FVTU position on CT DEP Fisheries Proposed Changes to the

Farmington River Trout Management Regulations 

presented by Carl Swanson

at the February 21 Public meeting at Sessions Woods 

            I am speaking on the behalf of the Farmington Valley Chapter, Trout Unlimited. As one of the supporters of the original Trout Management Plan, we can not in good conscience, support lowering standards in fish quality and river accessibility in any part of the Trophy Trout Stream section of the river because it is not in the best interest of all anglers who use the lower river.

            That said, we must insist that option 1 be taken off the table immediately. At no time would Trout Unlimited agree with any ideas of lowering size limits to 9”, increasing creel limits to 5 fish, removal of the current seasonal TMA and removal of Trophy Trout Area designation throughout the lower river. Trout Unlimited supports catch and release zones, the expansion of catch and release zones, and doesn’t support removal of established catch and release zones.

            Option 2 falls more in line with something we could better support, but only with the inclusion of the established Avon-Burlington-Unionville seasonal TMA.  Angler success and satisfaction is likely to be much higher with a 2 fish limit and the continued stocking of larger fish. We feel the Trophy Trout designation is important in attracting children and new anglers as well as experienced fishermen. Removal of the lower TMA removes the opportunity for early season angling by closing a stretch of the river from the Route 219 bridge to the Rainbow Dam during that period from the end of Feb till opening day.

            This lower section is very popular and serves a special need. Many evening anglers use this section during the week because of the closeness to regional population centers. Having a quality fishing experience closer to home is very important to a large section of the fishing public. Along with these anglers, comes the retail support they bring to the Collinsville, Canton and Unionville communities. Quality of fishing and not quantity should continue to have the highest of priorities. Lowering of a quality experience on the lower river will have a negating effect on the expanded TMA in the upper river by forcing more anglers to drive longer distances to these newly created sections and will create more crowded situations in the upper river. The angling public has become accustomed to the benefits of C&R and lower limits and we believe are not looking to increase creel limits in those areas designated as Trophy Trout Areas. In closing the Farmington Valley Chapter suggests that Option 2 without removing the existing established lower river seasonal TMA be the guide for any changes to the current Farmington River Trout Management area regulations.  

Questions, Comments, or Concerns?

Contact the webmaster: webmaster@tufv.org