Nutmeg cleans up Pequonnock River
New member Joey Ortiz, helped by TU Regional Coordinator Jesse Vadala, organized a cleanup of the Pequonnock River between Quarry Road and Beardsley Park on Sunday, Nov. 13.
Tie Goldie, other flies Tuesday at Port 5
Learn how to tie the versatile streamer Goldie, and other favorite flies, at the nest general meeting of Nutmeg TU Tuesday, Nov. 15, at Port 5, 69 Brewster St., Bridgeport.
Pizza will be served at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will start a 7 p.m.
Cliick here to register. There is no charge for admission.
Paul Dinice returns to Nutmeg TU to show us how to tie Goldie, which can be used in freshwater or salt, in a variety of colors designed to attract fish of several species.
Nutmeg TU members will demonstrate some of their favorite ties as well, offering a chance to learn some tips on tying your own.
Clean the Pequonnock River and Beardsley Park Nov. 13
Community Trash Cleanup Event – 11/13 @ 10 AM
All Ages – Open to the Public – Families Encouraged!
Have you ever been to the Pequonnock River in Bridgeport, CT? The Beardsley Park section is loved and supported by many locals who visit for some excellent seasonal trout fishing, streamside relaxation, gatherings with family, and general recreation. However, due to its popularity and proximity to major roadways, the Beardsley Park section receives quite a lot of discarded trash from visitors and road water/waste runoff.
On Sunday, November 13th at 10AM we will be meeting at Beardsley Park to clean the section of the Pequonnock river between Beardsley Park and Quarry Road. Hot cider and Coffee will be provided. Please dress warm and bring a pair of abrasion resistant gloves, a hat, and your fishing rod (if you have one). We will distribute trash bags and clean our way from the meeting point to Quarry Road along the bike path of the river. Prizes will be awarded to those with the most trash, and the most unique item found. Winners will be announced after trash is brought to the location designated by the City of Bridgeport. After the cleanup, fly-casting lessons will be available for all ages. No experience or gear is required. There will be an optional meetup at a local craft brewery, Brewport, for those wishing to gather for lunch and conversation after the event.
This event is made possible by the members of the Nutmeg Chapter of Trout Unlimited. If you would like to learn more about the fine conservation and angling opportunities created by this group, members will be on-site to answer your questions.
Campville Salmon trip canceled
The salmon trip to Campville scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 12, has been canceled due to heavy flows.
Nutmeg TU Contact: Alex Ziemkiewicz agz3026@gmail.com or 203-209-6689.
Fish Milford Point Sunday, Oct. 30
Join Nutmeg TU to fish for Fall run Stripers and Blues at the mouth of the Housatonic River at the Milford Audubon Center Sunday, Oct 30, from 10 AM to 2 PM. Click here for directions.
Click here to register for the free event.
This is a great spot for fly or spin fishers and a terrific opportunity to learn about the lower Housy (which is also a Spring run hotspot). We will meet in the parking area of the Milford Audubon and walk out to the mouth of the Housatonic River. Please note, it is about a half-mile walk from the parking lot to Milford Point & the Housatonic. We will fish the incoming tide (low tide around 9:45 AM.
For fly fishing we recommend an 8-10 weight rod. Most common is an intermediate or sink-tip line. Standard Clousers, Deceivers and other baitfish patterns are most popular. Spin fishers can use a variety of swimming plugs or soft plastics. You will need full waders.
Ed Grzeda will lead the outing. Email Ed at ctfishcrow@gmail.com or contact at (224) 234-3381 with any questions.
Fly tying to precede Tuesday meeting
Fly tyers one and all! There are few things more satisfying than catching a fish on a fly you tied yourself.
To that end, Nutmeg member Chuck MacMath is offering a fly-tying session before our next meeting Tuesday, Oct. 18, at Port 5 in Bridgeport. This is open to both absolute beginners as well as advanced practitioners of the art. His session will start at 6 p.m., one hour before the start of the regular meeting, featuring a talk by Ben Bilello on affordable salmon fishing.
Don’t worry if you don’t have the gear or experience; for those who don’t, the chapter can provide gear and Chuck will guide you. But if you have your own tools and vise, bring them.
The cost? A mere $1 to cover materials. Folks, you can’t buy a single fly for $1 these days so Chuck’s generosity to say nothing of his expertise is a bargain. Here’s a chance to get ahead of inflation, ahead of the season, and learn or develop your fly-tying skills.
A tree falls in Westport – and will stay there
By David Ader
As has happened in the past when a large tree falls into the Saugatuck off Ford Road anglers tend to balk and insist that it be removed. When I chat with the random fisherman and mention my affiliation with TU more often than not said angler will say, “Why don’t you get rid of that thing? It’s your job.”
An especially large one fell just downstream from the bridge that leads to the offices of Bridgewater Associates, now empty and up for grabs. In anticipation of the requests when fishing improves, I along with my buddy Andy McNab approached a number of officials from the Westport Conservation Commission to DEEP, and indirectly to the USGS, and a guy named “Vinnie the Axe” who handles things for me on occasion.That last bit is not true.
Anyway, after a very informative walk and talk with Jeff Yates of TU and Gerald Berratfati, who leads the Minanus Chapter, we’ve arrived at the conclusion that it’s best to leave the tree alone. Aside from the complications and costs involved in removing it, the tree will move to the bank when we get a strong flow and provide something of a natural revetment in that stretch that would enhance the habitat. Further, I know of several dozen flies I’ve lost in the branches and so the tree offers accessibility to the treasure-hunting angler that didn’t exist when the tree was standing. Nature has worked in our favor.
So, if asked what’s done be done the answer is nothing; the thing to do is let the river do the work, create a bend, and give the fish a place to hide.
Fish for Atlantic Salmon without breaking the bank
Learn how to target a bucket list species – Atlantic Salmon – without spending an arm and a leg when Ben Bilello visits the Nutmeg Chapter of Trout Unlimited on Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m. at Port 5, 69 Brewster St., Bridgeport, CT.
The meeting is open to all, free of charge. Click here to register.
Ben’s talk will be preceded at 6 p.m. by fly tying with Chuck MacMath.
This is our first in-person meeting since the onset of COVID-19. Click here to register. Pizza will be available: beverages can be purchased from Port 5.
“Often referred as the “sport of kings,” Atlantic salmon fishing has the reputation of being unaffordable to the average angler. While it is possible to spend vast sums of money in pursuit of the ‘king of gamefish,’ good fishing can be had for reasonable prices if one knows when and where to go,” according to benbilello.com. “For American anglers, Canada offers a variety affordable options. Each Canadian province has its own unique run of fish and its own set of rules. Run timing, regulations, and access can be confusing to new salmon anglers. With an understanding of the basics, a productive Atlantic salmon fishing trip is possible for anglers of all means.”
Ben has previously spoken to the chapter about salmon flies and salmon fishing, and his talks fill halls around the region.
Fly tying group to begin meeting Oct. 11
Are you a fly tying pro? Or perhaps you’ve never tied a feather to a hook, but are intrigued by this wonderful hobby that allows you to deepen your appreciation for fly fishing and nature?
Either way, you are cordially invited to join us on Tuesday, October 11 at 7 pm. If you have your own vise and tools, please bring them with you. Please bring $1 to cover materials.
A head count is needed by Sunday. October 9. To register and get the address for the event, email Gian Morresi, gmorresi@gmail.com
Fish the Pequonnock Oct. 9
Explore the beautiful Pequonnock River basin located in the heart of Trumbull, a stretch of about 2 miles of scenic, fishable water.
The Pequonnock is a great streamer/nymph and spin fishing river.
We will fish for rainbow and brown trout in the lower end of the Trumbull basin and walk upstream, as far as we want to go.
Meet at the Daniels Farm Rt. 25 Park and Ride at 9:00 and then it’s only a five minute walk down to the river.
Click here to register: https://tu.myeventscenter.com/event/Fish-The-Pequonnock-Oct-9-69439
Hopefully the river will be stocked by then. If not, we’ll switch to a different river at the last minute. Stay tuned.
Questions can be directed to Rich Rosen at rhrosen@aol.com.