Monday, June 22, 2015

The Saugatuck Reservoir; Prime Connecticut Fishing

In the U.S., there is an abundance of excellent freshwater fishing. Just inside the northeast coastline are many appropriate examples. In Fairfield County, CT, spanning the towns of Redding and Weston, lies the Saugatuck Reservoir; approximately 12 billion gallons of pristine inland marine life which offers an array of angling opportunities for various types of fisherman. What I found peculiar was the lack of publicity the reservoir receives Online, despite its reputation. I searched Wikipedia (considered an oracle to most), sport fishing hubs, online fishing magazines, and even the CT Department of Environmental Protection website. Still, specific information regarding the numerous different fish species contained therein was not readily available. For example, Wikipedia stated:
The Saugatuck Reservoir is a reservoir in Fairfield County, Connecticut, US, that straddles the border between the towns of Redding and Weston. It is created by the Samuel P. Senior dam[2] of the Saugatuck River, and provides water to several of the surrounding towns. It is considered quite scenic and is stocked with trout for fishing. It borders the Devil's Den Preserve in the southwest.
Bridgeport Hydraulic Company Holdings (now owned by Aquarion) flooded the Saugatuck River Valley after 1938[3][4] displacing the village of Valley Forge[5][6] to create the Saugatuck Reservoir.[7]
Aquarion Water Co., owner of the reservoir and dam, allows Tailrace fishing in one area at the Weston end of the reservoir, where it has constructed a handicapped-access area. However, anglers must obtain a permit from Aquarion before fishing in the Saugatuck.[8]
The Saugatuck is the largest of the eight reservoirs that make up Aquarion’s greater Bridgeport water system. It holds about 12 billion US gallons (45,000,000 m3) of water.[9]
Above, only trout are mentioned, which fails to recognize the biological diversity of the Saugatuck Reservoir. That's like reviewing an entire acclaimed film, yet only discussing one character. Also, if I'm to contribute to a central information resource, my credibility is paramount. As the result of personal hands-on experience, and discussions with attending park rangers, I've amended the page to include a full list of fish species thriving there. See below for the (entire) updated entry:
The Saugatuck Reservoir is a reservoir in Fairfield County, Connecticut, US, that straddles the border between the towns of Redding and Weston. It is created by the Samuel P. Senior dam[2] of the Saugatuck River, and provides water to several of the surrounding towns. It is considered quite scenic and is stocked with trout for fishing. It borders the Devil's Den Preserve in the southwest.
Bridgeport Hydraulic Company Holdings (now owned by Aquarion) flooded the Saugatuck River Valley after 1938[3][4] displacing the village of Valley Forge[5][6] to create the Saugatuck Reservoir.[7]
Aquarion Water Co., owner of the reservoir and dam, allows Tailrace fishing in one area at the Weston end of the reservoir, where it has constructed a handicapped-access area. However, anglers must obtain a permit from Aquarion before fishing in the Saugatuck.[8]
The Saugatuck is the largest of the eight reservoirs that make up Aquarion’s greater Bridgeport water system. It holds about 12 billion US gallons (45,000,000 m3) of water.[9]
The following fish species may be found within the Saugatuck Reservoir:
American Eel
Bluegill (Sunfish)
Brook Trout
Brown Trout
Bullhead Catfish
Chain Pickerel
Crappie
Largemouth Bass
Pumpkinseed (Sunfish)
Rainbow Trout
Rock Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Walleye
White Perch
Yellow Perch
Saugatuck Reservoir
Just as certain types of music draw particular types of listeners, so do fish species with specific anglers. Knowing where your desired fishes exist is consistent with knowing where your favorite band is playing. The ultimate objective here is to provide a broader perspective on a wonderful place. Please enjoy!

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