The snow keeps coming, and it is putting a hamper on things. It seems only the hardcore anglers are still getting out there. It can be sloppy too, with a lot of water in between the snow and ice. Just be mindful that the snow adds a lot of weight on the ice. It also acts as an insulator and actually slows down ice formation. This can make for some dangerous situations in some places. One angler reportedly fell through at Bantam last week but managed to get out. With that said, always check the ice wherever you go and wear proper safety gear.
Some good largemouths came from Candlewood, Squantz, Ball Pond, Pachaug Pond, Coventry, Lillinonah and Bantam. Smallmouth reports were limited this week with most fish coming from Candlewood and Lillinonah. Smallies can be found stacked up along humps and steep drop offs. Shiners on tip ups produced the most fish but you can’t go wrong rippin’ and pumpin’ small blade baits off the bottom. Frostee spoon jigs have also been productive when trying to entice bass to bite.
Pan fish action remains consistent and is keeping anglers busy. Big yellows came from Candlewood, Lillinonah, Zoar, Avon, Tyler lake and lake Housatonic. Crappie fishing seems to be in a funk as of now. Some anglers are reporting having a hard time finding schooled up fish. Nevertheless, some good reports came from Mamanasco, Lillinonah, Zoar, Rogers and coves along the CT river. Bluegill are in the mix too of course, but it seems they are not as heavily targeted as perch and calico bass. Some successful combos for pan fish lately have been the Clam Outdoors red glow drop jig XL and their epoxy jigs tipped with some Maki scented soft plastics. You also can not go wrong with a classic Swedish Pimple. If you find yourself having a hard time, try dropping down some small shiners. Some days the fish can be tight lipped but a shiner is hard to resist. Candlewood and Squantz continue to produce big browns and great rainbows as well. Some of the recently stocked seeforellen have hit the ice at Squantz and Highland lake again this past week. Most fish have come on shiners. Pike reports have slowed way down. A lot of anglers reported having a difficult time when hunting northerns this week. Some decent fish came from Bantam and Lillinonah. Walleye reports were also slow with a few fish coming from Mashapaug and Pocotopaug. There were also some reports of holder schoolie stripers being jigged up on coves along the CT. The biggest fish reported was only 27″, but its still an interesting and fun way to catch striped bass. The only other thing to report is pickerel and well, anglers don’t seem to be having a difficult time finding them!
NOTE: The Valley Angler’s annual Jig N’ Pig even will take place this Saturday, 2/7. The last day to sign up is Friday, call the shop for more information (203)-792-8324
Kyle Quine
Fishing CT