FISHING REPORT NUMBER 12: 7/10/2008
INLAND REPORT
LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is generally good to excellent with reports from Ball Pond, Wonoscopomuc Lake, Lake McDonough, Winchester Lake, Aspinook Pond, Mudge Pond, Bantam Lake, Breakneck Pond, Quaddick Reservoir, East Twin Lake, Quonnipaug Lake, Halls Pond, Pickerel Lake, Hatch Pond, Gardner Lake, Candlewood Lake, Black Pond (Woodstock), Middle & Upper Bolton Lakes and Great Hill Pond. Largemouth fishing is reported as fair at Lake Lillinonah and Bashan Lake, and slow at Glasgo Pond.
SMALLMOUTH BASS fishing is variable, with good reports from Candlewood Lake and Bashan Lake, fair reports from Lake Zoar, Coventry Lake, Mashapaug Lake and Wyassup Lake, and slow fishing reported from Lake Lillinonah and Gardner Lake. River smallie action is very good on the Upper Housatonic River, some good reports also for the Willimantic, Farmington (Tariffville area) and Quinebaug Rivers.
NORTHERN PIKE fishing is reported to be good at Bantam Lake, Winchester Lake and Pachaug Pond.
KOKANEE (fish up to 17”) are providing good fishing (try at 20’) at West Hill Pond.
WALLEYE catches reported from Lake Saltonstall, Mashapaug Lake, CoventryLake and Squantz Pond.
SUNFISH – With the summer heat upon us, sunnies are providing good action statewide. Easy to catch, these fish can be a great way to introduce children to fishing, and great action can generally be found in your local ponds. Use worms or poppers on a fly rod. Larger areas to try include Quinnebaug Lake, Bashan Lake, Lake Hayward, Beseck Lake, Amos Lake, Coventry Lake, Lower Bolton Lake, Lake Waramaug, Batterson Park Pond, Great Hill pond, Ball Pond and Black Pond (Meriden).
TROUT
Rivers & streams - With summer temperatures becoming entrenched, early and late in the day are the best times for both trout and trout fishing. Look for browns in the larger, deeper pools and rainbow trout in the fast water. Stream flows statewide are moderate and quite fishable. Good summer trout fishing reported from the Mill river (TMA), Aspetuck River, Salmon River, Blackberry river, Branford River, Eightmile River (Lyme), Hammonasset River, West Branch and mainstem Farmington Rivers, Housatonic River, Naugatuck River, Natchaug River, Tankerhoosen River, Pomperaug River, Norwalk River, Shetucket River, Willimantic River, Natchaug River, Saugatuck River, (TMA), Salmon Brook, Latimer Brook and Coppermine Brook.
Farmington River - West Branch flows continue to be clear and moderate, approximately 380 cfs at Riverton, plus an additional 95 cfs from the Still River. Water temperatures are in the low 60’s°F. Current hatches/patterns include Ephemerella needhami (#22-26, early morning; 9:00am), Isonychia spp. (#12-14, evening), Blue Wing Olives (#16-18 (Drunella lata) & #22-26 (D. cornuta & cornutella), cloudy days, mid-late afternoon), Sulphurs (Epeorus vitreus) duns (#14-18, morning; afternoon to early evening for spinners), Caddis (tan #16-18, all day; green #22-26, evening) and Midges (#22-28, morning). Additionally terrestrials have been very good during the middle of the day and Golden Drake (Potomanthus sps., #10-14, late evening) has also been a successful pattern. A lot of success has also been found below the surface on nymphs, wets and streamers (try bottom bouncing caddis pupa).
Housatonic River - Flows are clear, moderate and very comfortable for fishing, currently 580 cfs at Falls Village and 800 cfs at Gaylordsville. Morning water temperatures (TMA area) are currently in the low 70’s °F. With these warmer temperatures, anglers are reminded that summer can be very stressful to trout, extra care should be taken when handling trout they plan to release. Current hatches/patterns include Alder/Zebra Caddis (Macrostemum zebratum, action slowing, #10-12, afternoon-evening near overhangs), Sulphurs
(#12-14, evening), Blue Wing Olive (#18-22, early morning; spinner fall in evening), Isonychia spp. (#12-14 evening), Light Cahill (#12-14, evening), and Tan & green caddis (#14-16, early morning & evening). Don’t forget streamers (morning & evening). Patterns to try include White Zonkers, Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, and Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10).
Anglers are reminded that the thermal refuge areas on the Housatonic, Naugatuck and Shetucket Rivers are currently closed to fishing and will reopen on September 1. There is no fishing within 100 feet of the mouths of posted tributaries to these rivers.
Lakes & Ponds – A number of lakes are still producing good trout including East Twin Lake (30 fish for one angler, catches include a 5 lb brown) Highland Lake, Candlewood Lake (browns to 20”), Gardner Lake, Wononscopomuc Lake, Crystal (Ellington), Alexander Lake and West Hill Pond (browns to 20”, target them at 25-27’).
CONNECTICUT RIVER – NORTHERN PIKE fishing remains good with a number of catches reported from many of the coves and the Haddam Meadows area, also some catches in the mainstem from Hartford downstream to Haddam.
SMALLMOUTH BASS action is good in the Windsor/Enfield area.
LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing from Wethersfield to Hamburg Cove was reported as fair.
STRIPED BASS are being taken at night in the far lower river on live eels and tube & worm.
CATFISH angling is good, with fish in the 8-10 lb range being taken consistently at night on frozen herring & cut/chunk bait (in the mainstem, try in 5-25’ of water along the outside bends). Coves such as Wethersfield Cove have also been producing well.
FISHING ACCESS & BOAT LAUNCH INFORMATION
•
The state boat launch on the THAMES RIVER in New London will be closed from July 14th to August 28th for renovations.
•
Due to inappropriate off-site parking by some users of the state boat launch at COVENTRY LAKE, once capacity is reached at this launch, further use of the launch will not be allowed until a parking space or spaces become available.
•
Anglers are reminded that the entire “seawall” area extending from the handicap-accessable fishing pier to the permitted swim area at SQUANTZ POND is now closed to all public access.
MARINE FISHING REPORT
Water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) are in the mid to upper 60’s °F. Check out the following web sites for more detailed water temperatures and marine boating conditions:
http://www.mysound.uconn.edu/stationstat.html
http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1
http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/
http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/330.html
Remember, to check the 2008 Connecticut Angler’s Guide for tidal information (page 52) and pages 49-51 for saltwater trophy fish award information.
STRIPED BASS fishing has improved dramatically, rated excellent with many large bass (40 pounds and larger) being taken in the recent week. The approaching July Sturgeon Full Moon on the 18th should provide anglers with the best striper action, with many opportunities to catch a large “Cow” bass. The bait of choice for trophy size “linesiders” (40 pounds and larger) are eels, hickory shad, scup, bunker, butterfish and bait-chunks. The best times are during dawn and dusk, including nighttime and daytime periods of overcast low light conditions. The Race and Outer Bartletts being the hot spot, loaded with Striped bass in the mid-30inch to low 50-inch range. Other fishing locations include the Watch Hill reefs, Ram Island Reef (Fishers Island Sound), the Sluiceway, Plum Gut, inner Bartlett Reef, Hatchett Reef, Crane Reef, Connecticut River between the Baldwin Bridge and the Amtrak RR Bridge, Southwest Reef, Six Mile Reef, the reefs off Branford, Charles Island to Milford Point, the Norwalk Islands and the reefs off Stamford. Two 50 plus pound trophy striped bass were landed this week. Please use circle hooks to avoid gut-hooked fish. With the increasing water temperatures, large “cow” bass are susceptible to hooking mortality from stress, especially when caught in deep water. See page 41 of the CT Angler’s Guide for tips on Catch & Release Fishing.
BLUEFISH the best action of the season with larger “Alligator Blues” showing up and feeding voraciously on juvenile prey (menhaden) fish. Fishing is more consistent in eastern LIS from the Race to Long Sand Shoal being the hot spot, loaded with 5-12 pound bluefish. Bluefish in the mid-20”s to low 30”inch range can be caught off the major current breaks during the day. Other good fishing locations include the Sluiceway, Plum Gut, Bartlett Reef, Hatchett Reef, Connecticut River between the Baldwin Bridge and the Amtrak RR Bridge (incoming tide), New Haven Harbor, Milford Harbor, Lower Thames River, and lower Housatonic River. Bunker, jigs and fish–imitating lures are providing fast and furious action with many anglers coming home with sore and tired arms. Note: snapper blues have arrived, although they are small, 3-4 inches in length. Snapper bluefish is an excellent fish to introduce children to the unique pleasure of saltwater fishing and family fun. Try small fish imitating lures, jigs and light tackle (2-4 pound test fishing line), and have fun. Please practice catch and release.
SUMMER FLOUNDER it appears a slug of “Doormat Fluke” have appeared in Long Island Sound (along with squid) with fishing action being rated good to excellent. Gardiners Bay, Montauk and the south side of Fishers Island still continue to yield double-digit fluke, some approaching 15 lbs. Also the Mystic River, lower Thames River, Niantic River, Black Point, Lower Housatonic River and Connecticut River (during flood tide) are heating up with good consistent action. Fluke are feeding on the many species of juvenile fish including butterfish, menhaden, snapper blues, sand eels, and squid. Mummichogs with squid strips or
fluke bellies are the key to success. Try to keep your bait 6 – 12 inches off the bottom as you drift slowly or cast to fish and retrieve slowly with a jig. Fluke provide fine table fare and are fun to catch.
HICKORY SHAD (“Connecticut Tarpon”) fishing remains good in the Niantic River and fair in the Connecticut River and Clinton Harbor. Incoming tides are best. Shad approaching 20 inches have been caught on willowleafs, shad darts and leadhead jigs with plastic curly tails. Chartreuse, white, red, and copper are the color of choice. Go out and enjoy some great shore-based fishing action.
BLACKFISH is rated fair. Fish weighing 4-8 pounds are common with a few bruisers weighing 15 pounds have been landed. Look for “Reef Bullies” in deeper water near structure (reefs). Hermit crabs, green crabs, Japanese crabs and conch are your best bets to score. Patience is the key with these finicky fish. Remember, 2 fish per angler and 14 inch min. length is in effect.
SCUP (Porgy), the best action of the season, with large schools of 12-16 inch jumbo scup arriving in the sound. Fishing is rated good to excellent for these “Reef Slammers” at any of the major rocky reefs throughout LIS. Try using conch and squid strips just off the bottom on a slip rig. Get ready for some incredible action as these spunky greedy fish swarm all over your bait. Introduce your children to this exciting nonstop fishing action. The best fishing is close to shore around reefs and wrecks with the tide moving.
BLACK SEA BASS fishing is rated good at any of the major and minor (smaller) reefs and wrecks in Long Island Sound. Fish weighing 2-4 pounds are common with a few “bucketmouths” weighing in at 6 pounds have been taken this week. Popular spots include Norwalk Islands, Stratford Shoal/Middle Grounds, Charles Island, Townshend Ledge, Branford Reef, Brown’s Reef, Faulkner’s Island, Kimberly Reef, Ram Island Reef, lower Thames River, Southwest Reef and Black Point in Niantic. Hermit and green crabs, squid strips, peanut bunker and conch are your baits of choice to catch this prized gamefish.Its white flesh is excellent eating.
ATLANTIC BONITO are off Watch Hill and the eastern tip of Fishers Island, Wilderness Point, the Race, Pine Island, and Millstone Point to Pleasure Beach.
BLUE CRAB any tidal creek along the coastline is offering some fair/good opportunities and family fun crabbing for these tasty morsels. Look for “Jimmies” (male crabs) further inshore up tidal creeks, into freshwater. Female crabs (“Lemon Bellies”) will be found in the estuary along the coastline.
A reminder, Blue Crab regulations are as follows: Open season is from May 1-November 30; minimum size is 5 inches for hard shell and 3 1/2 inches for soft shell measured across carapace from spike tip to spike tip. Possession of uncooked blue crabs without the body shell attached is prohibited and only two crabs per body may be possessed. Blue crabs measuring less than the minimum size and all egg bearing females must be returned to the water unharmed. Legal method of take is by scoop net, hand line/trot line, star crab trap and circular topless trap not exceeding 26 inches in diameter, and semi circular cylindrical trap 12 inches or less in diameter. Crabbing gear must be attended at all times.
SQUID FISHING longfin squid have arrived in Long Island Sound. Night squid fishing has become very popular over the last few years. The boat lights attract the squid and the after-dark action begins! Light tackle and a variety of squid jigs are all you need to jig up some of these tasty treats.
For regulation updates, please check our web site: www.ct.gov/dep/fishing.
DEP WEEKLY FISHING REPORT
CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106
INLAND REPORT
LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is generally good to excellent with reports from Ball Pond, Wonoscopomuc Lake, Lake McDonough, Winchester Lake, Aspinook Pond, Mudge Pond, Bantam Lake, Breakneck Pond, Quaddick Reservoir, East Twin Lake, Quonnipaug Lake, Halls Pond, Pickerel Lake, Hatch Pond, Gardner Lake, Candlewood Lake, Black Pond (Woodstock), Middle & Upper Bolton Lakes and Great Hill Pond. Largemouth fishing is reported as fair at Lake Lillinonah and Bashan Lake, and slow at Glasgo Pond.
SMALLMOUTH BASS fishing is variable, with good reports from Candlewood Lake and Bashan Lake, fair reports from Lake Zoar, Coventry Lake, Mashapaug Lake and Wyassup Lake, and slow fishing reported from Lake Lillinonah and Gardner Lake. River smallie action is very good on the Upper Housatonic River, some good reports also for the Willimantic, Farmington (Tariffville area) and Quinebaug Rivers.
NORTHERN PIKE fishing is reported to be good at Bantam Lake, Winchester Lake and Pachaug Pond.
KOKANEE (fish up to 17”) are providing good fishing (try at 20’) at West Hill Pond.
WALLEYE catches reported from Lake Saltonstall, Mashapaug Lake, CoventryLake and Squantz Pond.
SUNFISH – With the summer heat upon us, sunnies are providing good action statewide. Easy to catch, these fish can be a great way to introduce children to fishing, and great action can generally be found in your local ponds. Use worms or poppers on a fly rod. Larger areas to try include Quinnebaug Lake, Bashan Lake, Lake Hayward, Beseck Lake, Amos Lake, Coventry Lake, Lower Bolton Lake, Lake Waramaug, Batterson Park Pond, Great Hill pond, Ball Pond and Black Pond (Meriden).
TROUT
Rivers & streams - With summer temperatures becoming entrenched, early and late in the day are the best times for both trout and trout fishing. Look for browns in the larger, deeper pools and rainbow trout in the fast water. Stream flows statewide are moderate and quite fishable. Good summer trout fishing reported from the Mill river (TMA), Aspetuck River, Salmon River, Blackberry river, Branford River, Eightmile River (Lyme), Hammonasset River, West Branch and mainstem Farmington Rivers, Housatonic River, Naugatuck River, Natchaug River, Tankerhoosen River, Pomperaug River, Norwalk River, Shetucket River, Willimantic River, Natchaug River, Saugatuck River, (TMA), Salmon Brook, Latimer Brook and Coppermine Brook.
Farmington River - West Branch flows continue to be clear and moderate, approximately 380 cfs at Riverton, plus an additional 95 cfs from the Still River. Water temperatures are in the low 60’s°F. Current hatches/patterns include Ephemerella needhami (#22-26, early morning; 9:00am), Isonychia spp. (#12-14, evening), Blue Wing Olives (#16-18 (Drunella lata) & #22-26 (D. cornuta & cornutella), cloudy days, mid-late afternoon), Sulphurs (Epeorus vitreus) duns (#14-18, morning; afternoon to early evening for spinners), Caddis (tan #16-18, all day; green #22-26, evening) and Midges (#22-28, morning). Additionally terrestrials have been very good during the middle of the day and Golden Drake (Potomanthus sps., #10-14, late evening) has also been a successful pattern. A lot of success has also been found below the surface on nymphs, wets and streamers (try bottom bouncing caddis pupa).
Housatonic River - Flows are clear, moderate and very comfortable for fishing, currently 580 cfs at Falls Village and 800 cfs at Gaylordsville. Morning water temperatures (TMA area) are currently in the low 70’s °F. With these warmer temperatures, anglers are reminded that summer can be very stressful to trout, extra care should be taken when handling trout they plan to release. Current hatches/patterns include Alder/Zebra Caddis (Macrostemum zebratum, action slowing, #10-12, afternoon-evening near overhangs), Sulphurs
(#12-14, evening), Blue Wing Olive (#18-22, early morning; spinner fall in evening), Isonychia spp. (#12-14 evening), Light Cahill (#12-14, evening), and Tan & green caddis (#14-16, early morning & evening). Don’t forget streamers (morning & evening). Patterns to try include White Zonkers, Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, and Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10).
Anglers are reminded that the thermal refuge areas on the Housatonic, Naugatuck and Shetucket Rivers are currently closed to fishing and will reopen on September 1. There is no fishing within 100 feet of the mouths of posted tributaries to these rivers.
Lakes & Ponds – A number of lakes are still producing good trout including East Twin Lake (30 fish for one angler, catches include a 5 lb brown) Highland Lake, Candlewood Lake (browns to 20”), Gardner Lake, Wononscopomuc Lake, Crystal (Ellington), Alexander Lake and West Hill Pond (browns to 20”, target them at 25-27’).
CONNECTICUT RIVER – NORTHERN PIKE fishing remains good with a number of catches reported from many of the coves and the Haddam Meadows area, also some catches in the mainstem from Hartford downstream to Haddam.
SMALLMOUTH BASS action is good in the Windsor/Enfield area.
LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing from Wethersfield to Hamburg Cove was reported as fair.
STRIPED BASS are being taken at night in the far lower river on live eels and tube & worm.
CATFISH angling is good, with fish in the 8-10 lb range being taken consistently at night on frozen herring & cut/chunk bait (in the mainstem, try in 5-25’ of water along the outside bends). Coves such as Wethersfield Cove have also been producing well.
FISHING ACCESS & BOAT LAUNCH INFORMATION
•
The state boat launch on the THAMES RIVER in New London will be closed from July 14th to August 28th for renovations.
•
Due to inappropriate off-site parking by some users of the state boat launch at COVENTRY LAKE, once capacity is reached at this launch, further use of the launch will not be allowed until a parking space or spaces become available.
•
Anglers are reminded that the entire “seawall” area extending from the handicap-accessable fishing pier to the permitted swim area at SQUANTZ POND is now closed to all public access.
MARINE FISHING REPORT
Water temperatures in Long Island Sound (LIS) are in the mid to upper 60’s °F. Check out the following web sites for more detailed water temperatures and marine boating conditions:
http://www.mysound.uconn.edu/stationstat.html
http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1
http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/
http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/330.html
Remember, to check the 2008 Connecticut Angler’s Guide for tidal information (page 52) and pages 49-51 for saltwater trophy fish award information.
STRIPED BASS fishing has improved dramatically, rated excellent with many large bass (40 pounds and larger) being taken in the recent week. The approaching July Sturgeon Full Moon on the 18th should provide anglers with the best striper action, with many opportunities to catch a large “Cow” bass. The bait of choice for trophy size “linesiders” (40 pounds and larger) are eels, hickory shad, scup, bunker, butterfish and bait-chunks. The best times are during dawn and dusk, including nighttime and daytime periods of overcast low light conditions. The Race and Outer Bartletts being the hot spot, loaded with Striped bass in the mid-30inch to low 50-inch range. Other fishing locations include the Watch Hill reefs, Ram Island Reef (Fishers Island Sound), the Sluiceway, Plum Gut, inner Bartlett Reef, Hatchett Reef, Crane Reef, Connecticut River between the Baldwin Bridge and the Amtrak RR Bridge, Southwest Reef, Six Mile Reef, the reefs off Branford, Charles Island to Milford Point, the Norwalk Islands and the reefs off Stamford. Two 50 plus pound trophy striped bass were landed this week. Please use circle hooks to avoid gut-hooked fish. With the increasing water temperatures, large “cow” bass are susceptible to hooking mortality from stress, especially when caught in deep water. See page 41 of the CT Angler’s Guide for tips on Catch & Release Fishing.
BLUEFISH the best action of the season with larger “Alligator Blues” showing up and feeding voraciously on juvenile prey (menhaden) fish. Fishing is more consistent in eastern LIS from the Race to Long Sand Shoal being the hot spot, loaded with 5-12 pound bluefish. Bluefish in the mid-20”s to low 30”inch range can be caught off the major current breaks during the day. Other good fishing locations include the Sluiceway, Plum Gut, Bartlett Reef, Hatchett Reef, Connecticut River between the Baldwin Bridge and the Amtrak RR Bridge (incoming tide), New Haven Harbor, Milford Harbor, Lower Thames River, and lower Housatonic River. Bunker, jigs and fish–imitating lures are providing fast and furious action with many anglers coming home with sore and tired arms. Note: snapper blues have arrived, although they are small, 3-4 inches in length. Snapper bluefish is an excellent fish to introduce children to the unique pleasure of saltwater fishing and family fun. Try small fish imitating lures, jigs and light tackle (2-4 pound test fishing line), and have fun. Please practice catch and release.
SUMMER FLOUNDER it appears a slug of “Doormat Fluke” have appeared in Long Island Sound (along with squid) with fishing action being rated good to excellent. Gardiners Bay, Montauk and the south side of Fishers Island still continue to yield double-digit fluke, some approaching 15 lbs. Also the Mystic River, lower Thames River, Niantic River, Black Point, Lower Housatonic River and Connecticut River (during flood tide) are heating up with good consistent action. Fluke are feeding on the many species of juvenile fish including butterfish, menhaden, snapper blues, sand eels, and squid. Mummichogs with squid strips or
fluke bellies are the key to success. Try to keep your bait 6 – 12 inches off the bottom as you drift slowly or cast to fish and retrieve slowly with a jig. Fluke provide fine table fare and are fun to catch.
HICKORY SHAD (“Connecticut Tarpon”) fishing remains good in the Niantic River and fair in the Connecticut River and Clinton Harbor. Incoming tides are best. Shad approaching 20 inches have been caught on willowleafs, shad darts and leadhead jigs with plastic curly tails. Chartreuse, white, red, and copper are the color of choice. Go out and enjoy some great shore-based fishing action.
BLACKFISH is rated fair. Fish weighing 4-8 pounds are common with a few bruisers weighing 15 pounds have been landed. Look for “Reef Bullies” in deeper water near structure (reefs). Hermit crabs, green crabs, Japanese crabs and conch are your best bets to score. Patience is the key with these finicky fish. Remember, 2 fish per angler and 14 inch min. length is in effect.
SCUP (Porgy), the best action of the season, with large schools of 12-16 inch jumbo scup arriving in the sound. Fishing is rated good to excellent for these “Reef Slammers” at any of the major rocky reefs throughout LIS. Try using conch and squid strips just off the bottom on a slip rig. Get ready for some incredible action as these spunky greedy fish swarm all over your bait. Introduce your children to this exciting nonstop fishing action. The best fishing is close to shore around reefs and wrecks with the tide moving.
BLACK SEA BASS fishing is rated good at any of the major and minor (smaller) reefs and wrecks in Long Island Sound. Fish weighing 2-4 pounds are common with a few “bucketmouths” weighing in at 6 pounds have been taken this week. Popular spots include Norwalk Islands, Stratford Shoal/Middle Grounds, Charles Island, Townshend Ledge, Branford Reef, Brown’s Reef, Faulkner’s Island, Kimberly Reef, Ram Island Reef, lower Thames River, Southwest Reef and Black Point in Niantic. Hermit and green crabs, squid strips, peanut bunker and conch are your baits of choice to catch this prized gamefish.Its white flesh is excellent eating.
ATLANTIC BONITO are off Watch Hill and the eastern tip of Fishers Island, Wilderness Point, the Race, Pine Island, and Millstone Point to Pleasure Beach.
BLUE CRAB any tidal creek along the coastline is offering some fair/good opportunities and family fun crabbing for these tasty morsels. Look for “Jimmies” (male crabs) further inshore up tidal creeks, into freshwater. Female crabs (“Lemon Bellies”) will be found in the estuary along the coastline.
A reminder, Blue Crab regulations are as follows: Open season is from May 1-November 30; minimum size is 5 inches for hard shell and 3 1/2 inches for soft shell measured across carapace from spike tip to spike tip. Possession of uncooked blue crabs without the body shell attached is prohibited and only two crabs per body may be possessed. Blue crabs measuring less than the minimum size and all egg bearing females must be returned to the water unharmed. Legal method of take is by scoop net, hand line/trot line, star crab trap and circular topless trap not exceeding 26 inches in diameter, and semi circular cylindrical trap 12 inches or less in diameter. Crabbing gear must be attended at all times.
SQUID FISHING longfin squid have arrived in Long Island Sound. Night squid fishing has become very popular over the last few years. The boat lights attract the squid and the after-dark action begins! Light tackle and a variety of squid jigs are all you need to jig up some of these tasty treats.
For regulation updates, please check our web site: www.ct.gov/dep/fishing.
DEP WEEKLY FISHING REPORT
CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106