shad fishing reports connecticut river

Booking a trip with Lopstick is a good way to get to know the upper Connecticut River. When I talked to Andrew at Fishin Factory 3 told me the striper bite in the river started to pick up this week. thanks for the info. Bait fishing for species like channel catfish and common carp is very popular in Connecticut. I hope to be able to meet you this year. Live bait such as eels, bunker, and herring are all popular choices. Good for kids, and first time and casual anglers. Registered: 09/04/03. VTDigger publishes Vermont business and economic news. We look forward to seeing everyone soon! Tried a bit north first but no hits and heading a bit south made the difference. Mostly in the tailwater stretch in New Hampshire, the Connecticut River holds brown, brook, and rainbow trout. We are committed to tackling the nations highest priority aquatic conservation and recreational challenges to conserve, restore, and enhance fisheries for future generations. Top. 866-347-4836. Are there shad in the Connecticut River? Anglers targeting shallow water rockpiles with clams and sandworms reported good togging with several limits reported back to the shop. Fly anglers can use 8 to 10 weight rods with floating or intermediate sinking lines. Free Fishing Talk: Questions, Answers & Fishing Discussion, https://www.thefisherman.com/article/2020-shad-forecast-dreaming-of-the-delaware/, https://www.gameandfishmag.com/editorial/fishing_crappies-panfish-fishing_pa_0309_01/194679, Free Fishing Talk: Questions, Answers & Fishing Discussion, Fishing Reports - Only start new topics in these forums if you've gone fishing, CTF Member ONE Lure Most Fish Species Caught Challenge Tourney, Boats, Motors, Electronics, Trailers, Launches & Marinas. Marine fauna is very diverse, the landscape is fantastic and you can put in practice many different fishing techniques depending on the environmental conditions. Some adult shad migrate back out to sea after spawning, but spawning stress is great and dead shad are a common sight during late spring. And ten minutes after I started my casting practice, one of the regulars got into it for a brief tussle with a small buck, which was promptly released. George I'm so glad to see you back for the spring and really look forward to your reports all season long. Fish that do survive incur injuries as they pass downstream through the turbines. Fish are liking that combo! A dark spot on shoulder sometimes followed by several others. They can be caught with 10 wt fly rods, spinning gear, or conventional gear. Trout are reacting differently to various baits and presentations depending on conditions so, it is recommended to take along a few alternative baits and lures to mix it up. With many, many miles of good water, it can be hard to know just where to go. The region saw warm temperatures over the past week that served to crank up the action in some areas and get things moving in earnest in others. Connecticut; Massachusetts; New Jersey Northern; New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont; New York - Long Island; Ive fished with Mike before. These fish are cool-blooded so their movement is strongly influenced by water temperature. Shad will swim farther upstream than any other herring. Access is from Mountain Road off Route 202. Two were lost before they came to the Wall and a net, and only one landed in a net. You should be reaping the rewards very soon. Jigs and soft plastics fished near the bottom can also be effective. Finally got on some shad N of water gap. Most recent Connecticut River Basin Fishway Passage Counts. The annual shad run is under way. Nov 05, 2017 - Connecticut . VTDigger publishes a wide range of stories about Vermonts educational system from early childhood education issues to public and private K-12 schools to higher education. The Connecticut River 'normally' averages 35,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) at this time of year; however, the river is currently at only 9,000 cfs. You can learn how to get involved at www.ctriver.org/hydropower. This year we have an opportunity to provide them a better chance to thrive. Tight Lines That said, schools of spearing were sighted in the sound as well. It could be because it is not supported, or that JavaScript is intentionally disabled. Tour routes of great scenic drives on National Wildlife Refuges. document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); "https://ssl." The spring striper season is a highly anticipated time for many anglers this time of the year. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Later this summer, the public will have what may be their last chance to have a say in the final licenses that will endure for the next 30 to 50 years. According to Andrew at Fishin Factory 3 in Middletown trout fishing is excellent in all stocked waters. Some shad have also been reported. Connecticut River Fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots. Trolling is always a top producer. thats been on my bucket list for some time now. For those with kids who are off for vacation next week, Massachusetts is running a series of trout stocking presentations all over the state next week and your kids will have the opportunity to personally release trout, you can find that info at www.mass.gov/news/school-is-out-help-stock-trout. Some adult shad migrate back out to sea after spawning, but spawning stress is great and dead shad are a common sight during late spring. The shop sold plenty of green crabs last week to anglers looking to take advantage of the spring blackfish season. Connecticut, United States. A 60% mortality rate is unacceptable. Capt Joe. Is this at the bend in the river, near the baseball stadium? Easy in and out marina, fish accessible almost immediately = more fish in the boat and less time cruising from location to location. Connecticut is a phenomenal bass fishery. Perfect. Hi Ryan.. The most consistent striper fishing still lies to the west but that wont be the case much longer. The best action right now is still mostly a bait bite but those looking for stripers chasing newly arriving herring reported getting into fish on lures. The Holyoke Dam in Massachusetts is the first dam on the mainstem of the Connecticut River, and is 87 miles upstream of the Long Island Sound. The local shad bite had still yet to materialize, not for lack of angler effort. Bob of the Sunbeam Fleet reports we've been busy getting the fleet ready for the season. The backwaters in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont all hold big northern pike. fishing is as good as it gets ! You are trying to access a feature that requires a Fishidy account. Benais Saez Jr. Aug, 09, 2020 - Connecticut River. Saltwater Seaworms for Spring Tautog. I always, as a former shad fisherman, enjoy your reports each year. On the freshwater side of things, trout fishing continues to produce great action for many anglers taking advantage of good fishing conditions. The Turners Falls Dam fish ladder in Massachusetts is 122 miles upstream of the Long Island Sound; The Vernon Dam fish ladder is located in Vermont, 142 miles upstream of the Long Island Sound. We also specialize in coverage of state finances and the impact of tax and budget policy on Vermonters. Erin Mansfield is VTDiggers health care reporter. There has been a variety of bait in the area, likely none more important to spring stripers than herring. Pike and bass will move into the shallows. Henry Beard and Roy McKie. The Connecticut River is no exception. Nearly every sportfish species . Hatches on the river are strong enough to draw the attention of almost every fish in the river sometimes. Anglers are also connecting with white perch in the brackish waters and are continuing to score with worm bits and jig head combinations. Theyre also lining up a bunch of new tackle including many new rods as they prepare for the coming se Karen at AW Marina told me they were back open this weekend and will be open weekends for the rest of the month while adding in weekdays as the eastern sound season gets going. Some of the features on CT.gov will not function properly with out javascript enabled. Throwing big topwater plugs on spinning gear is also a fun way to catch Connecticut River stripers. (2009). 1999 Lobster Mortality Report . If you want to learn more about fly fishing, be sure to subscribe to our email newsletter for updates on the best fishing destinations, the newest fly gear, useful casting techniques and much more. #1830095 - 04/29/22 08:03 AM Re: SHAD! The Connecticut River fishing season never really ends. The Fisherman Tickets will go on sale soon, so be sure to check our website. In this post, we'll discuss some tips and tactics for catching stripers in the Northeast. It was a short tussle, and he was released after a Kodak Moment. We've been booking lots of privat Captain Gerry from Drifter Charters said they are looking forward to another season on The Drifter and it wont be long until the boat is back in the water. This video documents the full story of American Shad (Alosa sapidissima) migration in the Connecticut River. Time your trip: Timing is everything when it comes to striped bass fishing. She can be reached at emansfield@vtdigger.org. American shad are currently the most numerous migratory fish on the Connecticut River. We are humbled to once again be nominated for the "Best of the Best" in The Day's contest. Close-up of heads of juvenile American shad (top) and blueback herring (bottom). Adult shad are green-gold, nearly two feet long and can weigh up to 5 lbs. Our first trip will be the weekend of May 6 & 7 for Peconic Bay Captain Mike at Tartan II said hes pulling the boat and starting on a new paint job next week. Respect the Fish: Stripers are an important species in many coastal ecosystems and are also highly prized by anglers. One of the longest running rivers in the Northeast is the Connecticut River. 8; Details; m shorty. Dont miss our complete guide to fly fishing around Connecticut. The American Shad run is in full swing, and your chances of catching Trout and Salmon are still strong. 866-347-4836. All Outdoors: Camping, Hiking, Photography, Mushroom Hunting, etc. The cod bite was good last weekend and they are sailing again this week. Below the Holyoke Dam is where the majority of people go. Hes looking forward to another awesome year of fishing for stripers, blues, sea bass, blackfish, porgies and fluke. I clean my hands with rubbing alcohol and let out a triumphant yell in the car. It flows from the Canadian border in New Hampshire all the way to Long Island Sound. He can be reached at jcraven@vtdigger.org. Tidal river activity is up as linesiders are taking worms, swim baits and some topwaters. Some of their River Stewards are licensed guides and can take clients out on different parts of the Connecticut River. In the Northeast, these fish migrate from their wintering grounds in the south during the spring, moving up the coast to their spawning grounds in the Chesapeake Bay and Hudson River. Late report, Thursday, 13.April: I arrived at Bart's 4:15 pm. Anyone with hot spots for me? This will be my first time..thanks, What are good spots from shore in CT for shad? This area holds both big stocked and wild trout, and even landlocked salmon. Carp and bowfin will follow not far behind. Stripers continued to spread out in pursuit of various schools of bait throughout the region. If you are passing the Salmon River in East Haddam, check out the shadbush at the Leesville fishway, which I planted about 25 years ago. // -->. You put in the time and effort. My biggest fish was heavier than four pounds, and was an incredible fighter in the strong river current. The Farmington River joins the Connecticut River about 57 miles upstream of Long Island Sound. This is an excellent opportunity for anglers to target these hard-fighting fish and enjoy some great fishing. info@thefisherman.com Just a great time for Shad fishing! We would fish from boats that were anchored upstream from a major compression point that would funnel the shad to us as they moved upstream. Blue cats and channel cats are still being caught throughout the bay, and . The Woolly Bugger is a catch-all fly in the Connecticut River. Season: Open year round. Connecticut River Fishing (An Anglers Guide), Types of Fishing in the Connecticut River, Best Spots for Fishing the Connecticut River, our complete guide to fly fishing around Connecticut. Knowing how many fish and what species use these fishways helps us make decisions on how to best restore our migratory fishes. Member. Swimming plugs like SP Minnows are taking fish as are soft plastics and jig heads. Bob Popovicss Hollow Fleye is a great pattern for large predator fish in the Connecticut River. The Connecticut River is a tidal river with a tidal influence that extends many miles into Northern Connecticut. Not too hot and not too cold. var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-677254-1"); Make sure to release fish quickly and handle them carefully to minimize stress and injury. Decades of intense fishing pressure coupled with years of low reproduction and non . Are they still biting right now. by Jimmy Fee. Most recent Connecticut River Basin Fishway Passage Counts Fishways have opened up hundreds of miles of river to migratory fish in the Connecticut River watershed! Henry Beard and Roy McKie. All Rights Reserved. Bobby Js said tog fishing was very good over the last week. Give Captain Mike a call now to book your spot for the season. Mouth slightly larger than other herring (end of jaw to middle of eye in juveniles and to back of eye in adults). 116 Shore Rd. document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); The goal is to provide safe, effective and timely upstream and downstream fish passage for migratory species, while allowing resident species to move around for spawning and rearing. It was in winter lock-up until just days before Im writing this. If we dont act now to help sustain this fishery for our children, the next opportunity wont come until they are our age. A BIG WARMUP Free Fishing Talk: Questions, Answers & Fishing Discussion, Free Fishing Talk: Questions, Answers & Fishing Discussion, Fishing Reports - Only start new topics in these forums if you've gone fishing, CTF Member ONE Lure Most Fish Species Caught Challenge Tourney, Boats, Motors, Electronics, Trailers, Launches & Marinas. Andrew recommended those who want to blackfish in the central and eastern sound keep an eye on water temperatures. late March and April will be lights out !!! Copyright 2023 On The Water, LLC. 2010 CTF Game Dinner & Swap Meet: Feb. 13. Unlike the sea lamprey in Lake Champlain, sea. But, stripers aren't the only migratory fish of the season. Its also sometimes a better way to catch some of the species that hold in deep, fast-flowing water, like walleye. RPS | Greeley | Monday April 10th 7:24 pm Heather from Black Hawk Sportfishing reports that it's almost time to go . American shad has been an important food fish in the Connecticut River since colonial days and has become our State fish in recognition of that fact. The fishing is as good as it is variable. Females (roes) are larger than males (bucks). Both traditional trout lures, like small swimmers and spinners, as well as live bait including minnows, dillies, crawlers and meal worms are enticing trout to bite. Still no word of any flounder catches as of last week but they did hear about the continued blackfish bite. Glad to hear you got some fish. Its a good way to catch many of the species of fish that swim these waters. Having gone 0 for 2 the last 2 weekends on the Blackfish/Striper trips. As a result of that licensing process, fish passage facilities were built at all three dams in Vermont and New Hampshire to support the restoration of our native migratory Atlantic salmon and American shad. Andrew recommended those who want to blackfish in the central and eastern sound keep an eye on water temperatures. The shad run is on in the Connecticut River. The Connecticut River remains one of the most productive shad rivers in New England. CT Commercial Fishing Industry: Then and Now-- About CT's commercial fishing and how it has changed over time. Find the right location: Stripers can be found in a variety of locations, including bays, estuaries, rivers, and along the coastline. American shad spend their adult lives at sea and usually return to the river of their birth to spawn. Report Connecticut Fishing Report - April 6, 2023. Utilize alternate means to pass American eel if the ladders cannot adequately provide effective and timely passage. We cover the states hospitals, the states psychiatric care system, the Green Mountain Care Board, insurers, state health care policy, Medicaid and Medicare. Anglers were buying clams and green crabs and taking them to shallow w Captain Bob of the Sunbeam Fleet reports Capt. At the Vernon dam, about 43% pass in any given year, but that number should be higher. All Rights Reserved, Discovering the Connecticut River Shad Run. No trout water. Thanks for reporting an error with the story, Bill Stenger: SEC gave state regulators advance warning about Jay, Its been rocky: Vermont schools struggle to administer a new, Employees at Ben & Jerrys Burlington store petition to unionize, Jury deliberations expected soon in kidnapping case against Everett Simpson, Man who told corrections staff he had trouble breathing dies, Vermonter raises $20,000 for a second chance to run her, Man who told corrections staff he had trouble breathing dies at Springfield prison, Stuck in the Notch: Stowe Rotary takes bets on first truck, An audiobook app gives Vermont libraries a one-stop digital collection, Shelburne Vineyard and Eden Ciders to merge, Bill Stenger: SEC gave state regulators advance warning about Jay Peak fraud, Its been rocky: Vermont schools struggle to administer a new standardized test. This is quite a bit north (upstream) from the Bethlehem area. Shad of course migrate up the Merrimack River while the Parker River is the pick locally for perch. This is also the best part of the river for shad fishing. Depending on its shape, a sinker might be best-suited for keeping a tog rig still, bringing the teasers to life in a popcorn rig, or drifting in a straight line when dropping 500 feet or more for tilefish, so explore our guide to the most common sinker styles, and their best uses for bottom fishing. When I talked to Andrew at Fishin Factory 3 told me the striper bite in the river started to pick up this week. The shop is open every day from 9am to 5pm and is a certified repair center for Shimano, Avet, Penn, Accurate and Tsunami reels and also offers rod repair as well. The rivers and bay water temps have climbed into the mid 50's. Shad fishing continues to improve throughout the Susquehanna River with lots of hickory shad and some American shad too. Long Island Sound water temperatures touched the 50s which bode well for blackfish (tautog) as well as the striped bass bite and balls of baitfish. These Connecticut River Basin Fishway Passage Counts are compiled by the U.S. Much like the bass fishing this time of year, those reporting success when targeting tog usually head to western LIS. Striped bass run up the Connecticut River all the way to the dam in Holyoke. The Saugatuck Reservoir is also open now and anglers have been putting in time there in search of trout, walleye and smallmouth bass. Andrew said he wouldnt be surprised if he hears about the first local shad caught this week considering the forecasted warm temperatures. Another regular showed up as I was rigging up. Needless to say, schools of menhaden is spurring the bite. The last seven miles of the river is a striper and bluefish haven, thanks to the abundance of bait in this large estuary. This was the first week shops reported nascent bass activity in the Connecticut River, a bite that will only get better and better over the next couple of months. This commentary is by Kathy Urffer of Brattleboro, and a river steward for the Connecticut River Conservancy in Vermont and New Hampshire. Location: Look for stripers in areas with baitfish, such as near river mouths or inlets. Disclaimer:IntoFlyFishing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. When they are on, it can be lots of fun. A quick round-up of our 2022 year of fly fishing including all the destinations we fished, as well as a bit about what's in store for 2023. I got stuck at work yesterday until almost 4:30 pm, so I bailed on going to the Wall, and arrived at the Bissell by 4:45. : "http://www. . It works for pike, striped bass, bluefish, and even largemouth or smallmouth bass. The water was down a little from my last outing on Friday, 29th.April, clear, and at about dead high tide, the current was virtually slack. This migration into the river depends on water temperature but often begins in April and peaks in June. Carry them in a variety of colors and sizes from 2 to 4/0. With a good gust (35-40 mph), we could get almost an extra 10 yds distance on the cast. Over the coming two months, the fishing will get even better as the water warms back up. Saltwater Seaworms for Spring Tautog. One reported a few fish were caught earlier, around noon-ish, a bronze back, a schoolie, and a shad. Tongue is visible in profile when mouth is held open. Thanks for the story. Your recon is much appreciated. Exception: Naugatuck River, Shetucket River, Housatonic River and lakes stocked by CT DEEP. Held on two weekends in May, the derby offers both adult and youth fisherman the opportunity to win prizes as they enjoy the recreational benefits of the Connecticut River. data-event-category="Navigation header guest". Technical Help, Test Posts, Feedback, Computer talk, etc. Although some of the popular spots m Captain Morgans emailed over their report to say, We definitely had a week of Summer come early. Use barbless hooks. Hartford, CT.