Fred Lord judges an entry from Tristan Wilgan (seated), winner of last year's Chopped fly tying contest at the Nutmeg TU Holiday Party. This year's contest will be held Tuesday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. at Port 5.

Prizes galore at Holiday Party Dec. 18

Rods, reels, trips and experiences can be yours at bargain prices during the Nutmeg TU Holiday Party  Tuesday, Dec. 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Port 5, 69 Brewster St., in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport.

A growing list of silent auction items include a fishing outing on the Long Island Sound, having the trip of your choice photographed or recorded on video, a 9 foot Winston 5 weight valued at $475, a fly vest and more. Watch for updates on this list

The party will again by a potluck dinner: Members with last names starting with A-K should prepare dinner, K-R dessert and S-Z an appetizer.

There will also be fly tying demos and discussions of favorite flies for use in local waters.

There is no charge for admission. But if you plan to attend, rsvp with what you will be taking to the dinner to admin@nutmegtrout.org.

Salmon stocked this week

As of Wednesday, Dec. 5, the Naugatuck River TMA (Litchfield/Campville/Harwinton area) was stocked with large Broodstock Atlantic Salmon (average weight was 7 to 10 pounds, with the largest fish being around 15 pounds.); this was the last of two stockings in this river section.

The daily creel limit is one (1) salmon per day. Salmon will be stocked into the lower Naugatuck River and Shetucket River as flows come down — stay tuned for updates from the DEEP.

Please note this area has specific regulations for this fishery. Most notably, fishing is limited to the use of a single fly or artificial lure with a single free swinging hook (no treble hooks). Details on page 28 of the 2018 Angler’s Guide. Also, a Trout and Salmon Stamp is required to Fish in this area.

Finally, please report any illegal fishing activity to our law enforcement immediately at 860-424-3333.

Speaker showcases Alaska, concerned for Bristol Bay

Alaska fishing guide and Nutmeg TU John Jinishian expressed concerns about the threats posed by Bristol Bay amid images of big fish and beautiful scenery when he visited the general meeting of Nutmeg TU Tuesday, Nov. 20.

Jinishian is general manager of Alaska’s Wild River Guides, a small, float-based fly fishing company. He talked of the adventures on the Kanektok, or Togiak or Goodnews rivers. The company operates seasonally in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska, specifically on the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge. More information can be found at wildriverfish.com.

Information on efforts by TU to protect Bristol Bay can be found at savebristolbay.org.

Celebrate the holidays with us Dec. 18

Nutmeg TU will hold its annual Holiday Party on Tuesday, Dec. 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Port 5, 69 Brewster St., in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport.

A silent auction will feature such items as fishing trips guided by Nutmeg TU members and a chance to have the trip of your choice photographed and filmed.

The party will again by a potluck dinner: Members with last names starting with A-K should prepare dinner, K-R dessert and S-Z an appetizer.

There is no charge for admission.

More details will be posted in the coming weeks.

Farmington postponed to Dec. 9

UPDATE: The event scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 2, has been postponed to Sunday, Dec. 9.

UPDATED STORY: Join Nutmeg TU for a morning of exciting fishing on one of the best rivers in Connecticut, the Farmington River, on Sunday, Dec 9, starting at 10 a.m.   If we are going to get heavy rain trip will be cancelled. Water levels are high to begin with. Keep an eye on the website and your email for updates.

We will be meeting up in New Hartford at Ovation Pool parking lot (37 Greenwoods Rd, New Hartford).  Look for the Nutmeg TU banner and a silver Subaru Forester.  

Open to everyone, beginners and experienced anglers alike, this trip is a great way to learn the river. Spinning or fly fishing, all are welcome.   You will need:

  • Waders,
  • wading stick
  • rain gear

Following fishing, everyone is welcome to join us at the Parrott Delaney Tavern located right at Ovation Pool,  Please RSVP to David Edgeworth so we know who to expect.  Text 203-627-5817 or email Eggsofan@hotmail.com.

What’s it like to fish Alaska?

Is fishing Alaska on your bucket list? Get a glimpse at fishing Bristol Bay and other legendary waters from Nutmeg TU member John Jinishian on Tuesday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m. at Port 5, 69 Brewster St., in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport.

Jinishian is general manager of Alaska’s Wild River Guides, a small, float-based fly fishing company.

His talk will celebrate the love Alaska’s Wild River Guides have for the fish, the anglers, the still pristine rivers of Bristol Bay, the wildlife and the environment. After a series of introductory slides the show follows the format of a weeklong river trip on the Kanektok, or Togiak or Goodnews Rivers. We operate seasonally in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska, specifically on the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge.

“We strive to put you in the mind of the angler as we move through the the wilderness we travel through and the waters we fish. We are seeking to increase awareness of the fishery that will be impacted by the proposed Pebble Mine,” Jinishian said. “While we are not in the immediate area of the proposed project, the waters that we call home each season will be undeniably affected. It is our hope that we can raise awareness about the incredible fishery that is at stake in addition to showcasing the unique wilderness rivers and fly fishing expeditions we lead each summer.”

Born and raised on the shores of Long Island Sound, John grew up fishing for striped bass and bluefish in his home waters. He worked in at his local fishing shop, Westport Outfitters for five years, where he taught fly-casting instruction, tied flies, and began shore guiding in saltwater.

John attended the University of Vermont where he was the president of the UVM Fly Fishing Club and cultivated a passion for freshwater fishing.

John earned his USCG captain’s license in 2012 and began guiding during the summers in the Norwalk Islands on his 25-foot center console. He still guides Connecticut during the shoulder seasons when he is not guiding elsewhere in the country.

In 2013, John was named one of the first ambassadors for the American Museum of Fly Fishing in Manchester, Vt. From 2013- 16, John worked to build the fly reel manufacturing company 3-TAND as a product specialist and sales representative.

John has been a contributing author for Anglers Journal since 2014 and his published works cover a wide range, including Alaskan wilderness explorations, Great Lakes steelheading, and East Coast Striper fishing.

In 2015 and 2016, John produced and directed films that were accepted into the International Fly Fishing Film Festival.

In 2014 John began guiding fly fishing float trips for Alaska’s Wild River Guides, where he now serves as general manager.

During the spring and fall of 2017, John began running social media operations and guiding for the Bighorn Angler on the Bighorn River in Montana.

John has worn many different hats in the fishing industry but he finds his sense of home chasing fish with a fly rod in the saltwater or exploring the Alaskan Bush.

State reports strong saltwater fishing

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection says tog fishing is strong in the Long Island Sound, with solid striper fishing in the Housatonic River and in Long Island Sound off local towns.

Click here to read this week’s fishing report.