Nutmeg Chapter Trout Unlimited

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.

Written by NutmegTrout21707Jun, 2017

Free fishing license day June 18

Those who want to learn to fish may try the sport without spending money on a license on the first of two free fishing license days on Fathers Day, Sunday, June 18.

As a result of legislation passed in 2014 (Public Act 14-201) DEEP can designate up to two dates per year as “Free Fishing License Days.” To fish on these days, anyone — resident or non-resident — can obtain a free one-day fishing license good for both the inland and marine districts, a perfect time to “try before you buy.” DEEP encourages all anglers to “cast it forward,” by inviting someone who has never fished or someone who has not fished in a long time to accompany them on a fishing trip.

The free license to fish on this Sunday is now available through the mobile friendly DEEP online sportsmen licensing system (www.ct.gov/deep/sportsmenlicensing).

This day provides families the opportunity to plan a family outing focused around fishing together as each family member 16 years of age or older can obtain a free one-day fishing license.

Written by NutmegTrout21707Jun, 2017

Fish the Farmington June 11

Join Nutmeg TU for a morning of exciting fishing on one of the best rivers in Connecticut, the Farmington River, on Sunday, June 11, starting at 6 a.m. You may come earlier if you wish, I will be there setting up and getting some quick fishing in.

We will be meeting up in the Church Pool parking lot – 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. If you are new to the river or fishing, I will show you techniques and strategies that will have you catching trout in no time. If you are more experienced, I will have maps of spots you can fish.

Following fishing, everyone is welcome to join us for a Breakfast Buffet at the Log House Restaurant. BYOB (Buy Your Own Breakfast)

Please RSVP to Davide Edgeworth so we know who to expect. Text or Email (203) 627-5817 or email – Eggsofan@hotmail.com. You can also RSVP by clicking here.

Written by NutmegTrout21709May, 2017

Housatonic, youth fishing topics May 16

Harold MacMillan of Housatonic River Outfitters will discuss late spring and summer fishing on the river in northwestern Connecticut when he visits the Nutmeg Chapter of Trout Unlimited on Tuesday, May 16, at 7 p.m.

Teen Devin Brandes will also speak about his initiative, You Can Fly, which teaches youths from Bridgeport and other areas how to fly fish.

The meeting at Port 5 Naval Veterans, 69 Brewster St., Bridgeport, is open to the public free of charge; food and a cash bar are available. Tuesday night’s meeting will also include the election of officers for Nutmeg TU.

MacMillan has more than 30 years of fly fishing experience and has traveled to Russia and Belize, but his talk will focus on spots closer to Fairfield County. Cool water refuges make for strong trout fishing in late spring and early summer, and smallmouth bass are ready to put a bend in a rod when air temperatures make it too hot to target trout.

Housatonic River Outfitters Inc. is a full-service fly shop, outfitter, and lodging and guide service at 24 Kent Road in Cornwall Bridge, at the junction of routes 44 and 7. The shop is located on the Housatonic River, famous for some of the most prolific mayfly and caddis hatches in the East. More information may be found at dryflies.com.

The Mianus Chapter of Trout Unlimited is sponsoring a fishing trip and barbecue at Housatonic Meadows State Park in Cornwall Bridge on Saturday, May 20, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch will be served at 1 p.m. To register visit mianustu.org.

The Nutmeg Chapter of Trout Unlimited 217 encompasses 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. More information may be found at nutmegtrout.org.

Written by NutmegTrout21709May, 2017

Pootatuck trip postponed

UPDATE: Due to forecasts for heavy rains and cold, the trip to the Pootatuck River scheduled for Saturday, May 13, has been postponed.

Watch this site for a new date.

ORIGINAL STORY: Nutmeg TU will lead a fishing trip, open to the public, to the Pootatuck River Class 1 Wild Trout Management Area in Newtown on Saturday, May 13, at 9 a.m.

Saturday, May 13, is Free Fishing Day in Connecticut. No license is required, but all other regulations remain in effect.

The trip is open to all. The group will gather just past the Post Office at 23 Commerce Road, at the Trout Management Area sign. Click here for a map on which you can get directions. The sign is near a parking area.

Fly fishing on the Pootatuck River in Sandy Hook lets you enjoy a less used waterway set in a gorgeous natural setting. Veterans and youth welcome. Take fly rods, waders and other gear. Anglers will meet for lunch after fishing.

David Ader will lead the trip.

Click here to RSVP https://www.meetup.com/EASTERN-FAIRFIELD-COUNTY-FISHING-CONSERVATION-Meetup/events/238967315/.

Written by NutmegTrout21709May, 2017

Election of officers May 16

Nutmeg Trout Unlimited Chapter 217 will hold its election of officers at its regular meeting Tuesday, May 16, at Port 5, 69 Brewster St. Bridgeport.

The following slate was approved by the Nutmeg TU Board of Directors at its meeting on April 4:

President – Rich Rosen

Vice President – Jerry Goldstein

Treasurer – open

Assistant Treasurer – open

Secretary – Rich Rosen

Communications – John Kovach, Jerry Goldstein

Conservation – Chuck Petruccelli

Membership – Ed Grzeda

TIC – Dave Edgeworth

Event/meeting planning – John Kovach

Fundraising – open

Anyone interested in serving may contact Rich Rosen.

Written by NutmegTrout21709May, 2017

Free fishing day May 13

Saturday, May 13, is Free Fishing Day in Connecticut.

Anyone can fish, inland or marine waters, without having to have a fishing license. According to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, this is a great chance to share your passion for fishing with your whole family, your significant other, or your BFFs.

All size limits, harvest limits, and other regulations still apply.

Good luck!

Written by NutmegTrout21721Apr, 2017

Planting, fishing on the Mill April 29

The Nutmeg and Mianus chapters of Trout Unlimited will gather to celebrate Arbor Day by planting trees along the Mill River in Fairfield Saturday, April 29, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The project is the latest step in Trout Unlimited’s ongoing rehabilitation of the Mill River, a stream that is home to native brook trout and wild brown trout. Invasive flora has been removed, and native species are being planted along the banks.

Donuts and coffee will be provided. Please bring a shovel.

Friends, kids and anyone who wants to help may attend.

Register below in “Leave A Reply” by sending us your Name & Email Address and stating April 29 Planting Volunteer in the Comments Box. You can also register at mianustu.org.

All Volunteers are asked to register to help with food counts and planning. After registering watch your emails for any additional information and where to meet.

Feel free to take a fly rod to fish the Mill with us after planting is done.

We look forward to seeing you there and come back to this site often for more of our fun events.