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Written by NutmegTrout21717Sep, 2017

Nutmeg TU plans speakers, fishing trips

The Nutmeg Chapter of Trout Unlimited begins its monthly schedule of programs in September, with speakers and hands-on events continuing through May.

Regular chapter meetings are held at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at Port 5, 69 Brewster St., in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport. There is no cost to attend; pizza and beverages are available for a fee. After a brief talk by a member, speakers commence at 7:45 p.m.

Information and links to RSVP for programs and fishing trips can be found at nutmegtrout.org.

A saltwater fishing trip to Penfield Reef in Fairfield, led by chapter member Ed Grzeda, will be held Saturday, Sept. 16, at 8 a.m. Park along Reef Road.

On Sept. 19, during the height of striper season, Capt. Roger Gendron of Connecticut Island Outfitters in Westport will share his tips for finding big bass on the Long Island Sound. Dave Edgeworth of Nutmeg TU will also describe the chapter’s Trout in the Classroom program, which introduces students to conservation as they raise trout from eggs, eventually releasing them into area streams.

Charles Petruccelli will lead a fishing trip to the mouth of the Housatonic River, between Stratford and Milford, on Saturday, Oct. 7. Times will be announced, based on tides and the best times to fish.

With two salmon fishing trips slated for the fall, guide, fly tyer and salmon fishing expert Ben Bilello will speak to Nutmeg TU on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at Port 5. The meeting will also feature an update on conservation projects under way in the Nutmeg TU area.

Bilello will lead two four-person trips; an Oct. 28 outing is sold out, while there is one opening on a Nov. 5 trip. Check nutmegtrout.org for details.

Greg Myerson, who holds the world record striped bass, caught in the Long Island Sound off Connecticut, and founder of World Record Striper Company, will be the featured speaker on Tuesday, Nov. 21.

A striper trip is being planned for Thanksgiving weekend.

The annual holiday party and potluck dinner will be held Tuesday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. at Port 5.

After the holidays, Nutmeg TU will collect discarded real Christmas trees for use in restoration work on the Mill River.

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.

Written by NutmegTrout21711Sep, 2017

Learn to find big stripers Sept. 19

Learn how and where to find big stripers on the Long Island Sound when Capt. Roger Gendron of Connecticut Island Outfitters visits the Nutmeg Chapter of Trout Unlimited on Tuesday, Sept. 19,at Port 5 Naval Veterans, 69 Brewster St., in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport.

Captain Roger Gendron has been guiding on the Long Island Sound since 1989, and is one of the first guides in the area to specialize in shallow water, and near coastal fly fishing in salt water. More information about Westport-based Connecticut Island Outfitters can be found at ctislandoutfitters.com, as can local fishing reports.

The meeting will also include an update on Nutmeg TU’s Trout in the Classroom program, which introduces students to conservation and ties multiple subjects together as they raise trout from eggs to their release into local streams.

There is no cost to attend Nutmeg TU meetings; pizza and beverages are available for a fee. After a brief talk by a member, speakers commence at 7:45 p.m.

Information and links to RSVP for programs and fishing trips can be found at nutmegtrout.org.

Written by NutmegTrout21711Sep, 2017

Fish Penfield Reef Sept. 16 at 10 a.m.

Fish one of the most productive and accessible salt water spots in the western Long Island Sound when Nutmeg TU visits Penfield Reef Saturday, Sept. 16, at 10 a.m.

The trip was originally scheduled for 8 a.m., but has been moved due to the tides.

Ed Grzeda will lead the trip.

Click here to RSVP.

Written by NutmegTrout21724Jul, 2017

Hearing on trout stamps, Mill River set

Requiring the purchase of trout and salmon stamps and changing making a longer section of the Mill River in Easton and Fairfield catch and release are among the proposed regulation changes up for hearing Wednesday, Aug. 9.

The hearing will begin at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 9 at the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Headquarters. The deadline is Aug. 25 to submit comment to the DEEP. Click here to read more about the hearing.

The purchase of a $5 trout stamp and $10 broodstock Atlantic salmon stamp ($12 for a combination stamp) to fish for trout and Atlantic Salmon would generate an estimated $300,000 that would go directly to fisheries and recreation programs, by law, according to the DEEP. Federal law requires that license revenue and money raised by fees and taxes on hunting and fishing equipment be dedicated to those purposes.

If passed, all anglers 16 and older fishing for any species in Trout Management Areas, Wild Trout Management Areas and Trout Parks, as well as any anglers 16 years of age and older wishing to keep trout they’ve caught in state waters, would be required to purchase a trout stamp. All anglers 16 years of age and older fishing for any species in the designated Broodstock Areas of the Shetucket and Naugatuck rivers from September 1 through March 31, and any anglers 16 years of age and older wishing to keep broodstock Atlantic Salmon they’ve caught anywhere (where fishing for Atlantic salmon is allowed) throughout the state would be required to purchase a salmon stamp. A combination stamp, less expensive than purchasing both separately, would cover both waters.

Mill River

Another proposal would extend the Mill River Wild Trout Management Area to stretch from the first bridge crossing below the Easton Reservoir to the Merritt Parkway. Currently the catch-and-release-only WTMA extends from South Park Avenue to [downstream of the third bridge crossing. Signs would indicate the WTMA.

DEEP officials said the changes would better protect the populations of naturally reproducing trout and stocked trout from undue depletion by eliminating harvest throughout this stretch of river. The “catch-and-release only” Class I Mill River Wild Trout Management Area would be expanded downstream to the Mill River Trout Management Area and fishing in the Mill River Trout Management Area would be limited to “catch-and-release only” year-round; currently some harvest is allowed from Opening Day through Aug. 30.

A short closed season would be placed on a small portion of the Farmington River TMA in the Riverton area, intended to restore a traditional Opening Day atmosphere to the upper West Branch Farmington River. As many anglers view the traditional Opening Day when the fishing season first opens for the spring as a longstanding rite of spring passage, DEEP officials expressed hope the change would increase the number of anglers fishing this section of river on Opening Day, and also enhance participation in a traditional Opening Day fishing derby held in Riverton since 1949. Participation has declined since this section of river became open to fishing year-round in 2012.

Language changes would define Tenkara, fishing with a fly on a fixed line, fly fishing. stablish definition for maximum length. Bubble floats are also addressed. Click here to read a PDF of all the proposed changes.

The proposed regulations, statement of purpose, a small business impact statement and a fiscal note indicating no additional expense to the state or municipal governments to implement these proposed regulations are posted and available for download (pdf) on the eRegulations system (https://eregulations.ct.gov).

Copies of the proposed regulations, statement of purpose, small business impact statement and fiscal note are also available for public inspection during normal business hours at the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Natural Resources, Fisheries Division, 6th Floor, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT, 06106-5127. These documents can also be obtained by contacting Bill Foreman at the above address, by phone at (860) 424-3474, or by email (deep.inland.fisheries@ct.gov).

Interested persons may also choose to present their views regarding the proposed regulations in writing during the public comment period. Written comments should be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. Aug. 25, 2017. Based on public comment, the proposed regulations may be adjusted to meet the objective of the proposal. Comments may be submitted using one of the following methods:

Online via the eRegulations system (https://eregulations.ct.gov) on the Secretary of State’s website. Go to “Open for Public comment”, select this regulation and follow instructions for submitting comments.
By mail or delivery service to Bill Foreman at the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Fisheries Division, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT, 06106-5127.
By email to william.foreman@ct.gov.
By fax to 860-424-4070 (attention: Bill Foreman).

Written by NutmegTrout21724Jul, 2017

Housatonic bass trip Aug. 12

Bass Fishing on the Housatonic River. Forget your trout fishing techniques. They are not going to help you here. Fast stripping for fly casters & speed spinning the right bait are needed to catch bass’s attention. Then watch out because Large &, especially, Smallmouth Bass fight like mad and need a totally different mind set than trout fishing teaches you. But first you need to find them. That’s where joining us for this Nutmeg TU Event comes in.

The Upper Housatonic River off Rte 7 is iconic for Bass Fishing. Nutmeg Trout Host Dave Wilgan will lead this group of fly & spin casters to some of his favorite Housie spots for great bass fishing. Join us and learn from Dave of the best places and techniques for bassing the Upper Housatonic.

Join us for a fun day of fishing for large and small mouth bass.

We meet at 10 a.m. (arrive early) at the parking lot just past the Rte 7/4 Cornwall Bridge (not the Cornwall Covered Bridge). The parking lot is on the river side of Rte 7 directly across the street from the Breadloaf Mountain Lodge (Lodge located at: 13 US-7, Sharon, CT 06069) (Google names the lodge Broadloaf) GPS Coordinates for parking lot: 41°49’29.1″N 73°22’40.4″W. The lodge is about a 1/2 mile west of the Cornwall Bridge river crossing.

Following a talk on the best flies and spin cast plastics for bassing we’ll be fishing through the Birches/ Monument, Covered Bridge, & Push’em Up spots. As time allows we’ll do the Power Plant spot later in the day. (Those who sign up will be provided with contact information for finding us.)

You can either wet wade or wear your waders. Suntan lotion, hats, and sunglasses (polarized of course) are recommended. Wading boots and a wading staff are also recommended. Bring your own lunch and plenty of water along with a hat and polarized sunglasses. We also recommend you bring your favorite bass fishing gear. If you need additional gear Housatonic River Outfitters is just on the other side of the river from where we meet.

We recommend attendees contact the Meetup Host at admin@nutmegtrout.org with your name, telephone number, & email address so we can contact you to both confirm & remind you or notify you in case on inclement weather. All information is kept confidential and only used for stated purposes here.

Want to say you “CROSSED THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL” with minimal effort? travel about 3/4 of a mile up Rte 4 from the Cornwall Bridge and you will cross over the Appalachian Trail. Much easier than doing it South to North. 🙂

Written by NutmegTrout21717Jul, 2017

CT Council to meet at Legends

The Connecticut Council of Trout Unlimited will hold its July quarterly meeting at Legends Bed & Breakfast on the Farmington River on Wednesday, July 26, at 6 p.m.

Legends, located at 20 River Road in Barkhamsted, for the second year in a row has donated use of its property to TU for the July meeting. There will be a barbecue and chance to meet TU leaders from around the state.

The meeting will start one hour earlier than the usual 7 o’clock gathering. It will be a more informal meeting, with state TU leaders hoping to meet chapter members and officers, and talk about what is important to them.

Anglers may fish the Farmington River before and after the cookout and meeting.

Legends, which abuts the river, can arrange guided trips and fly fishing lessons. Legends also allows ready access to hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, hunting, cross country skiing and photography amid the scenery and wildlife of northern Connecticut. More information can be found by clicking here.

If you plan to attend this meeting, email John Kovach.

Important note about parking! You can park along the long driveway to Legends, but this means leaving sufficient parking spaces for his guests nearest the lodge. Please note also that you should only park on the right side of the Legends driveway as you come it. The left side has a sprinkler system vulnerable to damage if parked upon.

Proceeds from this Connecticut hat sold by Rep Your Water support Trout Unlimited Projects throughout the state.

Written by NutmegTrout21720Jun, 2017

Look sharp, support conservation

You can look sharp on the stream and support the conservation efforts of Connecticut Trout Unlimited by purchasing merchandise from RepYourWater.

RepYourWater provides creative and unique designs on high-quality apparel and merchandise while making a difference for wildlife habitat around the country. By teaming up with Colorado Trout Unlimited early in its existence, RepYourWater has been able to contribute to the conservation of Colorado fisheries and set in motion what the company is today.

Rep. Your Water has now joined with conservation organizations across the United States, including the Connecticut Council of TU, as 1% partners. Rep Your Water distributes 10% of sales among those 1% partners, based on sales of designs to the Trout Unlimited chapters of Connecticut, Canada, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, the Southeastern Conservation Project and New Mexico; Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Chapters in Utah, Alaska and Montana; the Wild Steelhead Coalition and The Bonefish and Tarpon Trust to provide financial support for the protection of the natural world.

RepYourWater also donates 50% of the proceeds from the Bristol Bay, Native Fish Society and the WILD steelhead hats to the Renewable Resources Fund, Native Fish Society and Wild Steelhead Coalition respectively.

The message to Connecticut anglers is, the more Connecticut merchandise you buy from Rep Your Water, the more money comes back for local conservation efforts.

For more information on Rep Your Water’s relationship with each non-profit, choose from the drop-down menu on its home page, repyourwater.com.

Written by NutmegTrout21719Jun, 2017

Hatcheries again at risk

The operation of Connecticut’s fish hatcheries, which support Trout in the Classroom, Salmon in Schools and stocking programs, are again threatened by the state’s budget crisis.

This time its not direct cuts put the hatcheries in jeopardy, but a hiring freeze that is preventing the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection from replacing not only employees being laid off by the state, but additional employees who plan voluntary departures. These employees, other than some benefits, are paid for by hunting and fishing license fees and by taxes on hunting and fishing gear.

Click here to read a letter to Connecticut anglers.

Anglers and conservationists need to reach out to legislators to speak out for adequate staffing levels at Connecticut’s hatcheries. The attached fact sheet contains information that legislators need to hear from their constituents who hunt or fish. Click here to find out who represents you in the state Senate and the General Assembly.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy can be reached at the Office of the Governor, State Capitol, 210 Capital Ave., Hartford, CT 06106. The phone number is 860-566-4840, and an email can be sent to Gov. Malloy by clicking here.

Written by NutmegTrout21712Jun, 2017

Fall trip for salmon planned

The Nutmeg Chapter of Trout Unlimited is organizing a fall fishing outing for salmon on the Naugatuck River with Ben Bilello, a local fishing guide.

The trip is limited to four people. The cost is $100 per person, including tip. This is a fun, convenient trip located just 40 minutes from our territory.

Click here to RSVP. Once we have four reservations we’ll ask you to mail in your fee. All proceeds will be going to the guide.

The fall broodstock Atlantic salmon fishing season is a freshwater fly angler’s chance at catching his or her largest freshwater fish of the season. While most salmon caught are in the 3- to 6-pound range, fish exceeding 20 pounds are always a possibility.

On the surface, salmon and trout fishing have a lot in common. Knowing the subtle differences between the two will help an angler achieve consistent results while salmon fishing. This group trip will focus on identifying likely holding lies at various water levels, salmon behavior, fly selection, various methods of presentation, and effective fish fighting techniques.

What to bring: Rods and reel (6-8 wt), floating line, waders, boots, warm clothes, rain gear, wading staff, streamer and/or Atlantic salmon flies (sizes 2-12), drinks, and lunch. Please make sure you have a valid Connecticut fishing license.

For any questions, contact Ben at ben@benbilello.com. You can also purchase salmon flies from Ben, just email him what you are looking for. You can also visit his website, http://www.benbilello.com/salmonflies/Home.html.

Written by NutmegTrout21707Jun, 2017

Kakak fishing postponed

UPDATE: The Nutmeg TU kayak fishing trip to Squantz Pond originally scheduled for Saturday, June 24, has been postponed.

Watch the website for a new date.

ORIGINAL POST: Those who wish to go kayak fishing with Nutmeg TU on Squantz Pond on Saturday, June 24, must RSVP.

The outing is scheduled from from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The park is located at 178 Short Woods Road, New Fairfield, CT (map). Great fishing can be found throughout the lake, and kayaks will allow us to get places other boats cannot.

Kayak rentals will be available, or take your own kayak, canoe or raft, along with your fishing equipment.

Suntan lotion and hats are recommended.

Life preservers are required.

Those who wish to attend must click here to RSVP. Be sure to sign up early as we may need to limit participants.