Connecticut DEP Begins Fall Broodstock Atlantic Salmon Stocking
October 12, 2008
Salmon to go in Shetucket and Naugatuck Rivers and Crystal and Mashapaug Lakes
Atlantic salmon are renowned for their size, beauty and fighting ability when caught by angling.
If hooking-up with one of these exceptional fish sounds like an exciting way to spend a beautiful crisp late fall day, then the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has a fantastic opportunity for you.
The DEP today announced the beginning of its annual stockings of surplus broodstock Atlantic salmon. In the first of several stockings, DEP’s Inland Fisheries Division will be releasing a total of 370 salmon into the Shetucket River and the Naugatuck River this week (October 6th-9th). An additional 80 salmon will be released into Crystal Lake (Ellington) and Mashapaug Lake (Union).
“The broodstock Atlantic salmon stocking program is quite popular,” said DEP Commissioner Gina McCarthy. “Catching an Atlantic salmon is very special to many anglers. Until this program was started in the early 1990’s, the thought of fishing for Atlantic salmon in Connecticut was only a dream.”
The fish being stocked are the progeny of sea-run salmon that returned to the Connecticut River. They were raised in hatcheries to provide eggs for the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program. Having served this purpose, they will provide a unique opportunity for Connecticut anglers.
The 450 fish being released this week are surplus and barren fish from the Kensington State Fish Hatchery and weigh between 2 and 15 pounds each with some fish up to 20 pounds. Following spawning, the DEP expects an additional 500 salmon from the Kensington Hatchery will be available for stocking in November. Salmon from the White River National Fish Hatchery in Vermont may also become available for stocking during late October and November.
For the second consecutive year, DEP will be stocking several lakes with broodstock Atlantic salmon. DEP began stocking surplus Atlantic salmon in 1992, and until last year (2007), all fish had been stocked only into the Naugatuck and Shetucket Rivers. However, in October 2007, stream flows in the Shetucket River had declined to levels unsuitable for stocking large salmon and the first group of salmon scheduled for the river were instead stocked into Beach Pond (Voluntown) and Crystal Lake. The DEP took advantage of last year’s lake stockings by collecting data on the resulting fisheries which indicated that salmon fishing in lakes might be popular. As a result, the DEP decided to stock Mashapaug Lake and Crystal Lake on an experimental basis with salmon from this year’s allotment. More extensive data on angler activity and catch rates will be collected throughout the fall and winter. This information will be used to determine future stocking decisions
Details on the stocking and fishing regulations
Anglers should be aware that the regulations for broodstock Atlantic salmon released into lakes and ponds are different from the regulations for salmon that they are accustomed to on the Naugatuck, Housatonic and Shetucket Rivers. In each lake, the regulations for methods, seasons and minimum lengths for salmon are the same as for trout in that specific water body but the daily creel limit will be one salmon per day. As such, specific regulations for salmon fishing in Crystal Lake, Mashapaug Lake and Beach Pond can be found in the 2008 Connecticut Angler’s Guide and are provided at the conclusion of this news release.
Atlantic salmon broodstock are stocked into three designated Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Areas: the Shetucket River between Scotland Dam (Scotland) and Occum Dam (Norwich); the “Campville Section” of the upper Naugatuck River from Route 118 downstream to the Thomaston Flood Control Dam (Litchfield-Thomaston); and the “Beacon Falls Section” of the lower Naugatuck from Prospect Street (Naugatuck) downstream to Pines Bridge Road (Route 42 bridge, Beacon Falls).
Anglers are allowed to fish for salmon in the Naugatuck River from the confluence of the East and West Branches (Torrington) downstream to the Housatonic River (Derby). Anglers may also fish for Atlantic salmon in the Housatonic River downstream of Derby Dam. On the Shetucket River, anglers can fish for salmon downstream from the Scotland Dam (Windham) to the Water Street Bridge in Norwich (the first bridge upstream of Norwich Harbor).
In the Naugatuck, Housatonic and Shetucket Rivers, angling for Atlantic salmon is restricted to catch-and-release only through November 30. From December 1, 2008, through March 31, 2009, the daily creel limit for Atlantic salmon will be one. During the open season in the rivers, the legal method for taking Atlantic salmon is limited to angling using a single fly, or an artificial lure with a single free swinging hook and no additional weight can be added to the line above the fly or lure. Also, from October 1st through March 31st, fishing for other species in the designated Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Areas is restricted to the gear legal for Atlantic salmon.
The regulations for broodstock Atlantic salmon stocked into lakes and ponds will be posted at each water body. Anglers can also contact the DEP Inland Fisheries Division (860-424-FISH) for more information and stocking updates. All other regulations, including those for broodstock salmon in the Naugatuck, Housatonic and Shetucket Rivers, can also be found in the 2008 Connecticut Angler’s Guide. Guides are available from Town Clerks, many bait & tackle stores, or by contacting the DEP Inland Fisheries Division (860-424-FISH). The Angler’s Guide, Weekly Fishing Reports and news releases can all be found on the DEP web site at: www.ct.gov/dep/fishing
Regulations for Atlantic salmon fishing in Crystal Lake, Mashapaug Lake and Beach Pond (not stocked in 2008, but some salmon may remain from 2007) are as follows:
- Legal Methods: Angling and Ice Fishing - Fishing with hook and line. May include fishing with bait, flies or lures.
- Open Season: Third Saturday in April through last day in March.
- Minimum Length: Salmon must be greater than or equal to 16 inches to keep.
- Daily creel limit: 1 Atlantic salmon
- Legal Methods: Angling and Ice Fishing – Fishing with hook and line. May include fishing with bait, flies or lures.
- Open Season: Third Saturday in April through last day in February.
- Minimum Length: None
- Legal Methods: Angling and Ice Fishing – Fishing with hook and line. May include fishing with bait, flies or lures.
- Open Season: Third Saturday in April through last day in February.
- Minimum Length: None
- Daily creel limit: 1 Atlantic salmon
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Fall Stockings and Sufficient Flows Mean a Great Autumn for Trout Anglers Urban Fishing Areas of Connecticut, Trout Parks and TMA’s Among the Areas to be Stocked
September 23, 2008
FALL…when cool, crisp days, clear blue skies, bright white clouds, and vibrant foliage provide a spectacular backdrop for trout fishing! The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced that its annual autumn trout stockings have begun. During September and October, DEP expects to release nearly 44,000 trout into selected waters throughout the state. Among the areas scheduled for stocking this fall are twenty-four lakes and ponds, nineteen rivers and streams including twelve Trout Management Areas (TMA), four “Urban Fishing Areas”, and nine Trout Parks.
This fall, DEP will again stock four of its “Urban Fishing Areas”, Bunnells Pond (Bridgeport), Keney Pond (Hartford), Lake Wintergreen (Hamden) and Mohegan Park Pond (Norwich). These lakes and ponds have been designated as “Urban Fishing Areas” and are intended to create and enhance fisheries in urban areas as part of the DEP’s “No Child Left Inside” initiative. “This will be the second consecutive year that these four areas have been stocked with trout in the spring, catfish in the summer, and trout again in the fall. They should provide excellent opportunities for children and families to get outside and enjoy fishing without having to travel far,” said DEP Commissioner Gina McCarthy.
Also intended to be attractive areas for families to get together and fish are the designated Trout Parks. All the Trout Parks that DEP plans to stock this fall will be stocked twice. “Our designated Trout Parks have become quite popular with anglers,” said Commissioner McCarthy. “Trout Parks are great places for a family to spend an afternoon fishing and picnicking, especially during the height of the foliage season.”
Conditions for both trout and trout anglers this fall should be much improved over last year when low stream flows extended well into the fall, especially in eastern Connecticut. “Last year, many rivers and streams couldn’t be stocked,” noted Bill Hyatt, Director of DEP’s Inland Fisheries Division. “Conditions in 2008 have been much better, with moderate temperatures and plenty of water. Barring any unforeseen storms, Connecticut anglers can look forward to excellent trout fishing throughout the fall.”
This year, of the approximately 44,000 trout scheduled to be released in the fall, 14,000 will be large brown trout (greater than 12 inches in length) that are being stocked in September; whereas 30,000 will be standard size (9-12 inch) rainbow trout that will be stocked in October. DEP started stocking trout in early September to take advantage of the longer day-length and the better weather found in late summer and early fall. The extended season will facilitate multiple stockings of a number of the more popular areas including the Trout Parks.
Among the Trout Management Areas (TMA) to be stocked this fall are the two areas on the Housatonic River. DEP will be releasing 1,200 brown trout into the Housatonic River TMA and 400 brown trout into the Bull’s Bridge TMA. These stockings are intended to enhance the population of large trout on the river. Recent DEP sampling found populations of “holdover” trout to be at low levels, possibly due to last year’s extreme conditions.
DEP also reminds anglers that the West Branch Farmington River (West Branch Reservoir to the West Branch TMA upper boundary) did receive its annual Labor Day stocking. In late August, a total of 2,400 trout (mostly 14-16 inch brown trout, with a few 12-14 inch rainbow trout mixed in) were released.
Trout Parks have a two-fish per day creel limit. Fishing in all sixteen Trout Management Areas is catch-and-release only during the fall. Regulations vary on many of the other waters to be stocked this fall. The DEP advises anglers to check fishing regulations in their 2008 Connecticut Angler’s Guide. Guides are available from Town Clerks, many bait & tackle stores, or by contacting the DEP Inland Fisheries Division (860-424-FISH). The Angler’s Guide, Weekly Fishing Reports and news releases can all be found on the DEP web site at: www.ct.gov/dep
Below are list of the Urban fishing Areas, Trout Parks, Trout Management areas, and other locations that are scheduled to be stocked this fall. Fall trout stocking is currently scheduled to be completed by mid-October.
URBAN FISHING AREAS:
| Bunnells Pond (Beardsley Park) | Mohegan Park Pond |
| Keney Park Pond | Lake Wintergreen |
| Black Rock Pond | Mohegan Park Pond |
| Chatfield Hollow | Natchaug River |
| Day Pond | Valley Falls Park Pond |
| Great Hollow Pond (Wolfe Park) | Wharton Brook (Allen Brook Pond) |
| Kent Falls |
TROUT MANAGEMENT AREAS
(TMA):
| Bulls Bridge TMA (Housatonic River) | Naugatuck River TMA |
| Farmington River TMA (Collinsville to Unionville) | Salmon River TMA |
| Hammonasset River TMA | Saugatuck River TMA |
| Housatonic River TMA | Sleeping Giant TMA (Mill River-Hamden) |
| Mianus River TMA | Yantic River TMA |
| Mill River TMA |
RIVERS AND STREAMS (see Trout Parks & TMAs for additional locations):
| East Aspetuck River | Natchaug River | Salmon River (Colchester) |
| Hammonasset River | Norwalk River | Sandy Brook |
| Mianus River | Pequonnock River | Saugatuck River |
| Mill River (Fairfield) | Pomperaug River | Scantic River |
| Mill River (Hamden) | East Branch Salmon Brook (Granby) | Shetucket River |
(see Trout Parks for additional locations):
| Amos Lake | Crystal Lake (Ellington) | Quonnipaug Lake |
| Bashan Lake | Gardner Lake | Rogers Lake |
| Beach Pond | Long Pond | Stillwater Pond |
| Bigelow Pond | Mashapaug Lake | Tyler Pond |
| Black Pond (Meriden) | Mohawk Pond | Wauregan Reservoir |
| Black Pond (Woodstock) | Moosup Pond | West Hill Pond |
| Cedar Lake | Mt. Tom Pond | West Side Pond |
| Coventry Lake | Pattaconk Lake | Wyassup Lake |
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Connecticut DEP Co-Sponsors “Bike to Work Day” On August 29
August 21, 2008
![Connecticut DEP Co-Sponsors "Bike to Work Day" On August 29](http://www.outdoorcentral.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/20080821013.jpg "Connecticut DEP Co-Sponsors \\"Bike to Work Day\\" On August 29")
Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, Central Connecticut Bicycle Alliance and the Taking Care Center are sponsoring a “Bike to Work Day”, Friday, August 29. Bicyclists meet between 7:00 – 9:00 a.m at Hartford’s Old State House where the Taking Care Center will provide a continental breakfast.
This event is one of the Central Connecticut Bicycle Alliance sponsored “Bike Everywhere” promotions held year-round throughout the Capitol region.
Commuters are encouraged to leave their cars at home and bicycle to work to provide benefits of air quality improvements from reduced automobile exhaust and reduced traffic for their community and the state of Connecticut. Individuals also benefit from bicycling to work with improving health along with reduced fuel expenditures.
Join other bicycling enthusiasts on September 13 in Bushnell Park for the second annual ‘Discover Hartford Bicycling and Walking Tour’. This is a great opportunity to see the wonderful Hartford landmarks while enhancing health and air quality.
There are three events in the “Discover Hartford Bicycling and Walking Tour” to choose from:
- 10-mile bike tour
- 25-mile bike tour
- 1-hour walk
Throughout this event participants will be able to visit historical and modern landmarks within the city of Hartford. For more information on the tour and to register, please visit: www.hartfordbiketour.org.
For information on the upcoming “Bike to Work Day” please contact David Westcott at 424-3666 or david [dot] westcott [at] ct [dot] gov John Jacobs at theTaking Care Center at 246-2201 or visit the Central Connecticut Bicycle Alliance website at www.wecyclect.org
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Connecticut DEP Temporarily Closes the Thames River State Boat Launch in New London for Renovations
June 30, 2008
Alternative Public Boat Launches Available
The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will be temporarily closing the Thames River State Boat Launch in New London for renovations. The closure will be effective July 14, 2008 through August 28, 2008 while the State boat launch is being renovated.
Renovations to the Thames River State Boat Launch will include:
Boat Ramp – installing a new ramp of pre-cast concrete, with a grooved surface;
Ramp Sides and Bottom – installing an interconnecting concrete block apron on the sides and bottom of the ramp to prevent erosion.
“The ramp replacement, which will be completed this summer, will improve boating operations and facilitate the safe and efficient launching and retrieval of boats,” said Eleanor Mariani, of DEP’s Boating Division.
While the renovations are taking place, the public can utilize the following boat launches in the area: Dock Road in Waterford, and the K.E. Streeter and Bayberry Lane boat launches, both in Groton. For additional state owned boat launches see the CT Boater’s Guide or visit the Boating section of the DEP website at: www.ct.gov/dep
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