Sea run Trout

What brings trout anglers out, in many cases, those who primarily frequent saltwater, in mid-winter to fish for the elusive sea-run? The air is cold, the water chilled, and often, the wind piercing. Nevertheless, this small but dedicated slice of angler population braves the elements each and every season. There are river rainbows to catch along with normally stocked browns and brookies. But it’s the sea-run that brings fishers to the banks.

The popularity of this anadromous fish has even caught the attention of many state inland fish and wildlife divisions–so much so that here in Connecticut, several lower tidal rivers have been given the designation of “sea-run trout rivers.” Studies are ongoing in various New England states and New Jersey in an attempt to gather meaningful data and bolster or create sea-run trout programs.

Sometime in the fall, these stockier, silvery trout enter from their saltwater environment and return to the sweet water. The avenues traveled are tidal rivers that lead to spawning grounds farther inland. Here they remain and, after a few weeks, regain their familiar brilliant colors. In the spring, these “salters” return to the briny where they forage on a variety of foods and gain the weight and stamina lacking in many of their non-salter cousins.

It is believed by many that sea-runs travel to and from the fresh/salt water throughout the seasons, similar to striped bass. Others maintain that their experiences seem to indicate salters are more apt to be caught in spring and fall. At any rate, catching these beauties is both challenging and rewarding.

Bait, flies, spinners, spoons, and swimmers can all be used to catch these traveling trout. During a winter thaw and just prior to a following low/cold front can be ideal conditions to cast for these sea-run browns and brookies. On the surface, lower tidal rivers may seem dormant but lurking below can be sub-surface activity generated by migrating salters. When drive and determination to head upriver is interrupted, their fight can be exciting.

Such was the case on this February day when things came together. After fishing the catch and release stretch of this popular river and hooking into mostly rainbows, a move was made much farther downriver. About a mile and a half from the Sound, at a spot where it wound its way toward the headwaters, fishing action heated up. Maybe for an hour tops, we managed to intercept several salters heading out.

Occasionally, the least likely watercourses can turn out to be productive tidal avenues for sea-run fishing. If there’s a way for salters to reach upriver spawning grounds, then chances are they’ll take it. If spawning is then successful, there will be a lasting imprint and these paths will be used again and again by both fish and fishers.


On the Water/Ice

Soon we’ll be drifting into another low/cold front combo but, in the meantime, a mid-winter thaw took hold. Although central Long Island Sound remains at the 35-degree mark, our midweek air temperatures hit the 40s. Entering into a new week, early morning temperatures dropped to well below freezing, enhancing ice fishing along the shoreline. However, farther inland there was less of an impact where ice remained thick although slushy in places.

During our recent spring-like weather, tidal areas sheltered from strong winds offered good sea-run trout fishing. Overall, sea-run trout activity has been on the upswing and probably will improve as February moves into early March.

With the temporary reduction in edge and bank ice, salmon fishing in the Shetucket and Naugatuck rivers improved. Both Mashapaug and Crystal lakes have also become popular destinations for lake salmon. Generally, our stocked trout lakes are producing fairly consistent catches. Mansfield Hollow along with the coves dotting the Connecticut River are still seeing good pike catches on large shiners.

Perch and other panfish catches continue to be numerous with jiggers, while large/smallmouths are being caught using tip-ups rigged with free-swimming shiners and jigging sticks/lures. The bullhead and channel cat bites seemed to have eased but not so for pickerel. Lakes and ponds keep on looking like a typical Norman Rockwell winter scene with anglers, shanties, sleds, tip-ups, and cooking stations. What a great winter for the sport!

Note: Captain Morgan’s has all 2009 fishing, hunting, trapping licenses/permits (rifle, shotgun, archery, muzzle loader, HIP, CT duck stamps, etc.) available including shellfish licenses for Guilford and Madison. Don’t wait until opening day. Git’er done now!

Whenever and wherever fishing, think Captain Morgan’s for all things fishy including the latest gear, bait, flies/flyfishing, rod/reel repair, clam/crabbing supplies and licenses/permits. Swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter, where we don't make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better...

Tight Lines,
Captain Morgan

Pictured: Mark Punzelt of Madison had a good day of sea-run trout fishing when he landed fish to 17 1/2 inches on artificial swimmers. Catching a break in the weather, he opted for the Hammonasset River. Here he is seen releasing a fine winter sea-run brown trout caught in the Hammonasset River.

Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan