The ice is finally disappearing after a long and harsh winter. But there is still some ice on quite a few bodies of water, unfortunately. So, things will be interesting come opening day. A lot of winter fish kills are being reported, which is a bummer. Reports were a little soft this past week with unsafe ice still preventing fishing in some areas. Fishing is also limited to water bodies that don’t hold trout right now (except for TMA). Nevertheless, anglers are getting on the water where they can. Many people have been putting in time on the TMA’s in preparation of opening day of trout season which is this Saturday, 4/11. DEEP continued stocking TMA’s this week which included the Salmon River, Yantic river, Saugatuck river, Moosup river, Hammonasset river and West Branch Farmington.
Torrey of UpCountry Outfitters reported that tiny Winter Black Stones (sz8-24) & Early Black Stones (sz12-16) have been all over the river lately. Seeing some Early Brown Stones (sz14-16) as well as Midges (sz20-28) in the afternoons. Also that it’s not too early to start fishing Hendrickson nymphs, they get active and end up in the drift a good month before the hatch begins. These are all good bets when hitting the river. The fishing is getting better by the day.
The Connecticut River has been producing some decent pike on dead baits under floats, and on Rapala Husky Jerks. Anglers have also been hammering white perch on the river. Holdover schoolie stripers have been willing to chew as well. The tidal rivers are moving a bit faster from the rains, and with good flows comes good action. A few anglers reported smaller fish on sand worms and blood worms. The larger fish came after dark with some good-sized bass being landed. Soft plastics fished slowly off the bottom and Daiwa SP Minnows brought in on a very slow retrieve are getting attention from better quality fish. You’ll need to put in your time, though. You have a chance at catching dozens of schoolies with the possibility of a keeper in the mix. Water temps are slowly on the rise and the action will be picking up towards the end of the month. The Bobby J’s Bait & Tackle crew reported catching some great bass up to 18lbs during the night shift. But as they say, don’t chase reports, make them!