State Delays Trout Stockings Due To Drought

[Smallie_Stalker]

Fall Trout Stocking Update:

Due to the unprecedented lack of rainfall and low flow conditions throughout the state, in all streams and rivers, and the continuing warmer-than-normal, seasonal water temperatures in lakes and ponds, all fall trout stocking is postponed indefinitely (hopefully temporary). With an exception in the West Branch Farmington River (see below).

With uncertainty in the short-term weather forecast we are still optimistic that conditions will improve.  Until that point (i.e., substantial rainfall or significantly cooler air temperatures) stocking trout stocking would not be prudent.

Labor Day Weekend Trout Stocking

Pack your fishing gear- DEEP will be stocking 2,000 Brown trout into the upper portion of the West Branch Farmington River (Hogsback Dam in Hartland to the upstream boundary of the Year-round TMA at the old bridge abutments in Barkhamsted) for your fishing trips over Labor Day Weekend.

Regulations require catch and release from September 1 to 6:00 am on the second Saturday of April (opening day). Good Luck!

Stocking map link: http://www.ct.gov/deep/lib/deep/fishing/stockingmaps/farmington_river-1_(goodwin_dam_to_wbr_tma)_new_seasonal_tma.pdf

Water in this section of the river will be much lower than normal, however, as it is coming from the bottom of the West Branch Reservoir, it is very cold and will not be stressful for the trout.

The emergency closure and creation of "No Fishing" zones around 8 key tributaries in the lower portion of the Farmington River remains in effect until 9/15/16. No trout will be stocked in the lower sections of the river (to avoid the potential stressful combination of low flow and elevated temperatures).