Ron Merly, holding a nice Atlantic salmon from the Naugatuck River, says, “Do not let the state take this fishery from us!”
Written by NutmegTrout21703Apr, 2019

Ron Merly to reveal overlooked streams

Ron Merly with a salter brook trout he caught.Ron Merly of Ron Merly’s Fishing Guide Service will reveal some overlooked trout streams in the area on Tuesday, April 16, at 7 p.m. at Port 5, 69 Brewster St., Bridgeport.

The talk, open to all, is hosted by the Nutmeg Chapter of Trout Unlimited. It is open to fly and spin fishermen.

It will be preceded at 6 p.m. by a fly tying demonstration by Eric Peterson.

Dean Keister of the Limestone Club will give a short talk about the private fishing area, destination of a Nutmeg TU trip on Wednesday, May 8. RSVP now to reserve a spot.

Merly is the author of The Fly Fisher’s Guide to Connecticut and a guide. His book gives tips on how to find water to fish.

Pizza is served, and beverages can be purchased from Port 5.

Written by NutmegTrout21715Mar, 2019

Where do you need a trout stamp?

The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection recently posted a primer on the trout and salmon stamp on its Facebook page.

A trout and salmon stamp is only REQUIRED TO FISH in a 1. Trout Management Area (these are rivers and streams not lakes), 2. in a Trout Park (mostly ponds and a couple streams) 3. in the Designated Broodstock Salmon Areas on the Nauatuck River and Shetucket River, and finally 4. any Wild Trout Management Area.

If you are fishing anywhere else then you only NEED to have a trout and salmon stamp if you want TO KEEP trout. It is not needed if you are releasing all of the trout you catch or if you accidentally catch a trout while fishing for something else. This applies to most of the waters the  stock.

Visit the DEEP FAQ page for more scenarios at https://www.ct.gov/…/pu…/Trout_Stamp_Information_and_FAQ.pdf

The Mianus River, known for its black stonefly hatch in March, is the destination for a trip with Nutmeg and Mianus TU on Saturday, March 23. — Photo from Mianustu.org.
Written by NutmegTrout21715Mar, 2019

Fish the Mianus River March 23

Fish the Mianus River TMA on a  joint trip organized by the Mianus and Nutmeg TU chapters.

The Mianus River, known for its black stonefly hatch in March, is the destination for a trip with Nutmeg and Mianus TU on Saturday, March 23. — Photo from Mianustu.org.This river has recently been stocked and is known for its early black and brown stonefly hatches. The Mianus is a beautiful, intimate suburban stream and March is a great time to fish it as the park tends to get crowded after opening day and the weather gets warmer.   

When:  Saturday, March 23 at 10 AM. 

Where:  Meet at the red barn in Mianus River State Park. The barn is off Merriebrook Lane in Stamford.

Directions:  To get to the Mianus River Park, take Exit 33 off the Merritt Parkway South (Den Road). Take a left onto Bangall Road, and another left onto Westover Road, crossing over the parkway. Follow Westover Road for a decent distance until you see a sharp curve warning sign with flashing yellow lights. Merriebrook Lane is on the right just past the sign.

Take Merriebrook Lane down to the red barn (on right), where you can find parking in that lot, or closer to the bridge over the river. Across the bridge the road leads to private property, so no parking is allowed.

Parking is limited so please consider carpooling.

Regulations: Must have a 2019 CT Fishing License with Trout/Salmon Stamp. 

Since it is before opening day, you must fish in the Trout Management Area which runs upstream from the bridge (over Merriebrook Lane) all the way to the dam. There are well defined trails along both sides of the river, though the western trail offers the easiest access the full length of the TMA.

The Trout Management Area is a limited harvest section of the stream.  From September 1 through the third Saturday in April fishing, fishing is restricted to catch and release using artificial lures and single hooks.

General Information: Flyfishct.com suggests (www.flyfishct.com) a fairly short rod, 8-foot in 3- or 4-weight as ideal.  My standard 8.5 foot 5-weight trout rod works just fine.  River is smallish so long casts are generally not needed.  Dark patterns tend to work best this time of year; good to have some small stonefly imitations.   

Water (and possibly weather) will be cold so please dress accordingly. 

Hope to see you there!! 

Nutmeg TU Contact:  Alex Ziemkiewicz  agz3026@gmail.com or 203-209-6689.

Written by NutmegTrout21701Mar, 2019

Casting expert at March 19 meeting

John Field, author of the ACA’s Beginner’s Guide to Fly Casting and Fly Casting Finesse, will share tips on how to improve you cast at the next meeting of Nutmeg TU on Tuesday, March 19, at 7 p.m. at Port 5, 69 Brewster St., Bridgeport.

At 6 p.m., longtime TU supporter Eric Peterson will return with another fly tying demonstration.

John Field is a fisherman, author and conservationist. He’s explored from the jungles to the arctic with Larry Dahlberg filming Hunt for Big Fish and has written many magazine articles. John has written two fly-casting books and his next book project is Trophy Striped Bass on the Fly, Stackpole Books. See what he’s up to at fieldflyfishing.com

Nutmeg TU are open to all, free of charge. Pizza will be served, and drinks can be purchased from Port 5.

Tom O'Donnell was one the fisherman enjoying spring-like weather Saturday at the William ìDocî Skerlick Saugatuck River Trout Management Area on Saturday. Photo: Jarret Liotta
Written by NutmegTrout21715Feb, 2019

Tying demos to precede Feb. meeting

A fly tying demonstration will be held before the Feb. 19 meeting of Nutmeg TU. The demonstration and meeting are open to all.

Eric Peterson, who has a long association with Trout Unlimited, will demonstrate early season flies such as stoneflies, streamers and Hendricksons.

Peterson’s demo will begin at 6 p.m. Pizza will be served at 6:45 p.m., and Tristan Wilgan will be talking about fly fishing and spin fishing in local rivers at 7 p.m.

Nutmeg TU meets the third Tuesday of the month from September through May at Port 5, 69 Brewster St., in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport. Meetings are open to anyone interested in improving their fishing skills or conservation.

 

 

Written by NutmegTrout21715Feb, 2019

Fly Fishing Film Tour March 8

There is another chance to see the best in angling cinema and support local conservation projects when the Fly Fishing Film Tour comes to Newtown on Friday, March 8.

Doors to Edmond Town Hall open at 6 p.m., and the event features a cash bar serving cold beer donated by Sweetwater and wine donated by Brescome Barton Distributors. The raffle includes more than $2,000 worth of great prizes!

Check out the trailers to this year’s lineup of films that will get your heart pumping!

Tickets are $25 in advance online or $30 the night of the shows. Click here to buy tickets to the Newtown show on March 8!

If you’ve never been to an “F3T” showing, you’re in for a treat. You will watch dozens of incredibly shot, exciting fishing and conservation films while enjoying a few cold drinks and fun raffles and door prizes.

The best part is that this great night supports the conservation and education programs of the Mianus, Candlewood and Nutmeg Chapters of Trout Unlimited here in Fairfield County!

While tickets may be available at the door the night of the screening, we can’t guarantee a space as we’ve sold out in past years!

Tristan Wilgan
Written by NutmegTrout21710Feb, 2019

Spin and fly tips coming Feb. 19

Tristan WilganTristan Wilgan of Tristan’s Fishing Guide Service will share tips both spin and fly fishermen can use on local rivers at the next meeting of Nutmeg TU on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at Port 5, 69 Brewster St., Bridgeport.

The meeting will be preceded at 6 p.m. by a fly tying demonstration by Erick Peterson. (Click here for more.)

A sophomore at Western Connecticut State University, Tristan puts clients on trout on rivers around Fairfield County, as well as the Farmington and the Housatonic. He guides for Housatonic River Outfitters and also leads spin and fly fishing trips for smallmouth bass on the Housy.

Click here to watch an interview with Tristan on Yankee Fisherman on the HAN Network, which was hosted by Nutmeg TU members John Kovach. The video starts 1:22 in.

Nutmeg Chapter 217 of Trout Unlimited meets the third Tuesday of each month from September to May at Port 5, 69 Brewster St., Bridgeport, Conn. Meetings are open to all. Pizza is available and drinks may be purchased from Port 5. There is no charge for admission.

 

Written by NutmegTrout21729Dec, 2018

Fly Fishing Film Tour to return

Don’t miss out on our annual screening of the incredible Fly Fishing Film Tour — a perfect way to spend a cold winter night dreaming about the fishing season ahead!

Check out the trailers to this year’s lineup of films that will get your heart pumping!

Each year we offer two showings so that there’s a location or date that will work best for more people, and we’re thrilled to be joined by over 400 avid anglers and conservationists who enjoy a fun night and help support our important work.

Join fellow anglers at the Stamford Majestic Theater on Friday, Feb. 8, or at Edmond Town Hall in Newtown on Friday, March 8 — or join us at both shows and bring friends, family and fishing buddies! Tickets are $25 in advance online or $30 the night of the shows.

Click here to buy tickets to the Stamford show on Feb. 8!

Click here to buy tickets to the Newtown show on March 8!

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the event features a cash bar serving cold beer, and wine donated by Brescome Barton Distributors. The raffle includes more than $2,000 worth of great prizes!

If you’ve never been to an “F3T” showing, you’re in for a treat. You will watch dozens of incredibly shot, exciting fishing and conservation films while enjoying a few cold drinks and fun raffles and door prizes.

The best part is that this great night supports the conservation and education programs of the Mianus, Candlewood and Nutmeg Chapters of Trout Unlimited here in Fairfield County!

While tickets may be available at the door the night of the screening, we can’t guarantee a space as we’ve sold out in past years!

Written by NutmegTrout21729Dec, 2018

Learn tips on fishing local rivers

Upcoming meetings of the Nutmeg Chapter of Trout Unlimited will focus heavily on fishing rivers in Connecticut, particularly the southwestern part of the state.

The Tuesday, Jan. 15, meeting will be a roundtable discussion of favorite places, favorite flies, favorite tactics and any other angling questions that may arise. Anyone interested in angling may attend, and feel free to share thoughts, or just listen.

On Tuesday, Feb. 19, Nutmeg TU member Tristan Wilgan will share his expertise. A tyer of exquisite and effective flies, he runs Tristan’s Fishing Guide Service, and puts clients on fish on rivers around Fairfield County, as well as the Farmington and the Housatonic.

Nutmeg Chapter 217 of Trout Unlimited meets the third Tuesday of each month from September to May at Port 5, 69 Brewster St., Bridgeport, Conn. Meetings are open to all. Pizza is available and drinks may be purchased from Port 5. There is no charge for admission.