TMA TIME!

 TMA TIME

by Dick Alley

February 22, 2021

                                                    TIME FOR TMA FISHING

        Today is George Washington's birthday. Late February.  Looking out the window, it's raining, or maybe a mix. It was snowing hard an hour ago, hard enough to coat the parking area. I'm still smiling. The thermometer is supposed to rise into the high 40's on Wednesday, maybe 50 this weekend. That is enough to make me smile. I had my first Covid shot almost two weeks back. One to go in early March. Another reason to smile. It is all good, but even better, the early trout season will begin in just a few days. 

    Regular trout season doesn't begin state-wide until the second Saturday in April, but if the normal schedule is followed, maybe this week, maybe next, Trout Management Areas in Connecticut will receive their first trout plants of the year and catch and release fishing will open up in these areas. Add in a few specially designated lakes that offer an extended trophy trout season through March 31st and forget all about those winter doldrums.

    Westport's local TMA is the Doc Skerlick Trout Management Area located in a stretch of the Saugatuck River between the Dam at the old Dorr Mill, on down to the Merritt Parkway where the river feeds into Lee's Pond. That stretch of river is restricted to FLY FISHING ONLY, but is open to fishing throughout the year with the added restriction of catch and release fishing between the end of September and  the second Saturday in April.

      

I snapped this photo of Doc with a catch of mackerel at Burying Hill Beach about half a century ago. He fished all day and nights, attended meetings all over the State related to conservation and fish preservation. He loved all kinds of fishing but trout and snapper blues were his favorites. 

Another popular TMA is the Cascades on Mill River in Fairfield, where catch and release fishing restrictions are similar in the pre-season, but where fishing with spinning gear or bait is also allowed.

    Another nearby spot is the Mianus River in northern Greenwich which has a TMA section. This stretch is especially noted for its stonefly population, making those imitations the big attraction for fly fishermen. Additional locations are listed in the Angler's Guide, the DEEP publication which will be coming out with the latest edition in March but is also available on the CT DEEP website.

    Also listed in the Guide are the Trophy Trout Lakes which offer an extended season through the end of March. Depending on the weather, fishing can be in open water or through the ice, but a two trout over 15-inch limit is  the rule. Some of these lakes also have been stocked with Atlantic salmon, often surprising lucky anglers with a real trophy.

    Most of the freshly stocked trout in the TMA's will hit streamers and nymphs in the early season. Patterns like the Mickey Finn, the Hornberg Special, Woolybuggers and the Hare's Ear nymph have always produced well for me.

    Where spinners are allowed, try Trout Magnets, Rooster Tails, Blue Fox spinners, but be sure to consult the guide in advance as some spots require single hook only lures.

    Early spring, late winter trout fishing is the best cure for cabin fever. It wasn't always like this. Way back when I was young, trout season ended the last day of October and opened the third Saturday in April. I think it was back in the 60's that the DEEP tried opening the first TMA on the Willimantic River.  The Cole Wilde TMA quickly grew in popularity, offerring CT anglers a chance for early season fishing for the first time. Today, similar areas exist across the State, including the one dedicated to my old friend, the late Doc Skerlick.

    A CT fishing license is required for anglers over 16 years of age, as is a trout stamp. ENJOY! Trout season is back .

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