Sherwood Island cleanup July 20

Nutmeg TU members and friends may volunteer for a beach cleanup at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport on Saturday, July 20, from 9 to 11 a.m. It is sponsored by NGO Sustainability.

Participants should bring a reusable water bottle and gardening gloves.

All are welcome. High school and college students can earn volunteer hours.

 Further information is available at the website unngosustainability.org, by sending an email to ngosustainability@gmail.com, or by calling 203-981-9197.

Give trout a break as temps rise

High temperatures and trout are not compatible, so as the heat increases during the summer months, it might be time to give trout a break.

This DEEP report gives an idea of the effect of of increased temperatures on trout. There are places where cool water keep trout healthy year round, but take precautions and follow practices and regulations.

http://www.ct.gov/deep/lib/deep/water/water_quality_management/monitoringpubs/2014_neaeb_fish-temp_presentation.pdf

DEEP surveys anglers about stripers

Striped bass fishing regulations are going to change in 2020, and the Connecticut DEEP is looking for your opinions and comments on this issue.

Please consider clicking the link below to take a brief (2-3 min) survey to share your thoughts on striped bass regulations. The deadline is Monday, July 15.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CTStripedBass2019

Also stay tuned for announcement of a public hearing on striped bass regulations, to be held in August or September.

Alex Ziemkiewicz tests his skill in one of the ponds on the grounds of the Limestone Club in Canaan, CT.

Nutmeg TU returns to Limestone

Tristan Wilgan with one of his catches during Nutmeg TU's visit to the Limestone Club May 8, 2019.
Tristan Wilgan with one of his catches during Nutmeg TU’s visit to the Limestone Club May 8, 2019.
Alex Ziemkiewicz tests his skill in one of the ponds on the grounds of the Limestone Club in Canaan, CT.
Alex Ziemkiewicz tests his skill in one of the ponds on the grounds of the Limestone Club in Canaan, CT.

Nutmeg TU returned to the Limestone Club in Canaan, CT for its annual outing on Wednesday, May 8.

A few members caught fish, but as usual the trip was a good time for those who went.

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 keep is allowed for one fish 17 inches or smaller per person.

Look for your next chance to fish the private Limestone Club in spring of 2020.

 

Docks at the Limestone Club give anglers like Tristan Wilgan a chance to get out closer to the trophy fish in the ponds there.
Docks at the Limestone Club give anglers like Tristan Wilgan a chance to get out closer to the trophy fish in the ponds there.

Kayak fishing in Shelton June 22

Nutmeg TU will hold its third annual Kayak Fishing Trip Saturday, June 22 from 10am to 3pm.

Bring your kayak or canoe and join us for a fun day on the water. This year we head to the lakes at Hope Lake on Nell’s Rock Road in Shelton. Bring your favorite fresh water fishing gear. Hope Lake hold a huge variety of fish (including salmon!), offering you a thrilling day on the water. Hope Lake has easy access and also offers great shoreline fishing if you don’t have a kayak or canoe and still want to join us.  We’re meeting at 10 am at the main parking lot off Nells Rock Road, where the Park’s trail signs are.

Life vests are required for kayakers and canoeists as per state law.

Trip subject to weather. When RSVPing email to admin@NutmegTrout.org your Contact Information (Name, Telephone Number, & Email Address) so we can contact you in case of weather changes. You can also RSVP via Meet Up.

Help plan the future of the Mill River

The Mill River, primarily found in Easton and Fairfield, is a gem, home to wild native brook charr and wild brown trout. Nonetheless the river has a number of problems. In 2004 the Mill River was added to the 303(d) List of Impaired Waterbodies, which is named after a section of the Clean Water Act. It mandates tracking and reporting of impaired waters for exceeding the standards associated with indicator bacteria such as E. coli. (which warn us of the potential for disease-causing microbes or pathogens, including viruses and other bacteria.)

The Nutmeg chapter of Trout Unlimited has partnered with the Town of Fairfield and a number of other organizations to help guide the Watershed Management Plan (WMP). The chapter has helped by contributing specialized local knowledge of the stream, including identifying areas in need of restoration or other intervention. The WMP covers a wide range of topics including identification of water quality problems, determining the cause of those problems, identifying measures to correct the problems and more. 

The draft Mill River Watershed Management Plan. The Town of Fairfield is seeking input regarding it: written comments regarding the plan will be received until June 10, 2019 and can be sent directly to Brian Carey (bcarey@fairfieldct.org) and Christiana Pollock (cpollack@princetonhydro.com).

Please do not hesitate to send us a copy of your comments (or contact us regarding concerns), if possible by June 3. We’d be glad to incorporate your and every other chapter member’s input in a single chapter letter. Please email gmorresi@gmail.com.

Individuals are also free to share their own comments with officials.

Help kids fish Saturday, June 8

Nutmeg TU needs you to help us help young fishermen at the third annual Ryan’s Rebels Fishing Tournament Saturday, June 8, from 9 a.m. to noon at Twin Brooks Park in Trumbull.

All proceeds go directly to helping children and families battling neuroblastoma and other pediatric cancers.

Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. Only a suggested donation of $5 per participant to enter. As always, just bring your fishing pole and we will provide everything else including bait, buckets and a stocked lake! Enjoy the morning with your kids and loved ones while supporting children with cancer.

Nutmeg TU is offering help setting up rods and reels, hooking on bait, unhooking and measuring fish, and anything else that is needed. Nutmeg volunteers will give a clinic on fly fishing after the tournament. Those who can help are asked to email admin@nutmegtrout.org.

Prizes will be awarded to kids up to 14 years old. Coffee, bagels and raffle items available. This event will be held rain or shine. We look forward to seeing you all there! To learn more information about our foundation or this fishing event, please visit our website at www.ryansrebels.org or contact us at info@ryansrebels.org.

Jim O of Jimmy-O's Bait & Tackle.

Jimmy O to share saltwater tips

Jim O of Jimmy-O's Bait & Tackle.

Jimmy O will give a rundown on saltwater fishing Tuesday, May 21, at Port 5 in Bridgeport.

In addition to Eric Peterson demonstrating fly tying, Jimmy will give a rundown on spring fishing in the Long Island Sound, and show some rigging tips.

Both presentations are open to all and hosted by the Nutmeg Chapter of Trout Unlimited, the local branch of the national conservation organization. Nutmeg TU meets the third Tuesday of each month from September through June at Port 5.

There is no charge for admission. Pizza is available and beverages can be purchased from Port 5.

What flies do you want to learn to tie?

Have a tie that gives you trouble, or that you want to see demonstrated? Eric Peterson will demonstrate the flies you choose when Nutmeg TU meets Tuesday, May 21, at Port 5, 69 Brewster St., Bridgeport,

Eric, who has a long association with Trout Unlimited, has begun doing demonstrations before Nutmeg TU meetings. For May, he’ll take your suggestions and show how it’s done. To suggest a fly, comment on this post.

We’ll also welcome Jimmy O, who will demonstrate some salt water setups in anticipation for a fishing outing. Watch for details.

Tying demos begin at 6 p.m. Pizza is served around 6:45 p.m., and beverages can be purchased from Post 5. Regular meetings begin at 7 p.m.

Nutmeg Flea Market – May 19

Nutmeg TU will set up at the flea market at Fairfield Warde High School, 755 Melville Ave., Fairfield, this Sunday, May 19.

This is the perfect opportunity to shed some fishing equipment you no longer want while supporting the conservation and education efforts of Nutmeg TU. The chapter has purchased space on at the flea market; We will sell that gear, with  a percentage of the price going toward the chapter.

The Flea Market opens for set-up at 6am with sales starting at 8am until 3pm.  Look for the Nutmeg Trout banner for our spot.  If you have a lot be sure to bring an extra table.

We’ll also need help with our Membership Drive at the booth.

Event is weather dependent so we need your contact information if you are participating.

Interested in Participating or have Questions?  Email Jerry at admin@NutmegTrout.org