Norwich Bulletin

Trout: As temperatures warm, the option for sea-run brown trout fishing fades with the exception of the Greenville Dam and Uncas Leap on the Yantic River, which have both historically produced some very big sea run trout between the end of April and the middle of May. But they are very hard to come by. The best fishing option for this species, being that most of the state is closed to fishing during this period are Trout Management Areas (TMAs) listed in the 2007 Connecticut Anglers Guide.

Bass: Shallow, weedy ponds in the region have been producing largemouth bass for anglers who fish them for a couple of weeks now. Deeper, cooler places will not turn on until we have a few more hot, sunny April afternoons.

Yellow Perch: They are hitting well in the lakes and coves of the Connecticut River that harbor populations of this excellent eating species. A week ago, the perch were in my favorite spot, which means all the places to catch them should be turned on.

White Perch: They are slightly less tolerant to the cold and will begin moving into their spawning areas in the Thames and Connecticut Rivers over the next two to three weeks, with peak fishing taking place mid- to late-April.

Other Panfish: Sunfish, calico bass (black crappie) will turn on within a couple of weeks, depending on the water depths, which equates to temperatures in the lakes that they inhabit.

Winter flounder: Opening Day of the winter flounder season drew a fair number of anglers to the coast to try their luck. Bluff Point produced fish for anglers both from shore and the fleet of boats on opening day and since that time, according to the Fish Connection. No one was reporting any monster fish and few anglers caught their limit, but there were some fish being caught. There has not been much activity to report since last Sunday's season opener.

Striped Bass: The Thames is not red-hot, but has been producing a few fish for those who are after them. It will take a couple of warm days to turn the river on and that will be delayed by cold weather this week.