Maximum depth: 21 feet. 8; Details; m shorty. You might consider another Marina or arrange a pick up at a different place. 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. During spring, striped bass and bluefish swim 4 miles or more upriver to feed. Up to 5 pounds every fourth or fifth cast. Fishing: the art of casting, trolling, jigging, or spinning while freezing, sweating, swatting, or swearing. Could not have had a better time!! Local trout fishing is still going strong and many of the local streams are still coughing up plenty of stockies. Connecticut River fishing is really incredible. In addition to the Holyoke Fishlift, fishways at the Turners Falls and Vernon dams are now open. This is an angler's guide to fly fishing in Florida. Fishing below Holyoke, you can catch dozens of shad on a good day. The Farmington river shad bite had produced a few fish and a push of shad should be coming soon. var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-677254-1"); Mothers Day was the magic time for roe shad to arrive in our area. Snout of juveniles slightly more pointed than other herring. Go for a long, lightweight spinning or fly rod in fiberglass. 6:45 PM As I make my first cast with a 1/16-ounce custom-painted shad dart, Mike yells from upriver, I bet you catch your first shad within four casts.. Shad once ran in several rivers, including the Thames, Housatonic, and Naugatuck , but industry . Exception: Naugatuck River, Shetucket River, Housatonic River and lakes stocked by CT DEEP. Nov 05, 2017 - Connecticut . The Fisherman Dream Boat Fishing Challenge, The 13th Annual SWLCC Used Plug Swap & Sale. Atlantic Salmon (about Atlantic Salmon Management Areas) Taking of Atlantic Salmon is prohibited. Casting sinking flies along the beaches, in bays and by mouths of tidal rivers is gaining steam. River flows spiked early last week before dropping and moderating. Hed been selling sand and bloodworms to anglers looking to tangle with their first bass of the year. Depending on what part you fish and when, Connecticut River fishing can be very different. Striped bass run up the Connecticut River all the way to the dam in Holyoke. American Shad with a dart. Recreational Marine Angler Data-- How you can help us to improve fishing. PDF The Leesville Dam on the Salmon River in Connecticut is monitored only for Atlantic salmon. Other freshwater bites anglers reported on this week included pre-spawn large and smallmouth bass, calicos, and carp. By 5:30, I hooked my first shad a small buck that hit fairly close to the bank. A BIG WARMUP 2023 HG&E Shad Derby Dates: May 13, 14, 20, 21 Time: 9 am - 5 pm* My biggest fish was heavier than four pounds, and was an incredible fighter in the strong river current. American shad spend their adult lives at sea and usually return to the river of their birth to spawn. The best part is that your money will be going towards a good cause. Having to make their way downstream, many of them go through the turbines in the hydro-facilities. There are many guides on the Connecticut River to choose from. Hartford, CT. After he nets the fish I catch my first glimpse of what the the dozens of shore fishermen in sight are casting toward. 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. I clean my hands with rubbing alcohol and let out a triumphant yell in the car. As the water begins to warm up, stripers, also known as rockfish or striped bass, become more active and start to move into shallow waters to feed. awesome. Registered: 09/04/03. Identification. Bob of the Sunbeam Fleet reports we've been busy getting the fleet ready for the season. info@thefisherman.com Tried a bit north first but no hits and heading a bit south made the difference. 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. No one else in my recollection has had that honor here. thanks for the info. Fish are liking that combo! The Bellows Falls Dam fish ladder is located in Vermont, 174 miles upstream of the Long Island Sound. Blackfish and striped bass season is on target as inland fishing remains very hot. 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. Not too hot and not too cold. Shad will swim farther upstream than any other herring. Paul, and the rest of you reprobates, thanks for the kind words. Some parts are very pressured and the fish can be finicky, but time and effort will yield good fish. Close-up of heads of juvenile American shad (top) and blueback herring (bottom). I can see shad rising like trout all over the river. Please! These fish are cool-blooded so their movement is strongly influenced by water temperature. The last time these hydro facilities were licensed was 1979. As I do, I notice a text from him saying, The bite is on.. Shallow water flats, estuaries, bays and harbors are still the best bet for locating hungry bass. Blue cats and channel cats are still being caught throughout the bay, and . 2010 CTF Game Dinner & Swap Meet: Feb. 13. Ive even seen catfish and walleye rising! When I talked to Andrew at Fishin Factory 3 he was selling licenses to anglers looking to get out on what is now the opening day of trout season. Catch and Release Only from September 1 to 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April. Anglers that are out fishing are focused on blue catfish, white perch, and northern snakeheads, and a few are sampling the beginning stages of the hickory and American shad spawning runs. Season: Open year round. According to Andrew at Fishin Factory 3 in Middletown trout fishing is excellent in all stocked waters. I talked to Rich at Fishermans World who said word was that striped bass fishing was keeping the majority of local anglers busy. And oftentimes the trout and salmon fishing is stellar up in New Hampshire. I am thinking another week or two unless somebody connects big time. Our full schedule is available online at www.sunbeamfleet.com Private Charters are available for up to 80 passengers. A dark spot on shoulder sometimes followed by several others. It is here that the fishing can get pretty hectic as boats converge on the concentrated fish while shore. Captain Bob of the Sunbeam Fleet reports Capt. Wills & Dellinger-Pate: Menthol and flavors are the lures that hook kids to tobacco. It's time for my annual shad run thread. Black Hall Outfitters said that fishing locally continued to be slow although as temperatures hopefully warming temperatures and longer days change that soon. Fishing Seasons & Latest Fishing Photos April April is an excellent time to cast a line in the Connecticut River. The shad migrating into the Connecticut River, on average, spawn only once or twice when they should be able to spawn for three years in a row. 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. One reported a few fish were caught earlier, around noon-ish, a bronze back, a schoolie, and a shad. Knowing how many fish and what species use these fishways helps us make decisions on how to best restore our migratory fishes. Is this at the bend in the river, near the baseball stadium? Approx. Fishing Niantic River, CT on 4/15/2023 will be best from 12:00AM through 12:00AM, and from 12:00AM to 12:00AM. Use the lightest line you can find for the size fish available in your region. 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. Whatever you like to fish for, this is the time to go. // --> A Pictorial Guide to Freshwater Fishes of Connecticut. Most recent Connecticut River Basin Fishway Passage Counts Fishways have opened up hundreds of miles of river to migratory fish in the Connecticut River watershed! Theyre also lining up a bunch of new tackle including many new rods as they prepare for the coming season. We look forward to seeing everyone this season! Where can you park. Just a note if you have mobility issue the access to the boat might be tricky. These species have been migrating up this river to spawn for thousands of years. That'll put a damper on your season. Ive been fishing the Connecticut River for years, since I live not 10 minutes from it. Trout fishing has been as consistent as ever, and anglers targeting panfish are finding good results on small jigs. "); Anglers dropping Asian crabs, mostly on jigs are picking away at spring limits of keeper blackfish. 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. Knowing how many fish and what species use these fishways helps us make decisions on how to best restore our migratory fishes. Karen said she is looking forward to seeing everyone soon and has high hopes for another great year. The river has fish from the mouth to the dam, spreading out some of the angling pressure. It is one of a series of ponds known as the Hampton Ponds. I always, as a former shad fisherman, enjoy your reports each year. Bobby Js said tog fishing was very good over the last week. "https://ssl." It has both giant smallmouth and largemouth bass, and fish are quite abundant. Look for areas with good water flow, structure, and baitfish. An anglers guide to fly fishing Maldives. Captain Mike Roy at Reel Cast Charters told me he is excited to announce that this season his team will be running three boats, the Conch 27, Pathfinder 23DV and the Jones Brother 23 so they can better accommodate clients and take on more bookings. 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. Spring brings the whole river to life. Trout are reacting differently to various baits and presentations depending on conditions so, it is recommended to take along a few alternative baits and lures to mix it up. If we dont act now to help sustain this fishery for our children, the next opportunity wont come until they are our age. The DEEP dock in Lyme was giving up some fish and word was more action was creeping north as water temperatures increased during last weeks warm weather. Only 2 folx working the rock pile, and no shad. We are humbled to once again be nominated for the "Best of the Best" in The Day's contest. Mostly in the tailwater stretch in New Hampshire, the Connecticut River holds brown, brook, and rainbow trout. The cod bite was good last weekend and they are sailing again this week. Eelways have been constructed at some tributary dams to improve their migratory success. I am sure it was great to get out and enjoy the nice spring day. 4.6 (7 reviews) Anyone interested in fishing Connecticut River or waters within the wider area around East Lyme should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. 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. Massachusetts South Shore/South Coast Fishing Report. 116 Shore Rd. All maps created in 2009. Perfect. Connecticut; Massachusetts; New Jersey Northern; New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont; New York - Long Island; There hasn't been much word of shad being caught yet, but we should be just a week or so away from consistent fishing throughout the Connecticut River. 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. This will make it easier to release other fish that you're not aiming to catch. Serving Middlesex and surrounding counties for over 20 years, Fishin Factory 3 is your Connecticut River and Long Island Sound specialist. 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. George I'm so glad to see you back for the spring and really look forward to your reports all season long. I was not aware that gizzard Shad came in in the abundance that they evidently do, as I had assumed that it was a species that did not have a very large presence in this state. The river downstream from the dam in Holyoke, Massachusetts, is a very rich area. 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. American Shad ( about shad assessments) Harvest of American shad allowed only in the Connecticut River system. This year we have an opportunity to provide them a better chance to thrive. Stripers can be found in the river year-round, but the large schools of migratory bass enter the river in the spring. Free Fishing Talk: Questions, Answers & Fishing Discussion, Free Fishing Talk: Questions, Answers & Fishing Discussion, Fishing Reports - Only start new topics in these forums if you've gone fishing, CTF Member ONE Lure Most Fish Species Caught Challenge Tourney, Boats, Motors, Electronics, Trailers, Launches & Marinas. The Turners Falls Dam fish ladder in Massachusetts is 122 miles upstream of the Long Island Sound; The Vernon Dam fish ladder is located in Vermont, 142 miles upstream of the Long Island Sound. All rights reserved. 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. There has been a variety of bait in the area, likely none more important to spring stripers than herring. Fish and Wildlife Service, CT River Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office using fishway count data provided by several agencies as well as power companies and is dependent in most cases on the review of video counts, that have an associated time lag for updates. } catch(err) {} Each obstacle they encounter threatens their opportunity to reproduce and sustain populations of this native fish in local rivers. 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. Fish over 35 inches are fairly common, especially around the mouths of tributaries and in backwaters. Inland waters continue to be stocked with fresh loads of trout to meet the demand of anglers. Sign up for our FREE Fishing Reports Today! : "http://www. Carp and bowfin will follow not far behind. Anglers from both states will undoubtedly be out in full force for - what many consider to be - the unofficial start to the fishing season. Give Captain Mike a call now to book your spot for the season. This migration into the river depends on water temperature but often begins in April and peaks in June. I am starting to think about what to chase this week end. Dad even won a prize in the derby one year. A great time to fish for Sea Bass on the sound. The shop sold plenty of green crabs last week to anglers looking to take advantage of the spring blackfish season. There were a few tog reported east of the river too and hope remains there the blackfish show up before the seasonal closure at the end of the month. Ban them. Continue to test and gather information to ensure these facilities do not continue to cause delay, injury and mortality of these ecologically important species. The Angler's Guide to the Northeast. Looking to fly fish different species of fish? Introduced to the West Coast. // --> Access is from Mountain Road off Route 202. Let's face it, there's a lot we can learn and share from one another like what bait or lure is generating the best results. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. Savoring the shad run in the Delaware River with shad darts and flutter spoons. Choose the right bait: Stripers are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of baitfish. Hi Ryan.. The shop is open seven days a week for the season and Andrew encourages anyone who stops in to check out the new rod room that was added to the store over the winter. I have been hammering the shed in Lowell at The Falls for the last 3 days. 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. Many weekends were already booked for the year so give Captain Mike a call to reserve your spot now while you still can. Weather has been unusually warm along with climbing water temperatures. Anglers are also connecting with white perch in the brackish waters and are continuing to score with worm bits and jig head combinations. Carrying many different sizes, colors, and weights is a good idea for the different scenarios and species you could encounter. She can be reached at tpache@vtdigger.org. 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. They went fairly far up the Delaware even from us, some all the way to Hancock. The traditional Pheasant Tail Nymph is a good choice of fly when fishing the upper Connecticut River tailwater.