ICE FISHING REPORT NUMBER 3 2/4/2009

bigoutdoors

ICE FISHING REPORT NUMBER 3 2/4/2009
Duane Raver/USFWS

SAFETY REMINDER: DEP reminds winter anglers that SAFETY COMES FIRST! Be aware that ice thickness varies on all water bodies due to a number of environmental factors including in-lake water circulatory patterns, snow cover and the type and amounts of recent precipitation. Please check the ice carefully before venturing out and check repeatedly to make sure that ice thickness is sufficient. Always let someone know where you are going and when you’ll return.

ICE FISHING REPORT This winter has been generally colder than the past several winters and a good layer of ice is on most of our waters. Ice fishermen have been taking advantage of the abundant ice cover and are enjoying the best winter fishing conditions in years.

TROUT - Among the locations to try are Coventry Lake, Crystal Lake, Highland Lake, East Twin Lake, Tyler Lake, Amos Lake, Candlewood Lake, Mohawk Pond, Mt. Tom Pond, Beach Pond, Long Pond, Bigelow Pond, Black Pond (Meriden) and Stillwater Pond.

NORTHERN PIKE - Fishing for these monsters continues to be excellent. Best reports are from Mansfield Hollow Reservoir, Bantam Lake, Winchester Lake and the Connecticut River coves.

ATLANTIC SALMON – Several catches reported from Crystal Lake (Ellington) and Mashapaug Lake.

YELLOW PERCH – This tasty winter favorite is being caught at West Thompson Reservoir, Wethersfield Cove, Hayward Lake, Tyler Lake, Candlewood Lake (jumbos), Coventry Lake, Bashan Lake, Winchester Lake, Highland Lake, Beseck Lake, Gardner Lake, East Twin Lake, Silver Lake, Beach Pond, Long Pond, Stillwater Pond and Park Pond.

PANFISH are being caught in good numbers, early mornings are most productive. Jigging with corn/grubs on your favorite lure and moving from place to place works well. Locations to try include Candlewood Lake, Highland Lake, Pines Acres Lake, Anderson Pond, Winchester Lake, Red Cedar Lake, Hayward Lake, Gardner Lake, Coventry Lake, Silver Lake (Berlin/Meriden), Peck Pond and Stillwater Pond.

CHAIN PICKEREL – Excellent pickerel fishing is reported at Winchester Lake, Highland Lake, West Twin Lake, Tyler Lake, Beseck Lake, Wood Creek Pond and Halls Pond.

SMALLMOUTH/LARGEMOUTH BASS - Bass are being found at Wethersfield Cove, Mashapaug Lake, Bigelow Pond, Rogers Lake, Candlewood Lake (3-4 lb smallmouth), Pickerel Lake, Coventry Lake, Silver Lake (Berlin/Meriden), Bashan Lake, Billings Lake, Mudge Pond, Mono Pond, Aspinook Pond, Dog Pond, Ball Pond and Beach Pond.

DEP ICE FISHING REPORT CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106 www.ct.gov/dep