By Chéye Roberson
Sentinel Correspondent
Opening Day of general trout season is always the second Saturday in April, and this year it fell on April 9 which was be marked by Trout Unlimited’s 42nd annual fundraising event.
Trout anglers look forward to opening day of trout fishing season from the time they put away their gear at the end of the previous season, according to Tony Hill, president of the Mianus Chapter of Trout Unlimited.
“For some it’s the first time to try out new fishing rods they got as gifts during the holidays,” Hill continued. “Maybe it’s the first time that someone takes a child or grandchild out fishing, hopefully beginning a lifetime of family fishing trips.”
Trout Unlimited is a nationwide conservation organization whose mission is the protection and restoration of America’s coldwater fisheries. The organization’s local work is done by volunteers.
The Mianus Chapter of Trout Unlimited does work on the Mianus and Norwalk rivers by helping to clear invasive plant species and replant native species. They also work to prevent the erosion of riverbanks and to restore banks that have eroded.
“We also do cleanups of trash, working with local scout and school groups. We are scheduled to do riverbank restoration in Mianus River Park on Sunday April 24— volunteers are welcome,” said Hill.
The group’s primary source of funds is their annual banquet, held on, April 9, at the Stamford Yacht Club which included both a silent and live auction.
“So many of us won’t be able to fish until Sunday,” Hill said. “Saturday will be spent preparing for the fundraiser, then having an enjoyable evening at Stamford Yacht Club.”
For fans of trout fishing, the opening of the season is looked at as one of the first signs of spring. Certain plant life begins to bloom when trout season comes around again.
“In a typical year in this part of the country, you’ll see the forsythias blooming, and know that the trout will be rising to feed on the insects hatching from the bottom of the stream, rising through the water column and taking flight from the water’s surface,” said Hill.
Hill enjoys going fishing with his wife. “My wife enjoys getting out on the river with me, both locally and on several trips we take each year to fish in different parts of the country,” he said.
Fishing has been called both a sport and an art. Ultimately, it may just be one way that some people connect with nature in a tranquil space.
Hill, like many other fishermen and women, said he is drawn to trout fishing because he enjoys “standing in the stream listening to the sound of moving water—watching to see if there are any insects on the water or if I can see any fish. Casting my fly in such a way as to fool the trout into taking it.”
He added, “I primarily fly-fish for trout. In fly fishing, we use an imitation of one of the stages of the life cycle of whichever insect is currently hatching.”
There are multiple streams in southern Connecticut where the trout fishing is good.
“We have several trout streams in the area—the Mianus, Norwalk, Mill and Saugatuck rivers are all good trout streams and less than half an hour away,” said Hill. “But then I enjoy heading up to rural parts of Connecticut and spending the day fishing some of the larger and renowned rivers, the Farmington and the Housatonic. Here in Connecticut we are fortunate to have many options for fishing.”
Hill urges people to get the necessary licensing before casting their fishing lines into the water.
“Anyone 16 years or older must buy a fishing license, which they can do online at the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection website,” said Hill. “Everyone should read the CT Angler’s Guide and familiarize themselves with the regulations.”
