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FISHING IN CONNECTICUT
Fresh or Saltwater Fishing is more than a hobby, it is a lifestyle for most of us. At last report the fishing in Connecticut is something to really enjoy. Check out our forum for the latest fishing reports, pictures and advice. Choose your destination. Never mind the falling leaves, wind and rain the trout are to be had in the late morning and early evening. Using yellow, white and brown streams colors with patterns of White Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, Grey or Black Ghosts. Nymphs to bottom bounce include caddis pupa, Serendipity, Pheasant Tail, Prince and Hare’s ear. The Farmington River continues to be clear, moderate and quite fishable as is the Housatonic River. Remember to check the weather conditions before heading out to fish. Variable fishing success has been reported by anglers at the lakes and ponds. Check out the action at East Twin Lake, Highland Lake, Alexander Lake, Crystal Lake and Beach Pond. Are you looking for Largemouth Bass?  action is a little slow while Northern Pike fishing was reported to be excellent. Fish can be found in Enfield, the Harbor Park area, Haddam Meadows and Salmon River Cove.There are plenty of places to catch the BIG ONE!! From the  beautiful rainbow trout in a cold stream, to the massive stripers and bluefish  off the New England coast, check out the lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams that New England has to offer!! Put a smile on a child’s face...make time to go fishing!! Remember to Practice Catch and \Release! Candlewood Lake - Danbury/New Fairfield: One of Connecticut’s top bass fishing waters, the lake offers good shallow and deep water fishing. The 5000 acre lake has a lot of shoreline areas due to it's long narrow shape, and has several launch areas available. Squantz Pond State Park is located on the west side of the lake, off Rt 39 in New Fairfield. Wildman's Landing can be accessed from the Danbury Town Park, off Rt 39.
Hop River State Park Trail - Branching from the Air Line State Park Trail at Rt 66 near Willamantic, this trail winds approximately 15 miles to the northwest. This river can also be seen from a canoe or kayak, with an access point near Rt 6 at Rt 32. Remember to leave with everything you brought...to preserve the views available! Tips for Catching and Releasing FishBy carefully following these simple instructions, you can release your fish unharmed. Time is of the essence. Play and release the fish as quickly and carefully as possible. An exhausted fish may be too weak to recover. Keep the fish in the water as much as you can. A fish out of water is suffocating, and may injure itself on rocks, etc. Try to keep the fish out of water no more than 15 seconds. Be gentle. Wet your hands before handling any live fish. Keep your fingers away from the gills. Don't squeeze the fish. Small fish may be held gently around the middle; let them swim away once they've recovered. Larger fish may be held securely by the tail and bottom jaw. If a net is used, make sure it is fine-meshed to avoid injuries to the gills or eyes. Remove the hook with small pliers or a similar type tool - If the hook is deeply embedded or in a sensitive area such as the gills or stomach, cut the leader close to the snout. Make an effort to use regular steel (bronzed) hooks to promote early disintegration. Do not use stainless or gold-plated hooks. To revive a fish once it is back in the water, hold it in a swimming position in the water and move it gently back and forth until it is able to swim away. Lake trout (togue) often have expanded air bladders after being pulled up rapidly from deep water. If the belly appears expanded, release the fish from the hook first, then gently press your thumb along the stomach near the paired belly fins and move it forward a few times to remove air from the bladder. Finally, proceed to revive and free the fish. One good way to aid you in releasing your fish quickly is to use barbless hooks in the first place - or bend the barbs over - or simply file them off! Be PreparedIf you are planning to go Ice Fishing in Connecticut, make sure you are familiar with the rules and regulations that govern fishing as set forth by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. Whether you are a veteran of ice fishing in Connecticut or taking it up for the first time. Remember to carry your license or permit in an waterproof baggies. Before you leave home choose the right time and place for the fish you wish to catch. Remember to examine your tackle box for both lures and/or live bait. Weather is an all important issue, be prepared and dress accordingly. Be aware of conservation efforts in the area, allowing the fish to grow older and larger. Plan your trip well and remember to take pictures of that “prize fish” and enjoy a safe fishing trip! Children invited will never forget the experience - make each trip the best memory ever. Oooops, Time for a Hook Removal The most common accident during fishing season involves hooks.The most important tool any angler should always have with him/her for removing a hook is a sharp pair of wire cutting pliers. Here are a few methods for removing fish hooks. When a hook's point and barb are protruding out the skin, it's easier to cut off the barb and back the hook out of the wound. When fishing, sharp wire cutters come in handy. The snatch method of fish hook removal is simple and effective, and it's the best method to remove a fish hook that's deeply imbedded in the skin and when the barb is buried. This method is quick, simple and relatively painless, as long as you get it on the first try. The secret to a first time success is yanking the loop of fishing line, which is wrapped around the embedded fish hook, rather hard so the hook comes out on the first try. The reason you should get it out on the first try is obvious, the patient might not stick around for a second try! This method is quick, simple and relatively painless, as long as you get it on the first try. The secret to a first time success is yanking the loop of fishing line, which is wrapped around the embedded fish hook, rather hard so the hook comes out on the first try. The reason you should get it out on the first try is obvious, the patient might not stick around for a second try! To perform the snatch method when the barb is imbedded, all that's needed is a short length of fishing line, at least 10 pound test, approximately 2 feet long. Remove the hook from the lure. Double the fishing line and loop it around the hook, as close to the skin's surface as possible. Hold onto both ends of the doubled line, wrapping them around your hand for a firm grip and holding the line parallel to the skin's surface in line with the fish hook. With your other hand, press the eye of the hook down onto the surface of the skin and back toward the hook's bend, as if trying to back the hook out of the wound. While pressing on the hook eye, yank the line sharply, parallel to the skin and in line with the hook, to snap the hook back out of the wound. Apply antibiotic ointment, bandage wound and check to make sure tetanus shots are current. Connecticut State Fishing Records
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Check out Aspinook, Halls, Gortons or Lake Waramaug. If it is Smallmouth Bass you are fishing for?
Visit Candlewood, Highland or Squantz Pond. If you are fishing for Northern Pike 
You should be targeting Bantam Lake, Winchester Lake, Quaddick Reservoir or Pachaug Pond. Walleye 
action is 
(also known as papermouths and crappie). With 182 acres of water to fish, you can enjoy many a sunrise and plenty of smiles. 
