Anglers Looking Forward to Opening Day

Opening Day of the new fishing season is just three days away, but that didn't keep several of my neighbors from venturing to the lake to prepare for this Saturday. In fact, I spotted at least four neighbors inspecting their tackle boxes, casting their fishing lines, and speculating about the weekend weather. It looks as though much, if not all of the day, will be dry with a chilly morning low temperature in the mid 30s.

Fishing season officially opens this Saturday, and anglers young and old alike are looking forward to the day. Fishing is great family fun and a healthy outdoor activity enjoyed by everyone. The Department of Environmental Protection stocks many lakes and streams with a wide variety of fish species throughout the year. Some of the other programs developed by DEP to enhance fishing opportunities include fishing education for children and families and the creation of special fishing areas such as trout parks.

One of my neighbors told me that there's nothing quite like getting up in the middle of the night and heading to the nearest river or stream on Opening Day. "I always look forward to the first day of fishing season," said Greg. "I pack my breakfast and lunch, and I have my first cup of coffee by the water. I enjoy the peace and quiet, being surrounded by nature, and doing what I enjoy. That's what makes this day so special." I'm sure Greg's sentiments are shared by many others, too.

Connecticut is fortunate to have over 180 public lakes and ponds and thousands of miles of rivers and streams teeming with a variety of gamefish and panfish. Anglers from all over the country come to Connecticut to fish for prized trout in the Farmington and Housatonic Rivers. Eleven water bodies in Connecticut have been designated as Trout Parks. Trout Parks are located in easily accessible areas to enhance trout fishing opportunities for everyone.

The DEP Web site adds that anglers should consult their 2011 Angler’s Guide for the current fishing regulations that apply to the waters in which they plan to fish. Trout Parks and the many waters designated as Trout Management Areas, Trophy Trout Streams, Sea-Run Trout Streams, and Wild Trout Management Areas each have special regulations.

The 2011 Angler’s Guide is available at all Town Clerks Offices and at tackle stores selling fishing licenses. Anglers can now purchase their fishing licenses online, too. Both the Angler's Guide and the online licensing system can be accessed on the DEP web site at: www.ct.gov/dep/fishing. Good luck to all the anglers this Saturday.

Paul