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Written by NutmegTrout21716Feb, 2018

Exciting events open to all

Fellow fishermen and conservationists:

Wow! Our February board meeting just ended and I am excited! Your Board really stepped up and put together a great agenda for the next five months. I needed to share our plans with you so here goes!

Our speaker agenda will bring us new ideas and hints for local fishing.

February 20 Jimmy O is going to tell us about Winter striper fishing on the Housie.
March 20 Tim Barry from DEEP will enlighten us about stocking plans, DEEP’s new fish finding tech, and the new expanded TMA on the Mill River. Plus much more!
April 17 Jeff Yale from Regional Water will talk about fishing Lake Saltonstall. The lake is easily accessible (visible from Rt. 95) and loaded with a wide variety of fish, including Walleye, Bass, trout and much more.
May 15 Sonny Yu talks fly fishing for American Shad. We’ll have a trip the Saturday after this meeting to fish for Shad on the Mill River in Fairfield (who knew?)

Kudos to John Kovach for creating such an exciting agenda. The meetings are always at Port 5 in Bridgeport and pizza and drinks are available. We also have some fun auction items available at every meeting to raise some funds to support our programs.

In March we start our fishing trips and hands on activities. All of the trips will be led by one or more of our experienced fishing leaders from our Board and membership.

March 31 – Trout fishing the Saugatuck on Ford Road.
April 21 (World Fish Migration Day) – This is a big one!

In cooperation with Beardsley Zoo we will have a Pequonnock River Day.

Activities to include:

- River cleanup.
- River walk and insect study.
- Bird of Prey animal encounter.
- Fly casting clinic (5 LL Bean donated rods will be available for use).
- Tree planting.
- And of course, we will cap the day off with some fishing on the Pequonnock.

Get your hands dirty, learn to fish and catch some fish. Come for all or part of the day.

May 20 – Shad fishing on the Mill River in Fairfield.
May 23 – Trout fishing at the Limestone Club (fee charged, space limited – email me to register rhrosen@aol.com)
May 26 – Striper fishing on the Housatonic at the Audubon center in Milford.
June 24 – Trout fishing on the Farmington.

On the Conservation front we resume our work on the Mill River at Congress Street. Watch your emails for the date. Many hands will be needed as we work to deepen the river by anchoring Christmas trees to channel the river. Last year we planted hundreds of trees here. This next important phase will insure the Mill river will continue to be a premiere fishing spot for years to come. It can’t be done without member’s like you helping.

I hope you agree that we have some great stuff lined up and member participation is key. All of the meetings and trips are free (except for the Limestone outing) and the public is welcome.

Rich Rosen

Nutmeg Chapter President

Written by NutmegTrout21707Feb, 2018

Fly Fishing Film Tour Feb. 23

The Fly Fishing Film Tour will wade into Stamford Friday night, Feb. 23, to benefit education and conservation efforts by the Candlewood, Mianus and Nutmeg chapters of Trout Unlimited.

Doors to the Stamford Majestic Theater open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 each online or $30 at the door.

Click here to buy tickets to Stamford on Feb. 23

Nearly 200 people attended the first showing Feb. 2 in Trumbull, and last year’s event in Trumbull sold out, forcing organizers to turn people away.

In addition to fly angling movies on the big screen, the evening will include drinks, raffles and door prizes.

Some films include graphic language and situations which may be inappropriate for younger viewers.

Trailers can be viewed at flyflimtour.com.

Written by NutmegTrout21707Feb, 2018

Jimmy O to talk winter fishing

Jimmy O of Jimmy O’s Bait & Tackle in Bridgeport will tell anglers why it’s a mistake to stay inside during the winter when he speaks at Port 5 in Bridgeport on Tuesday, Feb. 20.

Doors open at 7 p.m. for the regular meeting of the Nutmeg Chapter of Trout Unlimited, which is open to the public free of charge. Pizza is available for a donation, and beverages can be purchased from Port 5.

A supporter of Nutmeg TU, local fishermen and clubs and events that make the fishing community stronger, Jimmy O will share information anglers can use in the waters of the Long Island Sound.

Nutmeg TU meetings are open to all. Anglers of all styles attend and can use the information shared by speakers. There will also be updates on conservation projects on local rivers.

Meetings are held at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of every month, and are open to the public free of charge. Upcoming speakers include:

Tuesday, March 20: Tim Barry of the DEEP on Connecticut’s Trout Management Program, and efforts to recruit and retain new anglers.

Tuesday, April 17: Jeff Yale of the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority on fishing Lake Saltonstall.

Tuesday, May 15: Sonny Yu on fly fishing for American Shad

Written by NutmegTrout21731Jan, 2018

A message from Nutmeg’s president

Hello TU Nutmegers:

Welcome to 2018. Your Board of Directors is working to make programming and participation even better. Today we have over 350 dues paying members in the Nutmeg chapter and together we can take care of our rivers, learn and have fun.

Each of us belongs to TU for different reasons. As a chapter we try to offer diverse programs and activities to meet everyone’s interests. Like most, my active involvement in TU started slowly. My only regret is that I did not get more active in TU sooner.

What does Trout Unlimited mean to you?

As a board we wonder what motivates members to join and stay connected: events, meetings, outings, conservation …. So we ask:

What speakers do you want to see at our meetings?
Do you want to learn about fishing local waters or destination fishing?
What will make your Nutmeg TU Chapter better?
- Opportunities to fish with friends
- Meeting fishing buddies
- Learning new skills and fishing spots
- Improving stream quality, or
- Just being part of a national organization that advocates clean fresh water fisheries

More opportunities to volunteer in 2018.

I would like to see our conservation efforts expand to include micro invertebrate monitoring
We should do more with youth and engage our veterans
We will continue to improve the Mill River habitat – watch for updates as we will soon use the Embrace a Stream funds to deepen the Mill River’s Congress Street section by channeling the river with recycled Christmas trees
Join the board, lead a fishing outing, participate in a river cleanup, do water sampling, work with TIC …

If you are a Nutmeg TU member and simply want to support a national advocacy group for clean water, we thank you for your participation, numbers are important. However, on the local level, none of the annual membership fees go to the local chapter. It all stays with TU national. Our funding comes from grants, donations and the raffles we run at the meetings. It costs money and takes volunteers to run our meetings, support the 15 Trout in The Classroom (TIC) local schools and do our conservation work. Your financial support is appreciated, and every dollar goes a long way because the Nutmeg chapter of TU is a 100% volunteer organization.

As we begin the new year I want to take this time to thank my fellow Board Members John Kovach, Dave Edgeworth, Jerry Goldstein, David Ader, Ed Grzeda, Cheryl Groesbeck, Phil Jacques, Chuck Petruccelli and Gian Morresi, for their wisdom at our monthly board meetings; volunteering to lead fishing trips, river cleanups/conservation work, sharing the load; and for the pleasure of fishing together in and around our lovely part of Connecticut.

On behalf of the Board of Directors I want to thank you for your continued support. Our goal is to have fun while doing good in our community. We hope you find the chapter welcoming and choose to participate in this valuable organization.

Happy New Year to all and I look forward to seeing you in 2018.

Rich Rosen

President TU Nutmeg Chapter

The DEEP found healthy populations of trout and smallmouth during electrofishing surveys of the Housatonic and Farmington Rivers (DEEP Photo)

Written by NutmegTrout21728Jan, 2018

Trout stamp on hold for now

Proposed regulations that would require purchase of a trout stamp are on hold at least into February.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection posted on the Connecticut Fish and Wildlife Facebook page that the regulations had been sent back so some concerns raised by the Legislative Regulation Review Committee could be addressed.

That means continue fishing with a 2018 license until further notice, without the purchase of a stamp.

According to the Facebook post:

“Our regulations package was on the docket at yesterday’s Legislative Regulation Review Committee (LRRC) meeting (January 23). Three of the actions the LRRC can take are, approve, reject without prejudice, and reject with prejudice.

“The LRRC voted to “reject without prejudice” the regulations package, which means that there were some issues that were deemed to be “substantive concerns” that need to be addressed.

“None of the concerns raised affect the content of the regulations, except as to whether there can be a single stamp (for both trout and salmon as DEEP proposed) or two separate stamps (one for trout/kokanee and one for Atlantic Salmon).

“We are currently working on addressing those concerns to the committee’s (and their LCO reviewer) satisfaction so that the package can be resubmitted for approval at the next LRRC meeting (February 27). Stay tuned.

“So for now you can purchase your fishing license as you normally would and fish for trout as you normally would.”

Included in the proposed regulations package is extension of the Mill River Wild Trout Management Area.

Updates will be posted as they become available.

Written by NutmegTrout21711Jan, 2018

Tickets still available for Fly Fishing Film Tour

UPDATE: Some tickets are still available for tonight’s showing of the Fly Fishing Film Tour at the Trumbull Marquis & BTX Theater.

Tickets can be purchased online for $25 (a $5 discount) until 2 p.m. by clicking here.

Tickets MAY also be available at the door, if any remain, at a cost of $30.

Doors will open at 6:15 p.m.

ORIGINAL POST: The Candlewood, Mianus and Nutmeg chapters of Trout Unlimited wii host two showings of the Fly Fishing Film Tour in the coming week, with proceeds supporting conservation projects and environmental education in Fairfield County.

The first showing will be held Friday, Feb. 2, at the Trumbull Marquis & BTX Theater. The the second will be Friday, Feb. 23, at the Stamford Majestic Theater. Doors open at 7 p.m. for each show. Tickets are $25 each online or $30 at the door.

Click here to buy tickets to the Feb. 2 showing in Trumbull.

Click here to buy tickets to the Feb. 23 showing in Stamford.

Last year’s F3T in Trumbull sold out faster than organizers expected. In addition to fly angling movies on the big screen, the events include drinks, raffles and door prizes.

While tickets may be available at the door the night of the screening, we can’t guarantee anything. Last year organizers had to turn away dozens of people.

Some films include graphic language and situations which may be inappropriate for younger viewers.

Trailers can be viewed at flyflimtour.com.

Written by NutmegTrout21709Jan, 2018

Fishing roundtable Jan. 16

UPDATE: Tonight’s meeting will be held as scheduled at 7 p.m. at Port 5, 69 Brewster St. Bridgeport.

Ever wonder about how to get started fishing? Or if fly fishing is as complicated as it might seem? Or where to fish in Eastern Fairfield County?

Get the answers to these and other fishing questions when Nutmeg TU holds a fishing roundtable Tuesday, Jan. 16, at 7 p.m. at Port 5, 69 Brewster St., in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport.

The meeting will be informal, with members sharing thoughts, advice and insights. Pizza and beverages can be purchased.

This is a great chance to make angling friends, learn about the many fishing trips Nutmeg TU holds throughout the year, and discover ways to help on conservation projects.

Nutmeg Chapter of Trout Unlimited (# 217) is based in Fairfield and comprised of the towns of Fairfield, Westport, Weston, Easton, Redding, Trumbull, Monroe, Bridgeport, Stratford, Milford and Shelton.

Its mission is to conserve, protect and restore coldwater fisheries and their watersheds, particularly in local rivers such as the Saugatuck, Mill, Aspetuck, Pequonnock and Farmill.

TU members and volunteers abide by the motto: “If you take care of the fish, the fishing will take care of itself.”

Written by NutmegTrout21729Dec, 2017

New regulations, stamp still pending

Fishing licenses expire on Dec. 31. New licenses are needed as of Jan. 1 each year.

With changes in regulations, including requiring the purchase of a trout stamp, still pending, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection posted this update.

2018 Inland Fishing Regulation Update: As we ring in 2018, just a simple update to let you know that the proposed changes for the Inland Fishing Regulations (including the Trout Stamp) do not take effect on January 1, 2018.

They do not take effect until formal approval by the Legislative Regulations Review Committee (possibly during their January meeting). We will keep you informed.

To take advantage of the Atlantic salmon stocking in the Naugatuck and Shetucket Rivers and for ice fishing your favorite lake or pond (which is quickly taking shape with this cold snap), buy your license now and add the trout stamp (if you desire) after it becomes available (late January or early February).

New regulations also include reclassification of portions of the Mill River in Fairfield and Easton.

Click the links to read the regulations before the Legislative Regulations Review Committee, and the DEEP’s response and alterations after public comment on the proposals.

Written by NutmegTrout21714Dec, 2017

Chopped style tying contest at party

The second annual Chopped-style fly tying contest will be held during Nutmeg TU’s holiday party on Tuesday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. at Port 5, 69 Brewster St., in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport.

Contestants use their own tools and thread.

Each of the materials provided for each must be used in that fly.

Contestants will have 10 minutes to complete each fly

There will be three rounds: Nymph, Streamer and Dry.

The winners of each round proceed to the next round.

Award criteria are totally subjective, based on:

• Fishiness

• Creativity

• Cleanliness of Construction

Click here to read more about the holiday pot-luck, and RSVP by leaving a comment on that story.

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.

Written by NutmegTrout21706Dec, 2017

Holiday pot luck, Chopped tying Dec. 19

Celebrate the season, share food with us and if you want to answer the challenge compete in a fly tying contest when Nutmeg TU holds its annual holiday party Tuesday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. at Port 5, 69 Brewster St., in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport.

Dinner is pot luck. Your dish to share needs to feed 6 to 8 and last names beginning with A-H are asked to bring an Appetizer, I-P are asked to bring a main dish, Q-Z are asked to bring a dessert. Comment on this article to let us know how many people will attend and what you are bringing.

The Port 5 cash bar is available for beverages.

Jerry Goldstein will provide an update on Nutmeg TU activities and plans for 2018. The event will also raise funds for Nutmeg TU’s operating expenses.

A fly tying contest based on the Food Network show Chopped is open to all. Contestants will be given identical materials and a fixed amount of time to tie a fly. There will be eliminations after each of three rounds, and a prize for the winner.

Flies to be tied are a nymph in the first round, a streamer in the second and a dry fly in the third and final round. Contestants will need to bring their tools and thread. All the materials for each fly will be provided. When you RSVP, let us know if you want to enter the fly tie contest.

A silent auction will be held to raise funds to support conservation and education initiatives by Nutmeg TU. Fishing adventures, led by a Nutmeg TU member, up for bid include boat fishing on the Long Island Sound; fly fishing the Mill, Saugatuck and Farmington rivers; a trip to Michigan that can include room and breakfast; a trip to southwest Maine; a kayak fishing outing; smallmouth fishing on the Housatonic River; and a having a fishing outing video recorded and photographed.

Other items in the silent auction include a print by artist James Prosek; a tenkara rod, and a 9-foot Winston 5 weight rod.

Scroll to the bottom of this page to where it says leave a comment, then post a comment to RSVP and let us know what dish you will be bringing. Comments will not immediately appear but will as soon as they are approved.