Use the right technique: When fishing with live bait, use a fishfinder rig or Carolina rig with a 3 to 5 oz weight. Connecticut River ice fishing can be a fun way to beat the winter doldrums. It's time for my annual shad run thread. World Record 11.3 pounds. Paul, and the rest of you reprobates, thanks for the kind words. Striped bass run up the Connecticut River all the way to the dam in Holyoke. 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. pageTracker._trackPageview(); Weather has been unusually warm along with climbing water temperatures. Perfect. 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 lower Connecticut River empties into Long Island Sound. Farmington River Fishing Report. Techniques: Vary your retrieve speed and pay attention to how the fish are reacting. Practice catch and release: Striped bass populations have been under pressure in recent years due to overfishing and environmental factors. While Great River Hydro, the owner of the Wilder, Bellows Falls and Vernon dams, has proposed significant positive operational changes in its revised application, it has offered little other detail to address migratory fish passage. Get a lightweight rod and line. Although the Connecticut River run is at a fraction of its historical levels, it has recovered considerably during the past 50 years and is currently one of the largest runs on the East Coast. Our environmental reporter is Mike Polhamus. He fishes between 250 and 320 day each year and has caught over 160 different fish species on the fly. Hes looking forward to another awesome year of fishing for stripers, blues, sea bass, blackfish, porgies and fluke. Hed been selling sand and bloodworms to anglers looking to tangle with their first bass of the year. 2. I live only 2 miles from there and the shad fishing is legendary from the shore. We need to push for changes to fish ladders at all of these facilities to support the restoration of these species by increasing fish passage effectiveness, accommodating their migration timing, and improving safety. Ive fished with Mike before. Stripers continued to spread out in pursuit of various schools of bait throughout the region. Glad to hear you got some fish. Stripers can be aggressive feeders, so don't be afraid to try different retrieves to see what they respond to best. The annual HG&E Shad Derby is one of the region's largest fishing events. Timing is everything, and what I ain't got. As I do, I notice a text from him saying, The bite is on.. Although shad cease feeding during their spawning runs (they feed on zooplankton when at sea), they will strike small jigs and spinners during this time. document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); by Jimmy Fee. It is starting. We've been booking lots of privat Captain Gerry from Drifter Charters said they are looking forward to another season on The Drifter and it wont be long until the boat is back in the water. Saltwater Seaworms for Spring Tautog. 866-347-4836. And the shad are exhausted. One of the longest running rivers in the Northeast is the Connecticut River. W, Mt. Thanks for reporting an error with the story, Bill Stenger: SEC gave state regulators advance warning about Jay, Its been rocky: Vermont schools struggle to administer a new, Employees at Ben & Jerrys Burlington store petition to unionize, Jury deliberations expected soon in kidnapping case against Everett Simpson, Man who told corrections staff he had trouble breathing dies, Vermonter raises $20,000 for a second chance to run her, Man who told corrections staff he had trouble breathing dies at Springfield prison, Stuck in the Notch: Stowe Rotary takes bets on first truck, An audiobook app gives Vermont libraries a one-stop digital collection, Shelburne Vineyard and Eden Ciders to merge, Bill Stenger: SEC gave state regulators advance warning about Jay Peak fraud, Its been rocky: Vermont schools struggle to administer a new standardized test. I was a part owner of a ski chalet on the upper Delaware River that we used as a hunting/fishing camp. Captain Bob of the Sunbeam Fleet reports Capt. Tackle: We Use a light action rods with a fast action and a good reel with a high gear ratio to handle the fast runs of stripers. 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. // --> 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. Bobby Js said tog fishing was very good over the last week. If those times won't work for you, 12:00AM to 12:00AM looks promising , as does 12:00AM to 12:00AM Remember to adjust these times based on barometric pressure, and weather changes. we are having a very uncommon winter here i nthe north east , temps are well above normal and it's getting the spring run started !!! 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. The shad run is on in the Connecticut River. Looking to fly fish different species of fish? Size. Are there shad in the Connecticut River? Connecticut River fishing is really incredible. Shad are strong and hard fighting fish. Henry Beard and Roy McKie. 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. +45 Fresh Fishing Reports from Connecticut Spring 2023 Striper Run Savoring the shad run in the Delaware River with shad darts and flutter spoons. Fish and Wildlife Service. The American shad is a fish native to Connecticut. Time your trip: Timing is everything when it comes to striped bass fishing. Hes very knowledgeable and conservation minded. I am sure it was great to get out and enjoy the nice spring day. Season: Open year round. The ice fishing for perch and other panfish was quite good. Held on two weekends in May, the derby offers both adult and youth fisherman the opportunity to win prizes as they enjoy the recreational benefits of the Connecticut River. In April and May the arrival of herring should start the striper bite. Top. Tidal river activity is up as linesiders are taking worms, swim baits and some topwaters. At the Vernon dam, about 43% pass in any given year, but that number should be higher. The Farmington River joins the Connecticut River about 57 miles upstream of Long Island Sound. 6:24 PM About 20 minutes late, I text Mike Taylor and let him know Ive arrived at our pre-determined meeting spot on the Connecticut River. Shore toggers managed to pull some nice white chins along with shorts and near-short ones. The state record for common carp in Connecticut was well over 40 pounds, and caught out of the Connecticut River. We've been booking lots of private charters- so if you want a specific date, email Heather as soon as possible to get your date on the calendar. The summer has its doldrums, but topwater bass is still good. Blue cats and channel cats are still being caught throughout the bay, and . We know this because we count the number of fish passing through these structures. Henry Beard and Roy McKie. Ive even met people who had traveled all the way from Europe to fish for carp here. The backwaters in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont all hold big northern pike. We look forward to seeing everyone this season! It could be because it is not supported, or that JavaScript is intentionally disabled. Not too hot and not too cold. Fishing poor on Cape this week,& it was a long 612 mi. This post covers the species, the spots, guides, and even more. Fishing Seasons & Latest Fishing Photos April April is an excellent time to cast a line in the Connecticut River. 8:44 PM Waders off, car in drive, Im on my way home. It could catch big brookies and rainbows there, or dinner plate sized bluegills in the Vermont sections of the river. Some of the diehards were out targeting winter flounder over the last week and they hadnt heard back at the shop if theyd been successful or not. I feel very privileged to live so close to this great fishery. Ive been fishing the Connecticut River for years, since I live not 10 minutes from it. George I'm so glad to see you back for the spring and really look forward to your reports all season long. Tight Lines Benais Saez Jr. Aug, 09, 2020 - Connecticut River. Since then, Ive followed his photos, and updates on social media. 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. a 1/2 dozen fishing, about evenly split between chunk dunkers, and shadaholics. Access is a stone launch ramp provided by the Division Forests and Parks. Connecticut River Fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots. The Flashail Whistler is an important fly to carry if you want to catch Connecticut River pike. Jasper Craven covers politics for VTDigger. Fish Sandbars and drops off, work different tides and moon phases The Holyoke Dam in Massachusetts is the first dam on the mainstem of the Connecticut River, and is 87 miles upstream of the Long Island Sound. Much like the bass fishing this time of year, those reporting success when targeting tog usually head to western LIS. The Farmington River, from below Goodwin Dam (Hartland, CT) to its confluence with the Connecticut River (Windsor, CT), contains a diversity of habitat, fish species, and fisheries. Saltwater Sinker Guide for Northeast Bottom Fishing. I talked to Rich at Fishermans World who said word was that striped bass fishing was keeping the majority of local anglers busy. Nov 05, 2017 - Connecticut . American shad spend their adult lives at sea and usually return to the river of their birth to spawn. The Connecticut River 'normally' averages 35,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) at this time of year; however, the river is currently at only 9,000 cfs. Long Island Sound water temperatures touched the 50s which bode well for blackfish (tautog) as we Captain TJ Karbowksi at Rock and Roll Charters told me hed been working on the boat daily and was looking forward to the coming season. Here are some tips for a successful spring striper fishing trip: April 10, 2023 by Dave Anderson. Looking for the best flies for fly fishing? 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. Are they still biting right now. Capt Joe. Black Hall Outfitters said that fishing locally continued to be slow although as temperatures hopefully warming temperatures and longer days change that soon. When I talked to Andrew at Fishin Factory 3 told me the striper bite in the river started to pick up this week. This is a fertile, 198 acre, coldwater pond located 4.3 miles northeast of Westfield off Route 202. Text and images adapted from Jacobs, R. P., O'Donnell, E. B., and Connecticut DEEP. The afternoon was bright, sunny, and warm, with a nice light breeze. Minor runs also occur in the Quinnipiac, Hammonasset and East rivers. A section of the Connecticut River in Hampden County, Massachusetts. At least the water was nice and clear, down less than 1' from Wednesday, and the current was good; 3/4 oz was weight enough. These are just some of the numerous species found in the Connecticut River. Some adult shad migrate back out to sea after spawning, but spawning stress is great and dead shad are a common sight during late spring. Your email address will not be published. Hed been selling sand and bloodworms to anglers looking to tangle with their first Heather from the Black Hawk office reports that it's just about time!! The Westbrook location has hosted several seminars over the past two months and if youre interested in attending one, stay tuned as they plan to add more during the month of April. Nearly every sportfish species . There has been a variety of bait in the area, likely none more important to spring stripers than herring. I got stuck at work yesterday until almost 4:30 pm, so I bailed on going to the Wall, and arrived at the Bissell by 4:45. Hed been selling sand and bloodworms to anglers looking to tangle with their first bass of the year. I always, as a former shad fisherman, enjoy your reports each year. This was a great trip! Live bait such as eels, bunker, and herring are all popular choices. In addition, various trout derbies are taking place where more fish are being privately stocked. Anyone with hot spots for me? While the attempt to restore Atlantic salmon failed, we still have a chance to support the restoration of American shad, sea lamprey, blueback herring and American eel populations in the river, as well as the resident species, by advocating for more effective fish passage through these facilities. Disclaimer:IntoFlyFishing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You can learn how to get involved at www.ctriver.org/hydropower. Fly Fishing in Florida (An Anglers Guide), Fly Fishing Maldives (The Ultimate Guide). The Fisherman's Jim Hutchinson with a nice April shad caught while fishing with captains Dan Bias and Chris Gatley. Trout fishing has been as consistent as ever, and anglers targeting panfish are finding good results on small jigs. Savoring the shad run in the Delaware River with shad darts and flutter spoons. It was in winter lock-up until just days before Im writing this. Might just be an old man's bad memory. Top. Thanks! document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); You can catch a 30 pound striped bass near the mouth. Shad populations in the Connecticut River have substantially decreased compared to historic levels due to factors like climate change, overfishing, river alterations, pollution, water. 8th.May, Happy Mother's Day to the Mothers out there. Hi Ryan.. Based on studies done over the past eight years, we now know that if 100 healthy adult eels begin their migration downstream, only about 40 would make it alive to the Massachusetts border. The shop is open every day from 9am to 5pm and is a certified repair center for Shimano, Avet, Penn, Accurate and Tsunami reels and also offers rod repair as well. In the Connecticut River, shad have migrated as far north as Bellows Falls, Vermont (272 miles from Long Island Sound), navigating three dams along the way via fishways. This will make it easier to release other fish that you're not aiming to catch. And if you like fishing for everything, it might be hard to decide where to go and what to fish for! I'll give you three guesses what I did after work today, and the first two don't count No Fish, to be more specific, the Chalet was in Masthope which is just above the junction of the Delaware River and the Lackawaxen River in Lackawaxen Pa. They went fairly far up the Delaware even from us, some all the way to Hancock. If we dont act now to help sustain this fishery for our children, the next opportunity wont come until they are our age. Fishways have opened up hundreds of miles of river to migratory fish in the Connecticut River watershed! Thanks for your frequent and detailed shad reports. He wanted bucks for the smoker. We can't wait to get out there! 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. The region saw warm temperatures over the past week that served to crank up the action in some areas and get things moving in earnest in others. Bait like sand and blood worms have continued to work well on shallow water mud flats and beaches adjacent to large estuaries, bays and harbors. The trophy section of the tailwater often also still fishes well in the summer for big trout. Conn. State Record 9.3 pounds, 25.8 inches. Lures such as topwater plugs, jigs, and soft plastics can also be effective. In the meantime, the river is high but clear and fishing well for other species like bass, panfish, pickerel, pike and even bowfin. font size, Department of Energy & Environmental Protection. var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-677254-1"); With so many species and situations available, the Connecticut River is a great spot to fish with all sorts of gear. SeeCT DEEP Fish Community Datafor updated distributions. . Connecticut River fishing is amazing. Fishing For Shad in the Connecticut River. Carry them in a variety of colors and sizes from 2 to 4/0. Sinai, NY 11766 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. Use barbless hooks. CT Commercial Fishing Industry: Then and Now-- About CT's commercial fishing and how it has changed over time. 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. A little while later, another shadaholic C&R a very small roe. Soft baits and crabs were the tickets to success. That'll put a damper on your season. 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. That bite will only continue to improve as the fish continue spread out. I went down to the Bissell by 4:15 pm, finding one lone fisherman on the bank who said he had C&R a couple of roes before I arrived. Tickets will go on sale soon, so be sure to check our website. Anglers are using sandworms, looking for that first local bass of the year. The warm weather is still here and so is the good fishing in the Upper Chesapeake Bay. 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