Capt Morgan 1/24/06

1. Comments relating to unseasonable-like springtime weather swiftly changed as the jet stream brought us light snow with its bow and then towed in cold temperatures and swift winds with its stern. Until then, early fall attire was prevalent throughout the shop as coastline anglers took advantage of open trout waters. There was talk of caddis hatches and streamer flies as well as floating swimmers, spinners, and spoons. Grubs for ice fishing were now used in the rivers and tipups were temporarily stored but easily accessible for the believers.
2. Until the barometer plummeted, anglers gave their casting hands a workout, strategically placing their flies and lures upriver of deep holes. Looking for hearty browns or bows, some even tried the 'ole hook and worm approach often successful in their attempts. Rivers like the Hammonassett, West, Salmon, Branford, Farm, and the “Housey” were given attention. The tidal flows were also tested but for the elusive sea runs. That action, however, was sparse.
3. Conversely, both the Shetucket and the Naugatuck rivers are offering up broodstock salmon for those anglers interested. Noodle sticks and light lines are gaining in popularity with anglers truly looking to test their skill!
4. Clamming rakes and culling hammers also got a good workout during the mild weather. Although shell fishing is always great in the winter months, it was exceptionally rewarding recently. For a short period several of the local beds were closed due to the heavy rains, but they all opened when things settled down and test results on the water quality came back A-okay.
5. Farther north in the north western and north eastern parts of the state, reasonably safe ice could be found prompting ice anglers to head in those directions. Still, caution had to be exercised when venturing out since slushy conditions and shifts in many surfaces caused fissures due to the warm temperatures. For now, ice anglers looking to flag the shoreline will have to hope that enough cold will materialize in order that a good base can be formed once again and chopping/drilling can resume.
6. Stripers, on the other hand, are serving as a great alternative to the saltwater fisherman looking to get out. The upper Thames, Housatonic, and Connecticut rivers (freshwater fishing licenses required) all have bass to be caught. The dominant lures are soft plastics and bucktail jigs cast with light spinning or baitcasting outfits. A small boat will separate you from the rest of the pack, however plenty of fish are caught from shore. In cases where warm water outflows are accessible, work those pockets.