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MFF US Northeast => Massachusetts => Topic started by: SalmonAndStriper Stalker on Mar 13, 2020, 05:20 PM

Title: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: SalmonAndStriper Stalker on Mar 13, 2020, 05:20 PM
excited for the upcoming opener but it looks like I might be wearing a respirator on opening day. :P
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: Bass to mouth on Mar 13, 2020, 09:40 PM
The last winter that wasn't I remember the causeway had heavy action, big drop off but be prepared to lose tackle.
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: mikez on Mar 14, 2020, 10:36 AM
Anybody checked the water level yet?
I wonder if they will hold back water to compensate for the relatively dry winter.
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: SalmonAndStriper Stalker on Mar 15, 2020, 01:04 PM
Anybody checked the water level yet?
I wonder if they will hold back water to compensate for the relatively dry winter.
very similar to last fall. walked the chu on Friday in a area I like. some places you cant get around but just like last fall.
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: stripernut on Mar 15, 2020, 02:51 PM
More bushwacking...
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: westernmas on Mar 16, 2020, 02:12 PM
More bushwacking...

And early reports on the ticks are that they are horrendous.  I saw a clip of a guy shed hunting in the central MA area and he had at least a dozen ticks on his jeans and there were clusters of ticks on the tops of some plants.
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: SalmonAndStriper Stalker on Mar 16, 2020, 02:15 PM
And early reports on the ticks are that they are horrendous.  I saw a clip of a guy shed hunting in the central MA area and he had at least a dozen ticks on his jeans and there were clusters of ticks on the tops of some plants.
2 weeks ago I hit a Turkey on 140 along thomas basin and went into the woods looking for it. went 10yds into brush and came out and had 8 on me. its bad.....
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: stripernut on Mar 16, 2020, 10:58 PM
I spay some DEET, I don't get any... With all the time I spend walking in the brush at the Q, I better have learned to deal with them...
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: SalmonAndStriper Stalker on Mar 17, 2020, 01:44 AM
just threw some new line on my lure setup. bait shop spooled up the reel with mystery braid for free and it's been nothing but garbage. hopefully 20lb max cuarto will be better.
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: stripernut on Mar 17, 2020, 04:52 AM
Check out Gliss, if you want something for distance you can't beat it.
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: Jschumacher on Mar 17, 2020, 10:07 AM
What's the bait shop going to do when there are 15 guys lined up to get bait. Social Distance  :P
Seriously though. Can't wait. Last ice trip was last weekend on Champlain. The Chu gear is ready to go and the water temp in Boston Harbor
is already in the 40's. Flounder bite should be on when it hits 50.
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: SalmonAndStriper Stalker on Mar 17, 2020, 10:45 AM
What's the bait shop going to do when there are 15 guys lined up to get bait. Social Distance  :P
might have to start placing orders
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: westernmas on Mar 17, 2020, 11:03 AM
What's the bait shop going to do when there are 15 guys lined up to get bait. Social Distance  :P
Seriously though. Can't wait. Last ice trip was last weekend on Champlain. The Chu gear is ready to go and the water temp in Boston Harbor
is already in the 40's. Flounder bite should be on when it hits 50.

Wading in those cape ponds the water sure didn't feel too warm.  I took a reading with my thermometer and it said 42 degrees but I'm not sure how reliable it is.
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: SalmonAndStriper Stalker on Mar 17, 2020, 02:11 PM
Wading in those cape ponds the water sure didn't feel too warm.  I took a reading with my thermometer and it said 42 degrees but I'm not sure how reliable it is.
it is around 42. it was 43 on my fishfinder
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: lowaccord66 on Mar 18, 2020, 07:57 AM
might have to start placing orders

I doubt the state will allow chu to open with the current fears about Corona.  I hope I am wrong but right now I cant even register my new boat and trailer...
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: stripernut on Mar 18, 2020, 10:33 AM
Quote
I doubt the state will allow chu to open with the current fears about Corona.  I hope I am wrong but right now I cant even register my new boat and trailer...

I also hope that you are wrong. I don't normally fish next to anyone, even someone I am fishing with. Yes, it can get crowded on the opening weekend, but in the end, that is a choice that anglers make to fish next to someone. There are many miles of under fished shoreline and it would be perfectly safe if we all spread out. If I am fishing with anyone over the next month or so odds are we won't drive together to fish, that is a far likely way to be infected or infect someone...
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: SalmonAndStriper Stalker on Mar 18, 2020, 03:44 PM
I doubt the state will allow chu to open with the current fears about Corona.  I hope I am wrong but right now I cant even register my new boat and trailer...
not looking good. I just hope it opens up before the end of april. I would hate to miss out on my salmon fishing window
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: The Jigger on Mar 18, 2020, 04:49 PM
People are out fishing but are keeping their distance where I have been.
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: SalmonAndStriper Stalker on Mar 18, 2020, 04:52 PM
People are out fishing but are keeping their distance where I have been.
they are on top of each other setting up In between each others rods where i have been....
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: The Jigger on Mar 18, 2020, 04:58 PM
The state should probably stop posting stocking for a while. That might be the problem.
 Maybe they can stock and not post it to avoid the crowds rushing to specific ponds all at once.
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: SalmonAndStriper Stalker on Mar 18, 2020, 10:49 PM
The state should probably stop posting stocking for a while. That might be the problem.
 Maybe they can stock and not post it to avoid the crowds rushing to specific ponds all at once.
they are trying to offload the hatcherys asap I here due to a potential lockdown in the future. the fish cant wait in the hatchery any longer as it can cause complications with the fish and also delay raising the next batch. I do agree they should go back to the updated every Friday format. once you get a hang for the pattern in stockings you can predict what will be stocked next.
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: Steve H. on Mar 19, 2020, 08:38 AM
once you get a hang for the pattern in stockings you can predict what will be stocked next.

Pretty pathetic if that's what some people consider fishing.  I always thought "chasing the stocking truck" was a dumb joke. 
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: SalmonAndStriper Stalker on Mar 19, 2020, 09:44 AM
Pretty pathetic if that's what some people consider fishing.  I always thought "chasing the stocking truck" was a dumb joke.
it is but at the end of the day they are meaningless stocked trout. practically bait for the bigger fish. It's our licenses going to work so if they are being caught legally who really cares if they were recently in a truck.
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: zwiggles on Mar 19, 2020, 11:59 AM
Pretty pathetic if that's what some people consider fishing.  I always thought "chasing the stocking truck" was a dumb joke.

It can be good to get the next generation interested in the sport. Not my cup of tea, but to each their own.
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: stripernut on Mar 19, 2020, 02:09 PM
Not normally my cup of tea, but I always liked the joke; That stocked fish are the best state employees, they give it all for the job...

Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: SalmonAndStriper Stalker on Mar 19, 2020, 07:50 PM
took a walk along a favorite stretch of mine yesterday and found some fresh smelt washed up. about a dozen or so in a small area. might be a good sign if it actually opens for fishing. I think I will call the ranger office tomorrow and ask. I will share what I discover here.
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: The Jigger on Mar 19, 2020, 07:54 PM
What's the bait shop going to do when there are 15 guys lined up to get bait. Social Distance  :P
Seriously though. Can't wait. Last ice trip was last weekend on Champlain. The Chu gear is ready to go and the water temp in Boston Harbor
is already in the 40's. Flounder bite should be on when it hits 50.


Fish the flats at the beginning of the outgoing tide now and you'll get them Jeff.
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: westernmas on Mar 20, 2020, 09:30 AM
they are trying to offload the hatcherys asap I here due to a potential lockdown in the future. the fish cant wait in the hatchery any longer as it can cause complications with the fish and also delay raising the next batch. I do agree they should go back to the updated every Friday format. once you get a hang for the pattern in stockings you can predict what will be stocked next.

They stocked out my way yesterday.  Without a doubt the earliest that I have ever seen them stock the westfield river.  They should stock it this early every year.  Its a freestone that drops like a rock without rain or snow melt so normally they are stocking after the river has settled down.  Hopefully the high water spreads the fish out and the trout fishing will continue much longer into the summer than normal.
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: Steve H. on Mar 20, 2020, 02:51 PM
Hopefully the high water spreads the fish out and the trout fishing will continue much longer into the summer than normal.

Now you're talkin'.  I'm a big fan of float stocking and other methods to get fish spread out away from bridge pools and pull-offs.  Not to say those areas don't have their place, as they certainly do, for mobility-impaired anglers, kids, etc.  I just don't like when ALL the fish are put in those easy to reach places and are gone in 1-2 weeks. 
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: stripernut on Mar 21, 2020, 07:05 AM
I will admit to many times taking a certain pleasure of showing up (never planned) when the truck had just dumped a bunch of fish and they had not started biting yet. I would use the fly rod or a Roostertail and with no one else getting any fish catch them one after another and throwing them right back in... One time I was driving home from a job and decided to just pull in and see what was going on at Comet Pond, there had to be like 40 angles shoulder to shoulder and no one getting anything. I pull out my trout rod and start throwing a Roostertail, each time a school of the stocked fish would swim by they would hit my Roostertail but not "eat" it. So, I would be like hit, hit, hit and the guy next to me looking at me like I was full of s&t, I then started hooking them, one after another, when no one else had hooked up.  I had a couple of the old-timers get very upset at me that I would not give them any of the fish that I was getting. I just told them I was giving the fish a little education. There was one kid they that I tried to show how to do it (I offered to show anyone), I gave him my rod but he never hooked up... So I leave after about 20 min. and over half a dozen fish, with a whole bunch of grumpy old coggers giving me the look! 
I do like it better when they spread all the fish out in a river...
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: mikez on Mar 21, 2020, 11:28 AM
What's the bait shop going to do when there are 15 guys lined up to get bait. Social Distance  :P
Seriously though. Can't wait. Last ice trip was last weekend on Champlain. The Chu gear is ready to go and the water temp in Boston Harbor
is already in the 40's. Flounder bite should be on when it hits 50.

That's a serious consideration. They may not even be allowed to stay open.
That's why I kept my ice fishing bait tank going and put my trap back out. I'm getting restocked now.
I also have sent my boy out to pick nightcrawlers. We don't expect to need to buy bait or tackle for the duration.
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: lowaccord66 on Mar 21, 2020, 03:28 PM
That's a serious consideration. They may not even be allowed to stay open.
That's why I kept my ice fishing bait tank going and put my trap back out. I'm getting restocked now.
I also have sent my boy out to pick nightcrawlers. We don't expect to need to buy bait or tackle for the duration.

In CT, baitshops and other non essential businesses must close by 8pm Monday.
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: CMD1987 on Mar 22, 2020, 07:17 AM
took a walk along a favorite stretch of mine yesterday and found some fresh smelt washed up. about a dozen or so in a small area. might be a good sign if it actually opens for fishing. I think I will call the ranger office tomorrow and ask. I will share what I discover here.

The smelt population is clearly at a high point. Last time I remember seeing huge salmon and fat Lakers (best sign of smelt) was 2013-2015

That would put the smelt population on a 5-7 year boom/bust cycle. Which is probably about right.

Undoubtably tons of smelt right now. And fishing reflected it last season. Hope it keeps up for another year or two
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: SalmonAndStriper Stalker on Mar 25, 2020, 03:45 PM
they updated the wachusett page saying no decision for the opening day has been made yet. they are considering delaying it. they will post the decision on the wachusett page at mass.gov when it is made.
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: westernmas on Mar 26, 2020, 11:55 AM
In CT, baitshops and other non essential businesses must close by 8pm Monday.

They are still kind of open. You can order things from upcountry and pick them up and make appointments for bigger purchases or trade ins. Think they said purchases over like $500 would get you in the store.
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: lowaccord66 on Mar 26, 2020, 11:56 AM
They are still kind of open. You can order things from upcountry and pick them up and make appointments for bigger purchases or trade ins. Think they said purchases over like $500 would get you in the store.

200 gets you in the door.
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: SalmonAndStriper Stalker on Mar 26, 2020, 03:26 PM
are bait wholesalers essential and open. no supplier to the shops no bait in the shops. idk what most of these people will do on opening day with no shiners.
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: CMD1987 on Mar 26, 2020, 06:01 PM
are bait wholesalers essential and open. no supplier to the shops no bait in the shops. idk what most of these people will do on opening day with no shiners.

Talked to the guy at b and a

He said his supplier was gonna be open.
Fishing industry and related are considered essential. Including recreational.
Plans on being open opening day.
Limit 3 customers in store at one time.

This was the day after stay at home began.
Hopefully nothing changes and hopefully opening day happens!
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: SalmonAndStriper Stalker on Mar 28, 2020, 08:25 AM
took a stroll the other day there and watched them dump a couple trucks of really nice rainbows in. water level has risen since my last hike there 2 weeks ago and shoreline is limited. going to be an absolute zoo. Good luck to everyone heading out and I'll see you in the lot at 2am.
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: SalmonAndStriper Stalker on Apr 03, 2020, 02:03 PM
see everyone on may 9th :P
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: lowaccord66 on Apr 03, 2020, 02:06 PM
see everyone on may 9th :P

Lets sneak into the canal instead. 
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: SalmonAndStriper Stalker on Apr 03, 2020, 05:56 PM
Lets sneak into the canal instead.
luckily for me I dont need to park just need to walk 400ft from my porch. I can sneak you in easily
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: lowaccord66 on Apr 03, 2020, 07:59 PM
luckily for me I dont need to park just need to walk 400ft from my porch. I can sneak you in easily

Excellent I'll look forward to that. 
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: Jeff M on Apr 03, 2020, 09:39 PM
Like posted above, wachussetts, quabbin, and Sudbury Reservoirs closed until May 9th.
From mass.gov

To prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, DCR is postponing the start of shoreline fishing at Wachusett, Sudbury, and Quabbin Reservoirs and the Quabbin Boat Launch Areas until Sat. May 9, 2020.

  :'(
Tight lines
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: CMD1987 on Apr 23, 2020, 04:07 PM
Maybe this thread can live now. Got a couple so far today. 19” and 20”. Plump. Just like last April - which is a good sign that smelt numbers are still up.

(https://i.postimg.cc/WD2KJ7L9/9-C3-DAD01-29-BE-4973-AAB9-DCEB9-FCBAB58.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WD2KJ7L9)

Hope laker fishing keeps up for a bit. This cold weather is helping!
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: SalmonAndStriper Stalker on Apr 23, 2020, 05:10 PM
I'll add. small salmon and average sized bow yesterday. today managed a few lakers.
(https://i.postimg.cc/LgYck3yf/20200422-175302.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LgYck3yf)

(https://i.postimg.cc/CBQyfQ4S/20200422-181231.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CBQyfQ4S)

(https://i.postimg.cc/8s7gVT15/20200423-064225.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8s7gVT15)

(https://i.postimg.cc/23gRkg6x/20200423-064247.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/23gRkg6x)

(https://i.postimg.cc/GHN21Mw0/20200423-091918.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/GHN21Mw0)
Title: Re: Chu 2020 thread
Post by: lowaccord66 on Apr 24, 2020, 05:57 AM
Maybe this thread can live now. Got a couple so far today. 19” and 20”. Plump. Just like last April - which is a good sign that smelt numbers are still up.

(https://i.postimg.cc/WD2KJ7L9/9-C3-DAD01-29-BE-4973-AAB9-DCEB9-FCBAB58.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WD2KJ7L9)

Hope laker fishing keeps up for a bit. This cold weather is helping!

Looks good!