Capt Morgan 4/27/06

1. Trout fishing continues to be fairly consistent with most agreeing that catches are up. The main rivers like the Salmon, Farmington, Housey, and Hammo are giving up their share of stocked trout although timing the hatches such as the Hendrickson has been challenging. Midges, stones, caddis, and blue wing olives have been good choices. We've also found bead heads nymphs, streamers, ants, and small crappie-type jigs strong producers of quality fish.
2. Trout parks, especially Chatfield Hollow, are drawing numbers of happy anglers, considering its gates have been up making for easier access. The parks are generally stocked about every 7 to 10 days, at least until it warms up. Lures, flies, and various prepared soft baits all have caught fish although colors are changing with conditions. Live shiners, worms, and grubs continue to be standouts among anglers preferring to use live bait.
3. Our much-needed rain fell and with it rivers and stream levels rose. Live shiners, worms, and grubs ought to be excellent choices for those anglers preferring to use live bait now that run-offs from the banks and water movement picked up steam. Big browns and 'bows will take notice and will turn on to the new influx of food!
4. Largemouth bass seemed to have developed their springtime attitude. Activity is on the rise as more anglers are hitting their favorite lakes and finding out just how good it's getting. Things are coming to life along the edges and by the beds. River fishing is also attracting more anglers to popular northern pike and perch haunts. The recent low water seemed to have created some really good fishing in the coves. However, with the recent rainfall, things may hiccup for a bit until conditions settle down.
5. Striped bass to about 25 inches are all along the Connecticut and Thames rivers and spilling out into the Sound. Larger linesides have been caught in the lower tidals on both artificials and live bait. It's about time to check out a few of the reefs and perhaps drift an eel or cast one from shore. Sandworms and clams are being gulped up with an occasional piece of chunk being taken in the mix. Blackfish closes April 30 and have been quite active along the shoreline. With more anglers chumming for blackbacks, chatter has increased. However, unlike in years past, no great stories are being told unless from memory. [org published in The Source, Captain Morgan