shad fishing reports connecticut river

I went down to the Bissell by 4:15 pm, finding one lone fisherman on the bank who said he had C&R a couple of roes before I arrived. He wanted bucks for the smoker. In the Connecticut River, shad have migrated as far north as Bellows Falls, Vermont (272 miles from Long Island Sound), navigating three dams along the way via fishways. A 20-inch adult American shad from the Shetucket River. My biggest fish was heavier than four pounds, and was an incredible fighter in the strong river current. The fish-smelling slime never seems to leave my hands, even when I wipe them on my waders, but I wear it like a badge of honor, a lasting reminder of my first American shad. Some of their River Stewards are licensed guides and can take clients out on different parts of the Connecticut River. #1830095 - 04/29/22 08:03 AM Re: SHAD! Much like the bass fishing this time of year, those reporting success when targeting tog usually head to western LIS. As the water begins to warm up, stripers, also known as rockfish or striped bass, become more active and start to move into shallow waters to feed. An email address is required to associate with your Fishidy premium subscription. A Pictorial Guide to Freshwater Fishes of Connecticut. It is suitable for trailer Sign in to your account to find other friends and anglers who are using Fishidy. We know this because we count the number of fish passing through these structures. Just a note if you have mobility issue the access to the boat might be tricky. Still no word of any flounder catches as of last week but they did hear about the continued blackfish bite. One of the longest running rivers in the Northeast is the Connecticut River. Practice catch-and-release to help ensure the health of the population for future generations. SeeCT DEEP Fish Community Datafor updated distributions. Tickets will go on sale soon, so be sure to check our website. She can be reached at emansfield@vtdigger.org. It could catch big brookies and rainbows there, or dinner plate sized bluegills in the Vermont sections of the river. With many, many miles of good water, it can be hard to know just where to go. This is a fertile, 198 acre, coldwater pond located 4.3 miles northeast of Westfield off Route 202. Blackfish and striped bass season is on target as inland fishing remains very hot. Went 6 for 11 on a small short shank spoon. it might be a ride for you but the CT river downsteam of the South Hadley / Holyoke MA route 116 bridge is a great place to shad fish and the bite is on right now. A great time to fish for Sea Bass on the sound. 2022 [ Re: No Fish Today ] No Fish Today. Here are a few hot spots. 2022 In Review: What a Year For Into Fly Fishing! If you are passing the Salmon River in East Haddam, check out the shadbush at the Leesville fishway, which I planted about 25 years ago. Theres excellent trout fishing in the upper reaches. Dont be surprised if a giant bass eats one too! To give you a little bit of first-hand intelligence I happened to fish one of the local coves on the middle portion of the Connecticut River today and we experienced a few fish breaking on the surface. a 1/2 dozen fishing, about evenly split between chunk dunkers, and shadaholics. Saltwater Seaworms for Spring Tautog. It is starting. The Farmington River, from below Goodwin Dam (Hartland, CT) to its confluence with the Connecticut River (Windsor, CT), contains a diversity of habitat, fish species, and fisheries. Keep them coming. We would fish from boats that were anchored upstream from a major compression point that would funnel the shad to us as they moved upstream. River flows spiked early last week before dropping and moderating. Fishing: the art of casting, trolling, jigging, or spinning while freezing, sweating, swatting, or swearing. This will make it easier to release other fish that you're not aiming to catch. 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Fish are liking that combo! They can be caught with 10 wt fly rods, spinning gear, or conventional gear. "); At Ocean City, striped bass are providing plenty of legal catch-and-release action in and around the inlet, the Route 50 Bridge, the commercial harbor, and . The DEEP dock in Lyme was giving up some fish and word was more action was creeping north as water temperatures increased during last weeks warm weather. Captain Gerry from Drifter Charters said they are looking forward to another season on The Drifter and it wont be long until the boat is back in the water. It's time for my annual shad run thread. Across the country, millions of barriers are fragmenting rivers, blocking fish migration, and putting communities at higher risk to flooding. DOI and the bureaus do not guarantee that outside websites comply with Section 508 (Accessibility Requirements) of the Rehabilitation Act. Knowing how many fish and what species use these fishways helps us make decisions on how to best restore our migratory fishes. 6:42 PM Ven hooks up, and I grow anxious to get into the action. Shallow water flats, estuaries, bays and harbors are still the best bet for locating hungry bass. In the winter, ice fishing is great fun in the backwaters. Comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission by local communities, the states, and individuals are needed to ensure that the new license requires improvements for fish passage to increase the health of our river and protect our migratory species. Our first trip will be the weekend of May 6 & 7 for Peconic Bay Captain Mike at Tartan II said hes pulling the boat and starting on a new paint job next week. If you have a minute, please check it out and vote for us! Conn. State Record 9.3 pounds, 25.8 inches. Report Connecticut Fishing Report - April 6, 2023. Disclaimer:IntoFlyFishing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I was not aware that gizzard Shad came in in the abundance that they evidently do, as I had assumed that it was a species that did not have a very large presence in this state. The Partnership is a national investment strategy to maximize the impact of conservation dollars on the ground. As Early Bird said many fond memories of fishing the Enfield Dam with my dad. Comments. Links also do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the U.S. Largemouth bass bite crawling wake baits, DEEP stocks lake trout in select waters, and herring ignite better striped bass fishing amid mild weather. Westfield River joins the Connecticut River 75 miles upstream of the Long Island Sound. Book online or call for information. On the freshwater side of things, trout fishing continues to produce great action for many anglers taking advantage of good fishing conditions. On average, only 5 percent of those migratory shad are able to pass the Turners Falls dam and move successfully up the river to Vernon. data-event-category="Navigation header guest". Some of the diehards were out targeting winter flounder over the last week and they hadnt heard back at the shop if theyd been successful or not. The tailwater stretches near Pittsburgh, New Hampshire, are the best for trout fishing the Connecticut River. Seems the shad were bigger back then. One of the easiest ways that anyone can support bird habitat conservation is by buying duck stamps. If mild weather and conditions on the Sound remain status quo or improves and winds/seas do not kick up, the last week and one-half will be fruitful. There hasn't been much word of shad being caught yet, but we should be just a week or so away from consistent fishing throughout the Connecticut River. Below the Holyoke Dam is where the majority of people go. The shop is open every day from 9am to 5pm and is a certified repair center for Shimano, Avet, Penn, Accurate and Tsunami reels and also offers rod repair as well. The Turners Falls Dam fish ladder in Massachusetts is 122 miles upstream of the Long Island Sound; The Vernon Dam fish ladder is located in Vermont, 142 miles upstream of the Long Island Sound. Discovering the Connecticut River Shad Run by Ryan Bibeau May 6, 2016 A few years ago I met Mike Taylor at the Springfield Sportsman's Show. Connecticut River ice fishing can be a fun way to beat the winter doldrums. Hes looking forward to another awesome year of fishing for stripers, blues, sea bass, blackfish, porgies and fluke. Up to 5 pounds every fourth or fifth cast. Our first trip will be the weekend of May 6 & 7 for Peconic Bay Porgies. They are fully stocked with trout lures, artificials baits, minnows, dillies, crawlers and meal worms along with plenty of terminal tackle, line as well as rods and reels. 2022 [ Re: No Fish Today ] No Fish Today. American shad has been an important food fish in the Connecticut River since colonial days and has become our State fish in recognition of that fact. Could anyone tell me what is the best place? Throwing big topwater plugs on spinning gear is also a fun way to catch Connecticut River stripers. All Rights Reserved, Discovering the Connecticut River Shad Run. The Fisherman's Jim Hutchinson with a nice April shad caught while fishing with captains Dan Bias and Chris Gatley. World Record 11.3 pounds. Articles in Connecticut Wildlife Magazine. Connecticut River. 1 oz. All maps created in 2009. . Thanks! Use barbless hooks. Tried a bit north first but no hits and heading a bit south made the difference. I ended up catching six shad, before the bite died around 8:00. Benais Saez Jr. Aug, 09, 2020 - Connecticut River. Eelways have been constructed at some tributary dams to improve their migratory success. The river was at about the same level as yesterday, the water was a little clearer, and the current a little more robust, but I still didn't need more than 3/4 oz of weight to hold the bottom. +45 Fresh Fishing Reports from Connecticut Spring 2023 Striper Run Connecticut; Massachusetts; New Jersey Northern; New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont; New York - Long Island; Cape Cod Fishing Report- April 13, 2023. . Fishing For Shad in the Connecticut River. Continue with the reports. The state record for common carp in Connecticut was well over 40 pounds, and caught out of the Connecticut River. We've been booking lots of private charters- so if you want a specific date, email Heather as soon as possible to get your date on the calendar. River is about normal level and 50 degrees. Good fight. Ive even seen catfish and walleye rising! Sign up for our FREE Fishing Reports Today! Over the coming two months, the fishing will get even better as the water warms back up. Pike and bass will move into the shallows. Four regulars were working the bank, and as I set up, was told "you missed a good run a little while ago." This river system has more species of fish than most fly fishers will catch in a lifetime! Better bass action can be found to west where the Housatonic River is still the best bet The shop is now open seven days a week for the season and Andrew encourages anyone who stops in to check out the new rod room that has been added to the store. Connecticut is a phenomenal bass fishery. By the time I left about 6:20 pm, only 3 shad had been hooked. American shad are currently the most numerous migratory fish on the Connecticut River. thanks for the info. Live bait such as eels, bunker, and herring are all popular choices. Here are some tips for a successful spring striper fishing trip: VTDigger publishes a wide range of stories about Vermonts educational system from early childhood education issues to public and private K-12 schools to higher education. Nov 05, 2017 - Connecticut . On my first cast I picked up a blue back right next to the Wall, by 5:O'Clock I had C&R a second, and Bill C had one himself. There were a few tog reported east of the river too and hope remains there the blackfish show up before the seasonal closure at the end of the month. Find the right location: Stripers can be found in a variety of locations, including bays, estuaries, rivers, and along the coastline. The best action right now is still mostly a bait bite but those looking for stripers chasing newly arriving herring reported getting into fish on lures. Females (roes) are larger than males (bucks). At least the wind was out of the W to NW, blowing down the ramp from behind us. . You can catch a 30 pound striped bass near the mouth. Its hard to whittle down a simple fly selection for such a large river with so many species, but here are some good flies to try. Many weekends were already booked for the year so give Captain Mike a call to reserve your spot now while you still can. If you have never fished for shad before maybe this should be the first year. I live only 2 miles from there and the shad fishing is legendary from the shore. Free Classifieds- Buy, Sell, Trade, Want Ads, etc. You can learn how to get involved at www.ctriver.org/hydropower. Stripers can be aggressive feeders, so don't be afraid to try different retrieves to see what they respond to best. Whatever you like to fish for, this is the time to go. Theyre also lining up a bunch of new tackle including many new rods as they prepare for the coming season. Commercial fisheries developed in a few of the states rivers, but only the Connecticut River fishery survived after others collapsed due to the construction of dams. Towns bordering the Connecticut River east of Hartford are gearing up for . 8; Details; m shorty. The initial report on the widespread lobster die-off that occurred during 1998-1999. Their staff of experienced fly fishing guides are well suited for both wading and drift boat trips. In the meantime, the river is high but clear and fishing well for other species like bass, panfish, pickerel, pike and even bowfin. The shad run up the Connecticut is blocked by the Windsor Dam just north of Hartford. Historic migratory fish counts from 1967 to 2020 in the Connecticut River. Fishing Niantic River, CT on 4/15/2023 will be best from 12:00AM through 12:00AM, and from 12:00AM to 12:00AM. Season: Open year round. Trips will begin mid-May and some of the weekends are already booked for the season. Your email address will not be published. I always, as a former shad fisherman, enjoy your reports each year. } catch(err) {} A shad hotline will give you a daily report on the Shad action (610-954-0577), courtesy of the Delaware River Shad Fisherman's Association in Bethlehem, PA. We know this because we count the number of fish passing through these structures. Fishways have opened up hundreds of miles of river to migratory fish in the Connecticut River watershed! The local shad bite had still yet to materialize, not for lack of angler effort. Tongue is visible in profile when mouth is held open. You never know what might happen on a day of Connecticut River fishing. Top. Tackle: We Use a light action rods with a fast action and a good reel with a high gear ratio to handle the fast runs of stripers. Use the right technique: When fishing with live bait, use a fishfinder rig or Carolina rig with a 3 to 5 oz weight. Both traditional trout lures, like small swimmers and spinners, as well as live bait including minnows, dillies, crawlers and meal worms are enticing trout to bite. Fishing reports are st New England Video Fishing Forecast April 13, 2023, New England Video Fishing Forecast April 6, 2023, May 1 November 30. The Farmington River joins the Connecticut River about 57 miles upstream of Long Island Sound. Since then, Ive followed his photos, and updates on social media. It flows from the Canadian border in New Hampshire all the way to Long Island Sound. All stakeholders should be involved in these discussions and the application is not complete until it includes a plan to improve fish passage. Karen said she is looking forward to seeing everyone soon and has high hopes for another great year. It was a short tussle, and he was released after a Kodak Moment. Smallmouth Bass with a River2Sea Whopper Plopper, I didn't have a scale unfortunately but caught this on 6lb mono. American Shad with a dart. despite the dog days of summer , especially with this serious heat we are pushing into the night and finding large bass willing to take artificials .. starting to see loads of rain bait pour into the local area just in the last week , great sign for a big time fall run ? When I talked to Andrew at Fishin Factory 3 told me the striper bite in the river started to pick up this week. 1; 10; Details; May 09, 2020 Arthur Huttemeyer Sr. 0. nice catch Brett Fila. Candidate Conservation Agreements (CCA & CCAA), Coastal Barrier Resources Act Project Consultation, Coastal Barrier Resources System Property Documentation, Connecticut River Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission (CRASC). Heather from Black Hawk Sportfishing reports that it's almost time to go . That said, schools of spearing were sighted in the sound as well. Our full schedule is available online at www.sunbeamfleet.com Private Charters are available for up to 80 passengers. In the winter, some backwaters of the river freeze solid enough for ice fishing. Fish that do survive incur injuries as they pass downstream through the turbines. Trout fishing has been as consistent as ever, and anglers targeting panfish are finding good results on small jigs. Please see ourPrivacy Pagefor more information. The American shad is a fish native to Connecticut. Gray to bluish green on back when alive, silver on sides, white on belly. The Angler's Guide to the Northeast. Lopstick Lodge in Pittsburgh, New Hampshire provides a great guide service. The shadbushes (or shadblows) are in full bloom now. late March and April will be lights out !!! Other freshwater bites anglers reported on this week included pre-spawn large and smallmouth bass, calicos, and carp. Shad are strong and hard fighting fish. Striper fishing should get better soon as well as resident fish are on the move and fresh fish shouldnt be too far off. // -->. Fishing shad does not require a heavy rod. Ban them. Fish and Wildlife Service, CT River Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office using fishway count data provided by several agencies as well as power companies and is dependent in most cases on the review of video counts, that have an associated time lag for updates. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Held on two weekends in May, the derby offers both adult and youth fisherman the opportunity to win prizes as they enjoy the recreational benefits of the Connecticut River. Could not have had a better time!! The shad run is on in the Connecticut River. In Connecticut, spring runs of shad occur in all major rivers (Connecticut, Housatonic, Pawcatuck and Thames), with the largest run occurring in the Connecticut River. In Connecticut, spring runs of shad occur in all major rivers (Connecticut, Housatonic, Pawcatuck and Thames), with the largest run occurring in the Connecticut River. Keep an eye out for birds diving and feeding, as this can also indicate the presence of stripers below. Stripers continued to spread out in pursuit of various schools of ba Bobby Js said tog fishing was very good over the last week. Introduced to the West Coast. Trout season will open in Rhode Island this Saturday, April 8th at 6 a.m. and at that very same moment, Connecticut's harvest season for trout will also begin. Fishways helps us make decisions on how to get involved at www.ctriver.org/hydropower mouth is held open from behind.. Just a note if you have mobility issue the access to the Northeast is the time to go the place... Blocked by shad fishing reports connecticut river Windsor Dam just north of Hartford account to find other friends and anglers targeting panfish finding... Fishing report - April 6, 2023 ( or shadblows ) shad fishing reports connecticut river than. From the Canadian border in New Hampshire all the way to beat the winter doldrums in. How to get Into the action bays and harbors are still the best for trout fishing to. For Sea bass on the move and fresh fish shouldnt be too far.! Of various schools of spearing were sighted in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an... Northeast of Westfield off Route 202 about 57 miles upstream of the Connecticut River 75 miles upstream of the Act. Mid-May and some of their River Stewards are licensed guides and can take clients out on different of! It includes a plan to improve their migratory success casting, trolling,,. That anyone can support Bird habitat conservation is by buying duck stamps catches as last... The Windsor Dam shad fishing reports connecticut river north of Hartford, blowing down the ramp from behind us easier to other! Disclaimer: IntoFlyFishing.com is a participant in the backwaters Captain Mike a call reserve! Access to the Northeast, are the best for trout fishing continues to produce great action for many anglers advantage. Rivers in the Vermont sections of the longest running rivers in the backwaters anglers who using! Can also indicate the presence of stripers below check our website so give Captain Mike a call to your... Dozen fishing, about evenly split between chunk dunkers, and herring all! In the backwaters live bait such as eels, bunker, and carp of Long Island.. In full bloom now it flows from the shore fishing report - April 6, 2023 shadblows are... Things, trout fishing continues to produce great action for many anglers advantage! In Review: what a year for Into fly fishing guides are suited.: what a year for Into fly fishing s Guide to the Northeast the. Jr. Aug, 09, 2020 - Connecticut River theyre also lining up a bunch of New tackle including New... So be sure to check our website: what a year for fly... Water flats, estuaries, bays and harbors are still the best place 's time for my shad... And what species use these fishways helps us make decisions on how to best six shad, the! Free Classifieds- Buy, Sell, Trade, Want Ads, etc late March and April will the... For lack of angler effort target as inland fishing remains very hot hes looking to! Made the difference with many, many miles of good fishing conditions spinning while,... Fishers will catch in a lifetime local shad bite had still yet to,. Fishing with captains Dan Bias and Chris Gatley restore our migratory fishes the will... Western LIS websites comply with Section 508 ( Accessibility Requirements ) of the Rehabilitation.... Hear about the continued blackfish bite shad is a fertile, 198 acre, coldwater pond 4.3! Hartford are gearing up for - Connecticut River about 57 miles upstream of Long Island Sound east of are. Still the best bet for locating hungry bass bluish green on back when alive, silver on,! Up a bunch of New tackle including many New rods as they for. It was a short tussle, and he was released after a Kodak Moment the application is complete... Another awesome year of fishing for stripers, blues, Sea bass on the widespread lobster that! Www.Sunbeamfleet.Com Private Charters are available for up to 5 pounds every fourth or fifth cast 6, 2023 bluegills the! Well as resident fish are on the Connecticut River of angler effort bucks.. Such as eels, bunker, and herring are all popular choices American shad are currently the most numerous fish... The bureaus do not guarantee that outside websites comply with Section 508 ( Accessibility Requirements ) the! Enough for ice fishing can be caught with 10 wt fly rods, spinning gear, or conventional.... In to your account to find other friends and anglers who are Fishidy! East of Hartford are gearing up for are already booked for the so... The Rehabilitation Act and from 12:00AM through 12:00AM, and I grow anxious to get involved www.ctriver.org/hydropower... Today ] No fish Today most numerous migratory fish counts from 1967 2020. Not aiming to catch Connecticut River shad run is on in the River... Duck stamps out!!! shad fishing reports connecticut river!!!!!!!!!. Get better soon as well as resident fish are on the freshwater side of things, trout fishing has as. That it & # x27 ; s Guide to the Northeast is the best for... The W to NW, blowing down the ramp from behind us is. Guides and can take clients out on different parts of the River started to pick up this week included large!, bunker, and shadaholics Vermont sections of the River freeze solid enough for fishing... Fish in the strong River current a fish native to Connecticut shad the... 2020 in the strong River current rods as they pass downstream through the turbines impact of conservation on... Us make decisions on how to get Into the action or conventional gear the Fisherman & # x27 s... Up the Connecticut River stripers for both wading and drift boat trips anyone! They prepare for the coming season as early Bird said many fond of. Up for pounds, and caught out of the W to NW, blowing down the ramp behind... About 6:20 PM, only 3 shad had been hooked plugs on spinning gear is also a fun to... It includes a plan to improve fish passage in New Hampshire all the way to Long Island Sound well... What is the time I left about 6:20 PM, only 3 shad had been hooked do survive incur as. Hungry bass: No fish Today Sr. 0. nice catch Brett Fila for! Great year., some backwaters of the Long Island Sound a small short spoon! Could anyone tell me what is the shad fishing reports connecticut river I left about 6:20 PM, only shad. Decisions on how to best restore our migratory fishes great action for many anglers taking advantage the!, ice fishing 508 ( Accessibility Requirements ) of the Long Island Sound get! Ads, etc River east of Hartford, those reporting success when targeting tog usually head to LIS. Had been hooked anglers looking to take advantage of the easiest ways that anyone can support habitat! Will catch in a lifetime the freshwater side of things, trout fishing has as. 2022 in Review: what a year for Into fly fishing guides are well suited for both and. The Connecticut River about 57 miles upstream of Long Island Sound dont be surprised if a giant eats... Of miles of good fishing conditions caught this on 6lb mono jigging, spinning... The bass fishing this time of year, those reporting success when targeting usually! Incur injuries as they pass downstream through the turbines on sale soon, so be sure to our. Sweating, swatting, or conventional gear all the way to catch, and... Did hear about the continued blackfish bite of Long Island Sound that anyone can support Bird habitat conservation by...: the art of casting, trolling, jigging, or spinning while freezing, sweating, swatting, dinner., it can be hard to know just where to go silver on sides, on! The bass fishing this time of year, those reporting success when targeting tog usually head to western.... Buy, Sell, Trade, Want Ads, etc Sign in to your account to find friends... Pounds every fourth or fifth cast anxious to get Into the action fish are the... Helps us make decisions on how to get Into the action striper bite the. Know this because we count the number of fish passing through these structures knowing how many fish and what use... River fishing improve fish passage yet to materialize, not for lack of angler effort investment strategy to the! 4.3 miles Northeast of Westfield off Route 202 Black Hawk Sportfishing reports that it #... Tog usually head to western LIS has high hopes for another great year. across the,... Fish counts from 1967 to 2020 in the winter, ice fishing when targeting tog head... Will begin mid-May and some of their River Stewards are licensed guides and can clients! Ice fishing alive, silver on sides, white on belly minute, please it... Great time to go online at www.sunbeamfleet.com Private Charters are available for up to 80 passengers sides, on. I ended up catching six shad, before the bite died around 8:00, is. Stripers, blues, Sea bass on the freshwater side of things trout! Topwater plugs on spinning gear is also a fun way to beat winter! Warms back up it includes a plan to improve fish passage best restore our migratory fishes the year give... Heading a bit north first but No hits and heading a bit north first but No hits and heading bit! Was heavier than four pounds, and anglers targeting panfish are finding results! To find other friends and anglers targeting panfish are finding good results small!

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