DEP Begins Fall Broodstock Atlantic Salmon Stocking

Atlantic salmon are renowned for jumping clear of the water and fighting hard when caught by an angler. If hooking-up with one of these acrobats sounds like an exciting way to spend a beautiful crisp fall day, then the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has a fantastic opportunity for you.

The DEP today announced the beginning of its annual stockings of surplus broodstock Atlantic salmon. In the first of several stockings, DEP’s Inland Fisheries Division last Friday released a total of 200 salmon into the Shetucket River and the Naugatuck River. An additional 200 broodstock salmon are expected to be stocked into the two rivers later this week.

"The broodstock Atlantic salmon stocking program has become quite popular," said DEP Commissioner Gina McCarthy. "Catching an Atlantic salmon is very special to many anglers. Until this program was started in the early 1990’s, being able to fish for them in Connecticut was only a dream. These fish are the progeny of sea-run salmon that returned to the Connecticut River. They were raised in hatcheries to provide eggs for the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program. Having served this purpose, they will provide a unique opportunity for Connecticut anglers."

Broodstock Atlantic salmon are three to four years old and typically weigh between two and 15 pounds. The fish that will be released this October are surplus and barren 8-9 lb salmon from the White River National Fish Hatchery in Vermont. In November, following spawning, the DEP expects to have available an additional 600-800 salmon from its Kensington Hatchery. Additional fish may also become available following spawning in the federal hatchery in November and December.

All Atlantic salmon broodstock are stocked into three designated Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Areas:

Anglers are allowed to fish for salmon in the:

Angling for Atlantic salmon is restricted to catch-and-release only through November 30.

The daily creel limit is zero and all Atlantic salmon must be immediately returned, without avoidable injury, to the waters from which taken.

From December 1, 2006, through March 31, 2007, the daily creel limit for Atlantic salmon will be one. During the open season, the legal method for taking Atlantic salmon is limited to angling using a single fly, or an artificial lure with a single free swinging hook. No additional weight may be added to the line above the fly or lure. From October 1^st through March 31^st, fishing for other species in the three designated Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Areas is restricted to the gear legal for Atlantic salmon.

The DEP advises anglers to check fishing regulations in their 2006 Connecticut Angler’s Guide. Guides are available from Town Clerks, many bait & tackle stores, or by contacting the DEP Inland Fisheries Division (860-424-FISH). The Angler’s Guide can also be accessed on the DEP web site at: http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/fishing/fishinfo/angler.htm