Conn Post 12/16/05

• The state Department of Environmental Protection completed its fall stockings of surplus Atlantic salmon broodstock last week. About 130 more salmon were split between the Shetucket River and Naugatuck River. This final stocking brings the total number of broodstock salmon released this fall into the two rivers to 1,780 fish. According to the DEP, the state's Kensington Salmon Hatchery produced 980 of the salmon and the other 800 salmon were obtained from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Hatchery in White River Junction, Vt.
• Those anglers braving the cold weather have enjoyed the salmon fishery. The only problems on the Naugatuck River right now are severe cold, lack of parking and freezing rod guides. Snow plows have blocked a good number of the better parking areas. Anglers fishing the river should dress for the elements and be prepared to walk some distance to access the larger pools. You can also spray your rod guides with silicone lubricant or cooking spray, like PAM. These lubricants prevent ice from sticking to your rod guides and reel. Ice fishing season has started in the northwest corner of the state. Currently the activity is confined to the smaller ponds, such as Dog Pond in Goshen, Wood Creek Pond in Norfolk, Burr Pond in Torrington, Park Pond in Winchester, Mt. Tom Pond in Litchfield and Mudge Pond in Sharon.
• Fishers need to be very careful when ice fishing right now. Remember, it is still very early in the ice fishing season. Thus the ice varies greatly in thickness. Also, the recent snow cover insulated the pond ice to slow its thickening. Anglers must check the ice thickness before leaving the shore. You can look for other anglers on the pond or tracks in the snow to indicate safe passage. Another alternative is to drill test holes as you venture away from land.
• Three inches of ice will support one ice angler. But ice that thin leads to suspect variation of thickness that could lead to an accident. Four inches of ice is much safer. Ice at five inches thick will hold two anglers as they team up for fish. Wait for six inches of ice before bringing the family out on the frozen pond.
• The DEP reported several winter lake drawdowns. When you review your lake charts, factor in the depth changes as follows: Gardner Lake, Ashland Pond, Billings Lake, Lower Bolton Lake, Middle Bolton Lake and Bashan Lake are down about three feet. Pachaug Pond is scheduled to drop down five feet. Beseck Lake will lower six feet. Lake managers are planning a 10-foot drawdown on Candlewood Lake, which should be completed by the end of the year.
• Other important reminders are that Bunnells Pond, Great Hollow Pond, Lake Saltonstall, the Maltby Lakes and all the designated "children-only" fishing ponds are closed for the season. The Saugatuck Reservoir will be closed after Dec. 31. Winter flounder and porgy seasons are also closed. Blackfish season ends Tuesday. [Connecticut Post by FRANK MCKANE JR. ]