Trout eggs delivered to TIC sites

On Friday, Nov 17, the Trout in the Classroom programs statewide received their eggs from the DEEP.

TIC coordinators gather at a commuter parking lot, where the DEEP distributes the eggs to each chapter.

The Nutmeg Chapter has 15 schools participating in this valuable educational tool. Hundreds of students throughout Nutmeg’s district are involved in raising Trout Eggs. Nutmeg TU covers the towns of Fairfield, Westport, Weston, Easton,  Redding, Trumbull, Monroe, Bridgeport, Stratford, Milford and Shelton.

Through hands-on activities, TIC uses an inter-disciplinary approach that adds to the the scientific concepts taught that directly impact the student’s lives and environment. This is an important program that is training the environmental stewards and leaders for the future

“The excitement in each classroom when the eggs arrive is unbelievable, like they were getting pizza delivered,” Nutmeg TU TIC Chairman Dave Edgeworth said.

More than $1,000 donated for Mill River

Thanks to the support of our members and community, the Nutmeg Chapter of Trout Unlimited raised more than $1,000 in additional funding for work to restore the Mill River at the Fairfield-Easton border along Congress Street through the Embrace a Stream Challenge, presented by Trout Unlimited and Orvis.

This combined with the $670 previously awarded will allow us to complete the project in the spring of 2018.

Working closely with the Town of Fairfield Conservation Department, we have reduced the knotweed problem and planted hundreds of native trees and bushes.

A regulation change is pending at the state level which would make the area where work is being done a Wild Trout Management Area. By increasing the depth of the river along Congress Street the river will better host the wild trout population.

In the spring we will use these funds to anchor discarded Christmas trees to the banks, where the branches will trap sediment and help form new, natural banks. The riverbanks that accumulate there will reroute the Mill River to its original track, and create better habitat for the native trout.

We invite the community to join us in the spring to help with the tree anchoring. Members and nonmembers are invited to join us at our monthly meetings, fishing outings and conservation events. You can follow us on Facebook or find about upcoming events at our website https://www.nutmegtrout.org and on MeetUp.

Rich Rosen

President

Nutmeg Trout Unlimited Chapter 217

World record striper angler to speak

Greg Myerson, who caught the world record striped bass off Connecticut, will explain how to have the big fish find you when he speaks to the Nutmeg Chapter of Trout Unlimited on Tuesday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m.

The meeting, open to the public and anglers of all styles, will be held at Port 5, 69 Brewster St., in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport. Pizza will be available, and beverages can be purchased from Port 5.

Born in New York but raised in Wallingford, Myerson currently holds four world records for stripers, including the striper caught off Westbrook weighing 81 pounds, 15 ounces, the all-tackle length world record at 113 centimeters, and the catch and release world record that he caught with his partner Captain Frank Crescitelli. All his fishing gear utilizes his patent-pending sound technology, and he continues to invent fishing tackle that catches monster stripers, bluefish, blackfish, sharks, and a host of other species.

Myerson’s fishing strategies, tips, and tournaments can be found at worldrecordstripercompany.com/blog.

Trout Unlimited’s mission is to conserve, protect and restore North America’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds.

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.

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.

 

Tying flies for Casting for Recovery

Nutmeg TU has fly tying group

Tying flies for Casting for Recovery

The Nutmeg TU fly tying group will meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 7-9 pm with our host Chuck McMath.  

The cost is $2 per session to cover the cost of materials.  

A link to RSVP for host’s email & meetup location can be found on each fly tying date on the calendar at nutmegtrout.org.  You must RSVP to each tying meetup through the link for that night’s event.

All are welcome, beginners are encouraged to attend.  

Vises, tools and materials are available if needed.

 

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.

Ben Bilello with a salmon he caught

Fall trip for salmon planned

Ben Bilello with a salmon he caught

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.

 

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.

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.

Harold MacMillan

Housatonic, youth fishing topics May 16

Harold MacMillanHarold 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.