Norwich Bulletin

Anglers interested in a challenge might want to explore the upper reaches of Niantic River or the Mystic River for the presence of sea-run brown trout. We haven't heard any specific reports at this point. However, this is the time of year when a live shiner or mummichog fished on very light tackle in any of the coastal estuaries that are listed in the 2007 Connecticut Anglers Guide as Sea Run Streams has the potential to produce brown trout that could range from two to six pounds.

1. Remember, trout fishing opens statewide April 21, but there are a number of trout management areas, sea-run trout streams and trophy trout lakes that are open to fishing at the present time. Check the Connecticut Anglers Guide for specific areas and regulations. Ponds that are not stocked with trout can be fished for panfish, pickerel, pike, walleyes and bass year round.

Just after iceout, the coves of the Connecticut River provide some of the best early season opportunities to catch yellow perch, calico bass, sunfish, pike and bass. Also look for any of the shallow, stumpy, weedy ponds in the area to turn on early in the season, often a couple weeks before the deeper lakes begin to wake up for the spring season.
Many anglers think of white perch fishing this time of year. However, white perch action doesn't normally get revved up until sometime in mid-April. Every spring, it is the more cold-loving and earlier-spawning yellow perch that are available to provide some fast action as soon as the ice is out in any lake or river where they are found. Hamburg Cove on Route 156 is a popular spot that can be fished for both perch species from small cartop boats or canoes. The white perch won't be around for nearly another month.
Northern pike will be moving around in the Connecticut River with the Haddam Meadows State Park being one of the more popular locations along the river to fish from shore. Boat anglers may also find pike inside places such as Salmon River Cove, Chapman Pond and some of the dead-end marinas and creeks that meet the river between there and Hamburg Cove.
The Thames River is full of stripers that are stacked up in Norwich Harbor and have been playing hard to get lately, like as they always do during the month of March. The best striper fishing action will take place during warm spells and after rains, with anglers catching many of the larger fish after the sun sets. (Norwich Bulletin)