Category: News

Written by NutmegTrout21701May, 2020

Learn to be a TU river steward May 6

Just because we can’t get together in person doesn’t mean our conservation efforts need to slow down.

Join Jeff Yates, TU-National’s Director of Volunteer Operations, on May 6 at 8 p.m. for a special training on surveying local streams using TU’s RIVERS App.   Click here to register – Zoom Training

This powerful new digital tool allows anyone to walk along area streams and use their smartphone to record and report habitat damage, issues impacting river health, and more. The chapter plans to use the app to assess our area streams.

But we need your help! Join the training to help us restore the local rivers that we love.

Written by NutmegTrout21721Apr, 2020

Help TU fight to save clean water

National Trout Unlimited has advised members to be heard on efforts to change clean water regulations in the United States.

According to TU, on April 21st, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) published a final “Waters of the U.S. Rule.”  This rule replaces a 2015 Rule, which clarified the extent of Clean Water Act protections for small streams and wetlands.  This new 2020 rule not only reverses the clarifications made in 2015, but further reverses protections that have been in place dating back to the 1970s. The rule will go into effect in 60 days.

Click here to find out how you can make your opinions heard.

Jerry Goldstein landed this good-sized bass on Lake Saltonstall June 8.
Written by NutmegTrout21718Apr, 2020

Virtual talk Tuesday on Saltonstall

Nutmeg TU will hold a virtual meeting on the online meeting platform Zoom Tuesday, April 21, at 7 p.m.

Jeff Yale, Program Specialist for the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, will talk about how anglers can get into the Lake Saltonstall property, which only hosts a limited number of fishermen at any one time, and what species can be caught there.

Those who wish to participate in the talk, which is open to all, should email jkiii62@yahoo.com to receive a link before the meeting.

Jeffrey Yale is a graduate of UMaine, Orono with a BS degree in Wildlife Ecology. A lifelong Connecticut resident and avid hunter and fisherman in our state, he has been with the Regional Water Authority for 18 years.

Written by NutmegTrout21717Apr, 2020

Celebrate Earth Day at home

Trout Unlimited is encouraging people to celebrate #EarthDayAtHome with some activities they can do to protect water quality and healthy rivers and streams. From a kids art contest to social media pledges, to hands-on activities like installing a rain barrel or building a native plant rain garden, these #EarthDayAtHome opportunities are designed to be easy, family-friendly and impactful.

The 50th anniversary of Earth Day will be Wednesday, April 22.

Suggestions from TU national, found at www.tu.org/earthday include:

1. Kids #EarthDayAtHome Art Contest

2. Pledge to Protect the Planet

3. Take a TU Family Field Trip

4. Stand Up for Cold, Clean Water

5. Collect Critical Data Through Community Science

6. Install A Rain Barrel at Home

7. Build a Backyard Native Plant Rain Garden

“Just because we can’t get together to celebrate Earth Day doesn’t mean we can’t take individual action to protect the planet and our local rivers and streams,” said Jeff Yates, National Director of Volunteer Operations for Trout Unlimited. “Trout Unlimited’s events and activities are designed to help all of us connect as a community – even digitally – to demonstrate our shared interest in making this world a better, healthier place.”

Tag your posts:

  • @ConnecticutTU – Statewide
  • @MianusTU – Greenwich, Stamford, New Canaan, Darien, Norwalk, Wilton
  • @NutmegTrout – Westport, Weston, Easton, Redding, Fairfield, Bridgeport, Stratford, Trumbull, Monroe
  • @CandlewoodVallyTU – Ridgefield, Danbury, New Milford, Bethel, Brookfield, Newtown

Written by NutmegTrout21726Mar, 2020

Fairfield open spaces are closed

All of the Fairfield’s open space areas are closed to all residents/visitors. Police will be enforcing these restrictions.

Fishermen are calling Fairfield offices and complaining that they can’t access Mill River because Lake Mohegan is closed.

First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick made this decision citing public health and she has not singled out a single user group.

Conservation Director Brian Carey said he has been receiving numerous calls from fisherman who are very agitated by this decision.

The CTDEEP has told Carey it will not be stocking the Mill River this spring,

Written by NutmegTrout21725Mar, 2020

Fishing season opens early

On March 24, 2020, Governor Ned Lamont issued an Executive Order (E.O. 7L) opening many lakes, ponds, rivers and streams to fishing statewide.  The intention of opening the fishing season early is to limit community spread of COVID-19 by eliminating the large crowds that often accompany the traditional Opening Day of fishing in April.  During this time of social distancing, fishing should be enjoyed as solitary experience or with members of the immediate household, not as a group activity. 

DEEP is encouraging all anglers to follow social distancing practices.  Anglers should maintain a distance of at least six feet from others, practice good personal hygiene, stay home and away from others if they feel sick, and avoid areas where anglers or others congregate.

All other fishing laws and regulations, including requirements for a fishing license and trout and salmon stamp when needed, and all methods, creel limits and length limits remain in effect. 

More information and a helpful FAQ can be found on DEEP’s website. Please refer constituents to https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Fishing/CT-Fishing for more information.

Please join Mike Beauchene for a live Q & A session on our CTFishandWildlife FaceBook Page Wednesday, March 25, at 3 p.m.

Written by NutmegTrout21702Mar, 2020

Northeast Regional postponed

The Northeast Regional Rendezvous scheduled for June 26-28 has been postponed indefinitely due to the Coronavirus.

TU President and CEO Chris Wood announced the postponement in a letter distributed Thursday, March 12.

Read Chris Wood’s letter:

Dear volunteer leaders:

I want to tell you about the actions we are taking to avoid and mitigate against the spread of, and exposure to, COVID-19.

First, because a TU staff person had a tertiary exposure to someone infected with the novel coronavirus, we have asked all national office staff to tele-work until March 23. The TU staff person is not exhibiting any of the symptoms of COVID-19, but the national office is closed, and will be thoroughly cleaned before staff return to the office on March 23.

All non-essential work travel is cancelled until April 3. We will reassess the travel restrictions after April 3. We have asked staff who come into contact with people who have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of, COVID-19 to alert our COO, and to work from home for two weeks to minimize the risk of spreading the virus. We also asked the staff to consider postponing all staff gatherings until April 3.

Working with volunteer leaders, we made the decision to postpone each of the TU Regional Rendezvous that had been scheduled for the spring and early summer. Anyone who has registered will be provided a full refund, and we will be in touch shortly when we book new dates for these important events. As of now, our Annual Meeting in August remains on the schedule, but this could change as new information becomes available.  

I realize that the spring is a favorite time for banquets and other TU gatherings, but I strongly urge you to consider postponing them and even chapter meetings until we get a better handle on the best ways to minimize exposure to COVID-19.

Here is what the Center for Disease Control says:

“Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at a higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. People who are at higher risk are encouraged to avoid crowds as much as possible.”

Please feel free to contact me or your volunteer operations staff if you have any questions.

Thanks for all that you do for Trout Unlimited.

All my best,

Chris

Trout Unlimited

Chris Wood / President and CEO 
cwood@tu.org / c: 571-274-0601

Trout Unlimited 
http://www.tu.org

  

Written by NutmegTrout21702Mar, 2020

Limestone Club trip on May 20

Nutmeg TU will make its annual trip to fish the Limestone Trout Club  in Canaan, CT, on Wednesday, May 20.

The trip had been scheduled for May 13 but has been moved.

Limestone Trout Club – Fly fishing for big troutWednesday May 20th 
The Nutmeg Chapter of TU has been invited back to enjoy the beautiful Limestone Trout Club. Being the fishing optimists that we are, hopefully Covid 19 will be better by then and our trip can go on.

This year we are limited to 15 people, so get your reservations in early. The cost is $50, and you must me a Trout Unlimited member. If you are not a member you can join by clicking on this TU link:  https://gifts.tu.org/member/join?ms=MWL-WFO-WEBACQ-GI

To register and get more details about the Club, follow this link. http://www.limestonetroutclub.com/nutmeg-tu/

Lunch is included and please bring your check/cash with you.

Fly fishing only:

This is primarily shore fishing, with a few boats available.

Please arrive by 9 a.m.  Fishing is permitted from 9-4

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 for one fish 17 inches or smaller per person.

Reserve your spot: Limited to 30 anglers:

Questions can be directed to Rich Rosen at rhrosen@aol.com.

Lessons learned from previous years: bring saltwater streamers, some egg patterns, large flies, tiny flies and bug spray for the ticks. Click here for photos from 2019.

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.

Written by NutmegTrout21702Mar, 2020

Learn the Norwalk River March 10

Nutmeg TU will hold its March meeting Tuesday, March 10, at 7 p.m. at Port 5, 69 Brewster St., Bridgeport.

Jeff Yates, guide and national director of volunteer operations for Trout Unlimited, will talk about fishing the Norwalk River, a timely topic given the intensive restoration projects being performed by Mianus TU. Yates will also talk about TU’s Northeast Regional Rendezvous, set for June 26-28 in Stamford.

A local fishing guide, Yates grew up on the Norwalk River, has worked with Mianus TU to restore fish habitat on it, and is the author of “Fly Fishing Fairfield County.”

The meeting has been moved from March 17 due to a scheduling conflict.