It's an annual rite of spring.
The opening day of fishing season.
Since early March, nearly 387,000 trout have been released into more than 100 lakes and ponds and 200 rivers and streams throughout Connecticut and are now awaiting the state’s many anglers, the state Department of Environmental Protection says.
The DEP’s spring trout stocking effort will continue through the end of May, and when completed, the agency expects to have stocked more than 650,000 trout of catchable size.
“Opening Day is an exciting time for Connecticut’s many trout anglers, and they can look forward to exceptional fishing this season,” DEP Commissioner Dan Esty says. “The fish are in excellent condition, nearly all of our trout waters are stocked and anglers can enjoy a wide range of fishing options. Additionally, Opening Day is a special time for many families, the traditional first time to get outdoors together after the winter.”
Among the best places for families to fish on Opening Day are the designated Trout Parks, the DEP says.
“Trout Parks are easily accessible, have picnic areas and other amenities nearby, and are stocked frequently so that there are plenty of trout for children, families and novice anglers to catch,” says Bill Hyatt, chief of the bureau of natural resources.
All 11 eleven of the Trout Parks have already been stocked by the DEP, including Valley Falls in Vernon.
Valley Falls is also slated be be stocked again on Opening Day.
Other popular fishing spots in Vernon are Shenipsit Lake, the Tankerhoosen River, the Hockanum River and the Walker Reservoir Trail on the Rails to Trails system.
For licensing information, visit www.ct.gov/dep/fishing.
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