve and grow others.  Also the loss or reductions in these outdoor programs will most certainly result in lost revenue as more and more sportsman stop spending the money on them or go spend their limited funds in other states that are more sportsman friendly.

No matter what side of the fence you are on with these budget issues, it is extremely for everyone to express your views to your elected officials.   Send an email, make a phone call, write a letter it doesn't matter as long as you do SOMETHING!  You can find your legislator and his contact information by visiting the CT CGA website or using this link:  Find Your Legislator

2013 Connecticut Trout Stocking has Begun

March is the traditional time here in Connecticut that most trout waters are officially closed for fishing and trout stocking for the upcoming season has begun.  There are plenty of opportunities to trout fish through out the year by visiting one of the open Trout Management Areas - TMAs.  Make sure you review the regulations for the body of water you are planning to fish before heading out.

This is directly form the CT DEEP Inland fisheries division, sent out yesterday, 2/28:  http://www.ct.gov/deep/lib/deep/fishing/weekly_reports/fishreport022813.pdf

 
SPRING TROUT STOCKING HAS BEGUN-  DEEP Inland Fisheries staff began the 2013 spring trout stockings this week. Among the areas scheduled to be stocked sometime in the next two weeks are many of the state's Trout Management Areas (TMA's). Note that early spring stockings are very dependent on weather and site conditions. 

2013 CT ANGLER'S GUIDES - The full print version 2013 CT Angler's Guide will be published and distributed in early April. An electronic version of the 2012 Guide continues to be available online at www.ct.gov/deep/anglersguide. There are no new regulations in effect for the 2013 season at this time, all regulations found in the 2012 guide remain in effect. 

FISHING SEASONS-Anglers are reminded that the fishing season will close after today (Thursday, February 28^th) on many rivers and streams and at a number of lakes & ponds. (Please refer to the  CT Angler's Guide for complete regulations). All sixteen of the state's Trout Management Areas remain open year round (and all are catch-and-release fishing during the winter and early spring). Class I Wild Trout Management Areas (WTMA) are also open year-round for catch-and-release fishing,

Connecticut Marine Angler Survey Program

Capt. Scott with a keeper Fluke - 2011

For those anglers that frequent Connecticut's shoreline and marine waters to fish there is an opportunity to help the CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) Marine Fisheries Divions by volunteering to participate in the Connecticut Volunteer Angler Survey (VAS) Program.    This program is designed to collect fishing trip information from Marine recreation anglers by giving them tools to recording their angling activities and catches in a log book.  At the end of the fishing season you simple send your logbook to DEEP where they will enter all the data into their computers and then ship your log book back to you to keep for your records.  It doesn't get any easier then that.

More information on the the VAS program and DEEP Marine Fishers Division contact information can be found by visiting the DEEP website at: http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2696&q=322750&depNav_GID=1647

Get Out and Fish

With fishing season and spring in full swing here in Connecticut there are many opportunities to get out on the water and fish along with opportunities to try and learn how to fish.

Our first stop is the Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) program.   The CARE program offers up many classes geared to learning about water, fish and fishing.  From specific techniwues to target certain species, Ice Fishing to general family fishing learning.

From the CARE website:

CARE will introduce you, your family, and friends to the wonders of water, fish, and fishing.  Expert Instructors pass along information and expertise they’ve gained while angling in many waters for many years.  DVDs, demonstrations, and activities make learning fun for adults and kids alike.  Many times they’ll even take you on a fishing trip!

For a list of upcoming events and classes check out their website.

CARE is also a great way for those who fish to give back to our sport via donations or volunteering and you can contact  the CARE Center at  860-663-1656 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              860-663-1656      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

Next Stop is for those looking for information on where to fish or where the fish are being stocked here in Connecticut.  The CT DEP Fishing website offers up many publications and news letters with all the information you need to find those fish and enjoy a day on the water.  Make sure to read the Anglers Guide for a list of rules and regulations as well as a list of open waters for fishing.  Trout Management Areas a great place to fish because of the abundance of fish and many of these are open year round so make sure to check out the Trout Management Brochure for more details.   We can't forget about Trout Parks either.  Trout Parks offer another great opportunity to be on fish that gets stocked on a weekly basis so there are always new fish to try and fool.  A new addition to the CT DEP Fishign website are maps of the stocking points for streams and rivers in both Western and Eastern Connecticut.


All of the above is related to fresh water fishing but Connecticut has many miles of shoreline  and access to Long Island Sound that offers many saltwater fishing opportunities to chase Striped Bass, Fluke, Flounder, Tatoug, Porgy, basically just bout anything that swims or lives in the saltwater. 

Race Rock, Long Island Sound

 Our first stop once again is the CT DEP Saltware Fishing website which is loaded with the same type of great information found on the freshwater site.   The Anglers Guide does have a Marine Fisheries section which is a great start but you can't pass on this handy Saltwater fishing brochure which is specifically designed for the Saltwater regulations. 


For those landlubbers the Connecticut Coastal Access Guide is a must visit.  Here you can look for public fishing and access points and also learn about your rights to use our incredible shoreline resources.

The Connecticut Coastal Access Guide is designed to help you explore the Connecticut shore. Use the guide to identify sites open to the public for boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and other outdoor activities. Some sites are posted with brown and white public access signs. Use the signs and the map and detailed driving directions in the Coastal Access Guide to find your way to hundreds of coastal access sights.

Connecticut also has State Parks with coastal access that offer up opportunities for enjoy the shoreline and fish.  About half of these State Parks include designated areas for persons with disabilities and a few offer camping opportunities.

Shoreline Fishing and Property RightsConnecticut's intertidal shore belongs to the people. Under the common law public trust doctrine, the public may freely use land and waters waterward of the mean high water line to fish. The "public trust" area includes beaches, rocky shores and open waters along tidal and navigable waters.  Fishing in the "public trust" area is not trespassing; the DEP encourages anglers to enjoy their rights to use the public trust lands for fishing. However, anglers should also respect the rights of adjacent landowners by not crossing private property without permission and by leaving the shoreline clean and litter free.

All of the above is great information but it sure helps to have the latest information on how the fishing is going and you can get that by checking out the Weekly Fishing Report put out by CT DEP which contains weekly information from many of the states Bait and Tackle shops which  means up to date information for us anglers.



One last item and that is respect of our resources.  This means respecting the rules and regulations, access points and  our neighbors but just as important is respect for the fish themselves.  There is nothing wrong with keeping some fish for a meal but practicing catch and release will help ensure that there are fish for the next person and future generations as well.  Check out the Tips for better Catch and Release fishing for more information. 


Now grab a friend and hit the water.  Tight Lines!

Didymo confirmed in the Farmington River

Well it is official and confirmation of Didymo in the Farmington river was released by the CT DEP today.

One of the numerous clumps of didymo

 found in the West Branch Farmington River.

"This find is very troubling," said DEP Deputy Commissioner Susan Frechette. "Extensive blooms of this organism can harm the river ecosystem and decrease its recreational and economic value. In an effort to confirm identification, staff from DEP’s Bureau of Water Protection and Land Reuse surveyed a number of sites in the river and a major tributary along a seven mile stretch of the West Branch Farmington River in Hartland and Barkhamsted. Unfortunately numerous clumps of didymo were found at all the surveyed sites in the river downstream of the Riverton Bridge. Once didymo has spread, there’s no practical way to remove it from a river."

You can read the entire press release here:  http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?Q=476204&A=4013


For us in Connecticut, our states opening day of fishing is just around the corner and there will be numerous people out and about in our rivers as fishing opens up and the warmer weather continues so it is extremely important that everyone understand the issues and how to protect against the possible transportation of invasive organisms, like Didymo, to other bodies of waters.  This is NOT just a fisherman's issue, but anyone that uses a body of water as these species can be transport by any of your equipment like vests, tubes, boats, shoes and even your bathing suit and your pets.

Here is what DEP suggests that you can do to help stop the spread of Didymo and other invasive specieis.

Humans are the primary vector responsible for the recent spread of didymo. Anglers, kayakers and canoeists, boaters and jet skiers can all unknowingly spread didymo. The microscopic cells can cling to fishing gear, waders (felt soles can be especially problematic), boots and boats, and remain viable for months under even slightly moist conditions. To prevent the spread of didymo to additional waters, DEP asks that anglers, especially those who also fish the Farmington River or streams outside Connecticut, and other users practice CHECK, CLEAN, DRY procedures.

• CHECK:
Before leaving a river, stream or lake, remove all obvious clumps of algae and plant material from fishing gear, waders, clothing & footwear, canoes & kayaks, and anything else that has been in the water and look for hidden clumps. Leave them at the site. If you find any later, clean your gear and dispose of all material in the trash.
• CLEAN:
Soak/spray & scrub boats and all other "hard" items for at least one minute in either very hot (140°F) water, a 2% bleach solution, or a 5% dishwashing detergent solution. Absorbent materials such as clothes and felt soles on waders should be soaked for at least 40 minutes in very hot water (140°F), or 30 minutes in hot water (115°F) with 5% dishwashing detergent. Freezing thoroughly will also kill didymo.
• DRY: If cleaning is not practical, after the item is completely dry to touch, wait an additional 48 hours before contact or use in any other waterway.

The above procedures will also be effective against other unwanted organisms.

Please take the time to spread the word through your blogs, clubs, forums and friends so we can make more people aware of the potential hazards and proper methods for ensuring that they are not helping the spread of such unwanted organisms.

Sharing the Passion

As I stated in my blog welcome that one of my goals with this blog is to share my love and passion for the outdoors and I am proud to announce I've brought two new members into my outdoor passions.  A few weeks back I was doing a little practicing with my fly fishing gear in the company pond and one of my coworkers stopped to watch and started asking questions.  Well it didn't take long before I had him convinced to give this a try.  I handed him my fly rod and with a little instruction I had him casting out the fly and retrieving it along just as one of those cooperative little bluegills decided to make it interesting by hitting the fly.  So what started out as conversation ended up with my coworker catching his first fish on a fly rod.  Now that I had him hooked...get it?... I gave him some information on a upcoming free beginner fly fishing class that our local fly shop was having and suggested he stop by and check it out.  Well he did and ended up leaving the shop fully outfitted and ready to go.  So for the past week or so we've been out at the company pond practicing and getting ready for opening day which is on April 17th.  He is learning fast and enjoying himself and that is what sharing this passion is all about.

My second lucky victim just happens to be my daughter. My daughter already fishes, loves to camp and spend time in the outdoors and has even joined us on some of my hunts, but she decided that she wanted to actually try hunting herself.  So we spent the past month working on the home study Conservation Education Firearms Safety course which is required for her to get her license.  She then attended the 8 hour field day portion of the class where she participated in some field exercises designed to stress firearms handling and safety as well as the shooting portion of the class which allows for hands on experience shooting both a shotgun and .22 rifle.  Now my daughter has shot both of these many times before so shooting, safety and firearms handling isn't new to her.  I am also a certified instructor so she has been drilled in Firearms safety and gun handling from a very early age, but the actual part of hunting will be new to her and she is so excited, well except for the getting up early part.  She completed all the requirements of the course and received her Hunter Safety card in the mail last week so she can now purchase here license and permits.  Her first hunting trip will be on April 17th which is a special youth only hunter training day designed for youth hunters to participate in turkey hunting while being mentored by a licensed adult, which will be me and my hunting partner.  The youth hunting days are a fabulous idea and offer a great opportunity for youth hunters to get out and get experience before the pressure and crowds of an open season kick in.  So in preparation for this day we will be discussing the techniques of turkey hunting, shot placement, safety and patterning her shotgun so she becomes aware of her effective range and the capabilities of her firearm.  We've also done a little scouting and the turkey's have cooperated by being where I expected them and doing what I expect. 

She got a good look at one real nice long beard the other evening and even took some pictures of him and now my daughter has claimed him for herself.  I'm sure she thinks this will be as simple as picking out a pair of shoes, but she will soon see.  I know I can't wait for that morning as I look forward to sitting side by side with my daughter all snuggled up against a tree waiting for the sun to rise and the sound of the first gobble of the morning to rattle our bones.  I think I am more excited then she is.

Welcome to the Passion, now go share yours with someone.

Some links of interest.

National Wild Turkey Foundation
International Hunter Education Association
CT DEP Fish and Wildlife