Sonny Yu will join us via Zoom to share his passion for Fly Fishing for American Shad on Tuesday, May 19, at 7 p.m..

The talk is open to anglers of all styles, spin or fly, and one need not be a Trout Unlimited member to attend.

The annual American Shad run is historic in Connecticut and many anglers look forward to it each spring. The shad swim up the Connecticut River and its tributaries and anglers await opportunities to hook into these aggressive fish which would test their backing.

Sonny grew up fishing, and his love for the sport brought him to the Chicopee River in Western Massachusetts, where he encountered fly fishing and American shad. He purchased a fly rod combo, slowly learned the essentials of fly fishing, and never looked back.

Sonny has written an ebook to share his passion to chase American Shad with the fly rod. His ebook contains all the essential information which includes detailed instructions and maps to successfully catch shad with a single-handed or two-handed fly rod. In addition to his ebook, Sonny also offer shad flies and guide service during the shad run, and enjoys introducing others to the fishery.

To join the meeting via Zoom, visit:
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Meeting ID: 889 7160 7852
Password: 349677
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Trout Unlimited is offering free membership to three special groups of people right now:

Essential Workers: https://gifts.tu.org/essentialworkers_join for anyone who is an essential worker during the pandemic

Mothers Day: https://gifts.tu.org/moms-free for all moms out there – this offer ends at close of business Monday

Veterans & First Responders: https://gifts.tumembership.org/vsp_join for active, reserve and retired military as well as for first responders (police, fire, EMS etc…)

Despite over a decade of opposition, the agency reviewing the permit application for the massive proposed Pebble Mine in Bristol Bay, Alaska recently moved the mega-project one step closer to reality. Without our help, the project is currently on track to begin digging a massive hole at the headwaters of Bristol Bay.

Do everything in your power to stop the proposed Pebble Mine:  https://standup.tu.org/save-bristol-bay/

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.

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.

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

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,

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.