Nutmeg TU will lead a fishing outing to the Farmington River Saturday, May 21.
Kris Mancini and Dave Edgeworth will lead the trip. Torrey Collins will give us some in stream pointers.
Anglers will meet at Upcountry SportFishing, 352 Main St., New Hartford.
Contact Dave Edgeworth with questions or to RSVP at eggsofan@hotmail.com.
The Mill River planting project scheduled for May 22 has been postponed to Saturday, June 4, at 8 a.m.
Thanks to retail grants from Orvis and Patagonia, Nutmeg TU has the funds to proceed with the planting of indigenous plant species along the Congress Street section of the Mill River in Fairfield.
If enough volunteers step up, Nutmeg TU will be able to clean the area as well. Those who can help are asked to email Ed Grzeda at eegrzeda@gmail.com.
Those who attend should dress appropriately — long sleeves, long pants, boots, work gloves, hats, etc. There is poison ivy on the site and biting insects and ticks are possible.
Please be careful while parking and walking on Congress Street. It is an autobahn, lots of German cars traveling at unlimited speeds.
Refreshments will be served.
What makes the Mill River so special and a history of Nutmeg TU’s work and its current status.
Trout fisherman in Eastern Fairfield County are very fortunate to have the Mill River in Easton, and Fairfield, Connecticut. The river is a tail water of the Easton Reservoir. For approximately one and a half miles it runs cool and free to Lake Mohegan in Fairfield. More than half of it is bordered by town property or parks, state forest, or open space. Only a quarter mile is bordered by private property on both sides. The cold water releases from the dam keep this section below sixty degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. Thus the stream supports wild populations of brown and brook trout. It is one of eight Class 1 wild trout streams in Connecticut and one of its most urban.
It is unique amongst the Class 1 streams for it flows into an approximately thirty-acre pond ‘Lake’ Mohegan, an old gravel pit which has a maximum depth of thirty-five feet. Brown trout in the stream over the years have dropped down into the lake and put on weight and size. Lake Mohegan is located completely within a wooded open space owned by the Town of Fairfield, which does not allow boats on the Lake, making for some quite remarkable fishing in the fall, when these large browns make their spawning run.
The Nutmeg Chapter (217) of Trout unlimited members understand how fortunate we are. We have wild trout fishing all year long minutes from our homes, thirty minutes at most for our chapter members. The Mill is the crown jewel of our local streams, however, we know we need to protect, restore, and improve it for it to support the ever increasing fishing pressure. Furthermore, we continual advocate for the river whenever it is threatened. We understand this is our responsibility as a conservation organization.
To help meet this responsibility Spring 2013, our chapter developed, and started acting on a prioritized Mill River Improvement Opportunity list. First on the list was improvement of the ‘Congress Street’ section of the river. Paralleling, then running under, the Merritt Parkway you can see GE World Headquarters from this section. (I did mention it was an urban stream.) The Fairfield Town property was unmanaged open space, frequently used as an illegal dump site. It represented approximately three acres of riverside which has about three eighths of a mile of underutilized fishing access. Two acres of which is a sandbar. The plan is to clean up the site, remove the invasive species, Japanese Knotweed, Flying Euonymus, Japanese Bar Berry (one of the deer tick’s favorite habitat), primrose, and honeysuckle. Then replant the site with native species of bulrush, mountain laurel, rhododendron, dog wood, grasses, and under story trees to hold the sand bar and banks. Thus providing a more diverse environment and more welcoming environment for native fauna.
This project grew from a request in 2013 for permission and support from the Town of Fairfield for a massive cleanup of this section. Besides the illegally dumped rubbish and the usual fisherman trash, there was the litter from the nearby gas station and rest area on the Merritt Parkway. The Conservation Departments Manager of Open Space gladly agreed to haul away the collected rubbish. He also asked if we would be interested in undertaking the removal of invasive plants and replanting the site with native species. Given the site provided some of the most level access to the river, the less agile or young children could easily access the river here, right from one of the areas main side roads. We realized it was a great place to start our first major project of the last few years. So in the Spring 2013 we started our improvement project with the major cleanup.
Following the cleanup we formed a Mill River task force which put together a plan to get the invasive species under control. After researching removal of Japanese Knotweed and reviewing the site the task force realized to be effective we would have to clear all the Knotweed from both sides of the river. The work area grew from three acres to five and a half acres, with the additional acreage on private residential land. This increased the amount of administrative preparatory work to get all the permissions lined up. But we did it. We started June 2013 with Japanese Knotweed cutting and bagging work sessions every weekend of the month. We successfully cut out all the knotweed.
From our research we also realized we would have to spray the knotweed to get it under control. In discussions with the State DEEP Invasive species experts and the Nature Conservancy in Weston, CT. we found a licensed environmental engineering firm to do the spraying. We contracted for three sprayings performed Fall 2013, Spring 2014 and Fall 2014. In the Fall of 2014 the Open Space Manager sent me an email telling me the site was ready for planting. Since then we have continued to cut the remnants to keep the knotweed under control. And of course we have continued our annual spring cleanups of the area.
Now that we have the site preparation complete, we have scheduled a planting for Sunday, May 22, 2016. For those of us involved from the start this planting has been a long time coming. If you have time available that Sunday, please come, help with this conservation project. If you are unable to help with the planting but want to support our improvement efforts on the Mill River you may donate to the Nutmeg Chapter (217) of Trout Unlimited by check or through our website. For those interested in donating go to https://www.nutmegtrout.org/get-involved/donate/ and click the Donate Button on the Right side of the page.
Stream Cleanup and Planting of new plants Meetup Saturday, June 4,2016, 8 AM on the Mill River, Congress St area.
Join the Nutmeg Chapter of Trout Unlimited on Saturday, June 4 at 8 AM for the next phase in our Mill River restoration efforts. Thanks to grants from Orvis and Patagonia, Nutmeg TU has the funds to proceed with the planting of indigenous plant species along the Congress Street section of the Mill River in Fairfield. This is a culmination of 3 years of invasive species removal to prepare the site.
Those who attend should dress appropriately — long sleeves, long pants, boots, work gloves, hats, insect repellent, etc. There is poison ivy, biting insects, and ticks on the site. To ensure there enough tools, volunteers are also asked to bring their own shovels, mattocks, etc. if possible. (no axes or hatchets please). The chapter will also provide some tools.
We plan to serve a basic grill lunch – hot dogs, water, etc.
Everyone welcome – TU members, potential members, kids, scouts or anyone interested in helping restore one of our lower Fairfield County treasures – the Mill River.
Planning to attend? RSVP on Meetup.com. Use this link: Meetup.com RSVP. Contact Ed Grzeda at eegrzeda@gmail.com for questions or info. Parking is along Congress St. just west of Exit 46 on the Merritt Pkwy (Route 59 – Easton Tpke/Sport Hill Rd). A map can be found here.
Cleanup & Planting 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Stay as long or as little as you can. Late arrivals are welcome.
Please be careful while parking and walking on Congress Street.
Fishing outing is planned for Saturday, June 11, 2016, on the Farmington River. Kris Mancini will be our contact. You may reach him for questions or RSVP at oldglorylandscpng@sbcglobal.net
Fly Tying at Chuck’s, Tues evening, June 14, 2016, 7 PM Trumbull. Contact Chuck MacMath at cmacmath59@yahoo.com . The fly tying group will meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 7-9 pm. The cost is $2.00 per session to cover the cost of materials. Email Chuck with questions or additional information. All are welcome, beginners are encouraged to attend. Vises, tools and materials are available if needed.
Fly Tying at Chuck’s, Tues evening, June 28, 2016, 7 PM Trumbull. Contact Chuck MacMath at cmacmath59@yahoo.com . The fly tying group will meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 7-9 pm. The cost is $2.00 per session to cover the cost of materials. Email Chuck with questions or additional information. All are welcome, beginners are encouraged to attend. Vises, tools and materials are available if needed.
Nutmeg’s annual election of chapter officers will be held at the membership meeting in September which is Tuesday, Sept 20th, 2016 at 7 p.m. at Marissa’s Restaurant in Trumbull. Here are our current candidates for the 2016-2017 year:
Additional nominations are invited and must be received in writing no later than September 19th. 2016, by sending an email to Rich Rosen, rhrosen@aol.com, Nutmeg members are welcome to attend any or all the board meetings.
On Tuesday, April 19, 2016, Nutmeg TU will hold its monthly meeting at 7 PM at Marissa’s Ristorante, 6540 Main St, Trumbull, CT, just South of where I-25 crosses Route 111.
Patrick Fowler will be breaking down the 3 types of streams in CT and the best time of year to fish them. We will look at specific techniques for each location and the best patterns for each. Patrick will go over gear specifics as well. The presentation will focus on CT streams that are accessible to every angler. After the presentation members will have a much more comprehensive understanding of how to fish CT to make the most out of a season.
Making the most out of your fishing season will cover stocked streams, wild streams, and tail-waters. The three fundamental types of streams each offer their own unique challenges. Patrick will focus on when, where and how to fish each stream effectively using a strategy developed specifically for the state of Connecticut. In addition, he will cover the varying conditions to be expected on Connecticut’s trout streams and how to adjust angling approaches for the day to day fluctuations in trout behavior.
The focus of this presentation is to enable the audience to maximize time on the water. By knowing what streams to hit when, and knowing how to fish them when you get there, you will cut down on the learning curve and you will have much more productive time on the water.
Patrick has worked for Orvis for over two years and was recently voted onto the Nutmeg TU board as Conservation chair. He has a Bachelors degree in environmental science with emphasis on wildlife policy and fish biology. He attended the University of Tasmania Australian Maritime College graduate school in their Aquaculture program with emphasis on salmonid biology and behavior. A New England native, Patrick has been fly fishing since the age of 12 and has fished extensively throughout the state and beyond.
Published April 2, 2016.
On Tuesday, March 15, 2016, Nutmeg TU will hold its monthly meeting at 7PM. We have a new location at Marissa’s Ristorante, 6540 Main St, Trumbull, CT, just South of where I-25 crosses Route 111. Tony Ritter is going to share some history on the Upper Delaware River that contributed to the creation of the great tailwater fishery. And he will tell us some of his tips, and techniques to improve our success for fishing this water. Along the way we will learn some of the best locations and suggested flies that work well.
Tony has operated a driftboat fishing guide service on the Upper Delaware River and West Branch Delaware for twenty-two years. He specializes in wild trout on one of the best tailwater rivers in the United States located in the Catskill / Pocono Regions of New York and Pennsylvania. He is licensed by the National Park Service, the NYS DEC and the Pennsylvania FBC. Between his days on the river teaching new clients casting, and making their day one to remember, Tony is also an elected town councilman for the Town of Tusten in Narrowsburg, NY and has chaired the Upper Delaware Council’s Water Use Resource Management Committee since 2011.
The Upper Delaware River is one of the few rivers in the eastern United States that supports a wild trout fishery with both rainbows and browns. It also has an American Shad run in the spring since there are no dams on this river and is free flowing to the ocean for 270 miles. Besides wild trout and shad, Field and Stream magazine has stated that this river also has one of the five best smallmouth rivers in the United States as well as holding an ample supply of walleye.
The Delaware River is located in a beautiful valley located between the Catskills and Poconos and is two hours northwest of New York City. Deer, turkey, bald eagles, bear, mink, red tail hawks, beavers, and osprey are not uncommon sights while fishing on a river charter throughout the season which runs from April through November. There is no industry in the river valley thus the water is clean and well oxygenated, resulting in varied hatches of caddis, mayflies and stoneflies for trout to feed on, as well as many more insects and minnows.
His fly patterns, articles, blog and real time river data can be found at:
www.gonefishingguideservice.com
A Fishing and Stream Clean Meetup Saturday, April 30,2016, 9:30AM in Trumbull on the Pequonnock. We will meet at Old Mine Park off Route 111, for the stream cleanup and then Chuck MacMath will lead the fishing after. Wear boots and work gloves for the cleanup. You will need your waders and fishing gear for stream fishing. Yes, bring your water, snacks, and dress appropriately… Kids and scouts are welcome to accompany us! Contacts are cmacmath59@yahoo.com and cherylgroesbeck@gmail.com for questions or information.
TU Nutmeg Board Mtg on Tues, May 3, 2016, 7 PM at Fairfield Library. Elections will be held for June 2016 – May 2017. All TU Nutmeg members are welcome.
Fly Tying at Chuck’s, Tues evening, May 10, 2016, 7 PM Trumbull. Contact Chuck MacMath at cmacmath59@yahoo.com . The fly tying group will meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 7-9 pm. The cost is $2.00 per session to cover the cost of materials. Email Chuck with questions or additional information. All are welcome, beginners are encouraged to attend. Vises, tools and materials are available if needed.
A Fishing and Stream Clean Meetup Saturday, May 14,2016, 9:30AM is changed to the Mill River. Wear boots and work gloves for the cleanup. You will need your waders and fishing gear for stream fishing after. Yes, bring your water, snacks, and dress appropriately. Contact Ed Grzeda at eegrzeda@gmail.com for questions or information. The meeting place will be announced. Kids and scouts are welcome to accompany us!
TU Nutmeg meeting, Tues, May 17, 2016, 7 PM at Marissa’s Ristorante, 6540 Main St, Trumbull, CT. The speaker is TBD. More information available later.
Fishing outing by RSVP on Wednesday, May 18, 2016. We are taking reservations for the 2nd annual Nutmeg Trout Unlimited trip to the Limestone Trout Club located in Canaan, Connecticut. Reservations close at 6 PM on May 16. This is a fly fishing only outing. You will be fishing primarily from shore, with a few boats available, so your waders are optional. This is a rain or shine event so bring extra clothes and rain gear. Please arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 AM (orientation will start at 8:45) and plan to stay as long as you want (until dusk). The $30 fee includes lunch. All of the money is paid to the club by cash or a check payable to Nutmeg Chapter TU when you arrive.
http://limestonetroutclub.com/Limestone%20Trout%20Club/Limestone%20Trout%20Club.html
There are 3 deep (70+ feet) quarry ponds and 3 shallow ponds providing a variety of venues and conditions. While most members practice catch and release, catch and kill is allowed. Lessons learned from last year: bring some egg patterns, and bring bug spray for the ticks.
Please RSVP to Rich Rosen rhrosen@aol.com for questions and to reserve your spot before 6 PM on May 16. Only 15 spots remain.
Directions – Take route 8 north to Winsted and turn left onto rte. 44 west.
Drive through Norfolk and past the Blackberry River Inn and Freunds Farm Market in North Canaan.
After passing the marker for East Canaan turn right onto Casey Hill Rd. (there is a sign on the right at the corner, set back from the road for O’Connor Sand & Gravel).
Drive a short distance to a stop sign, where Casey Hill Rd. becomes Allyndale Rd.
Continue straight on Allyndale Rd. about 100 yards. The unmarked driveway is on the left, across from a driving range.
The clubhouse phone is 860 249 9996.
Fishing outing is planned for Saturday, May 21, 2016, on the Farmington River. Kris Mancini and Dave Edgeworth to be our leaders. More information will be announced.
Fly Tying at Chuck’s, Tues evening, May 24, 2016, 7 PM Trumbull. Contact Chuck MacMath at cmacmath59@yahoo.com . The fly tying group will meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 7-9 pm. The cost is $2.00 per session to cover the cost of materials. Email Chuck with questions or additional information. All are welcome, beginners are encouraged to attend. Vises, tools and materials are available if needed.
February 13, 2016
Kris Mancini, our new Vice President for our chapter, brings decades of trout fishing experience in the Mill River and more. Kris considers the Mill river as his home water, and over many years, he has managed to fish the Mill over a hundred days a year and rarely gets skunked. He has quite an impressive photo collection of trout caught in the Mill, including a 22″ Brown caught this fall. Kris fly fishes, and yet, much of the catching success has to do with tactics that will benefit spin fishers, as well as fly fishers. Kris will discuss tackle, flies, and tactics for successfully fishing the Mill. Come join us and up your game on the Mill. The meeting will be at 7 PM, in Port 5, 69 Brewster Ave, Bridgeport, CT.
December 5, 2015
On December 15, 2015, Nutmeg TU will have a general meeting with speakers and the Annual Pot Luck dinner. Please RSVP to Jerry Goldstein so that he can reduce the duplicates, know how many tables to set up, and answer any questions, contact jerryg@attygoldstein.com. Your dish to share needs to feed 8 to 10 and last names beginning with A-J are asked to bring a side dish, K-Q are asked to bring a main dish, R-Z are asked to bring a dessert.
Spey casting has grown in popularity over the last 25 years to better target large fish over large rivers and salt water. The available equipment and gear have grown expansively. Our speakers, Lisa Weiner and Jerry Jahn of Spey Casting North East, www.speycastingnortheast.com, are going to share some of their knowledge on casting techniques and equipment.
Jerry Jahn and Fred Krowchenko are two of the old timers in the New England fly fishing community who began a joint venture about 6 years ago to teach Spey casting to others interested in the techniques. Their classes are limited to 4 students maximum, with two or three instructors. This gives time to work with each student and understand their needs as individuals. Their main objective is to pass on the fishing knowledge to younger people in the sport they have enjoyed for so many years.
Lisa is fairly new to SCNE and joined with Jerry and Fred this past year as one of their teachers after many lessons. She has been Spey casting for over 4 years and represents Mystic fly rods at Spey Nation and the Fly Fishing Show in NJ.
Jerry has been fishing for Atlantic Salmon for over 30 years and 25 of them have been with the two handed spey rod. He has fished the Penobscot River in Maine and the Miramichi River in New Brunswick. The rods were very long and slow in action in comparison to today’s equipment. Jerry is an excellent caster of single hand and two hand rods, his enthusiasm is infectious and very well received by all of their students. He is focused on getting the student to understand and to be successful in Spey casting techniques.
Fred enjoys the details of rod design and line tapers and will explore any new equipment on the market. He began experimenting with Spey rods over 20 years ago and really began to understand the casting in a 3-day class in 1998 with Jim Vincent and Simon Gawesworth of Rio Products. Simon and Fred have remained friends and Rio Products is one of the supporters of SCNE.
There is lots more information on their website, so check it out.
November 12, 2015. Nutmeg TU will hold its meeting at 7 PM on Tues, Nov 15, at Port 5.
Since 1993, Rob Nicholas (owner / head guide) has been guiding and teaching the sport of fly fishing to all skill levels from beginner to expert on both the Housatonic and Farmington rivers, as well as some lesser known, smaller streams. Rob is a full time guide on the Housatonic and has over 30 years of fly fishing knowledge and experience here in the Northeast, western states, New Zealand, Chile, and Argentina. Rob became a Federation of Fly Fishers certified casting instructor in 1993. While usually the dry fly enthusiast, Rob is also well versed in nymphing and streamer techniques during non-hatch periods. He has tied some of his own flies specifically designed for the fishing the Housatonic and Farmington Rivers.
Rob is going to share some of his knowledge about fishing the Housatonic at our general meeting at 7 PM on Tues, November 15, at Port Five, 69 Brewster St, Bridgeport, CT.