Getting Started with GroupMe for Candlewood Valley Trout Unlimited

CVTU has decided to use the GroupMe mobile messaging app as a communication tool among members. See the instructions below for adding the app to your mobile device and start messaging with fellow members.

GroupMe is a free and easy-to-use messaging app that will help our members stay connected, share fishing reports, coordinate outings, and stay informed about chapter events. Follow these steps to join and use GroupMe effectively.

Step 1: Download and Install GroupMe

• On your smartphone, go to the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android).

• Search for GroupMe and download the app.

• You can also access GroupMe on a computer by visiting www.groupme.com.

Step 2: Sign Up or Log In

• Open the app and sign up using your email address, phone number, and a password.

• If you already have an account, simply log in.

Step 3: Join the Candlewood Valley Trout Unlimited Group

• Send Paul Shafer (our administrator) an email or a text with your name and cell phone number. He will add you to the group and you will receive an invitation.

• Click here to email Paul Shafer, or text (203) 470-3510.

Step 4: Customize Your Profile

• Tap on your profile picture (or initials) in the upper-left corner.

• Update your name and profile picture (optional but helpful for identifying members).

• Enable notifications to stay updated on group conversations.

Step 5: Sending Messages and Media

• Open the Candlewood Valley Trout Unlimited group chat.

• Tap the message box at the bottom to type and send messages.

• To share photos, videos, or documents, tap the paperclip icon.

• Use the @mention feature to notify specific members.

Step 6: Managing Notifications

• If you receive too many alerts, you can mute notifications by tapping the group name → Settings → Mute Notifications.

• You can also customize how you receive alerts under Settings → Notifications.

Step 7: Leaving or Rejoining the Group

• If you need to leave the group, go to the group settings and select Leave Group.

• If you wish to rejoin later, ask an administrator for a new invitation.

Helpful Tips

• Keep messages relevant to fishing, chapter events, and related discussions.

• Be respectful and follow group etiquette.

• If you have any issues with the app, check the Help & Support section in GroupMe or ask a fellow member for assistance.

Fishing for Students to Get Out and Fish!

At Danbury High School, students are encouraged to think outside the box and explore new ways of learning. This year, Mr. Thomas Porcelli, an English teacher at DHS, is launching a special hands-on project aimed at empowering students through the art of crafting—specifically, building their very own personalized fishing rods from scratch.

The project will not only teach students about craftsmanship, but also valuable life skills such as patience, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving. Each student will get the opportunity to select the components, assemble, and customize their own fishing rod—an experience that will foster a sense of pride and accomplishment.

However, to bring this unique opportunity to life, Mr. Porcelli needs your support. His fundraiser is still over $600 short of its goal.

How You Can Help: Your generous donations will go directly toward purchasing the materials for the project, allowing each student to create their one-of-a-kind rod. Here’s how you can contribute:

1. Monetary Donations: Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference! Donations will help us cover the costs of high-quality materials that will make this hands-on learning experience a reality.

2. In-Kind Donations: If you have fishing rod building supplies (such as rod blanks, reel seats, guides, thread, etc.) that you are willing to donate, we would be grateful for your generosity.

3. Volunteers: If you have experience in rod building or would simply like to help guide the students through the process, we welcome volunteers to join us in the workshop.

The Benefits of This Project:

• Creativity & Personalization: Each student will design a rod that reflects their personal style and preferences, making it a special and meaningful project.

• Skill Building: Beyond learning the basics of fishing rod construction, students will gain problem-solving skills, patience, and an appreciation for craftsmanship.

• Teamwork: As students work together on this project, they will strengthen their ability to collaborate and support one another.

This project represents a wonderful opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world skills. It’s not just about building fishing rods—it’s about building confidence, pride, and a sense of accomplishment in the students.

Join Us in Making This Project a Reality:
We are thrilled about the potential impact this project will have on the students. With your help, we can make this hands-on experience accessible to all. To donate or learn more, please visit the project fundraising site here or contact Mr. Porcelli at porcet@danbury.k12.ct.us.

Thank you for supporting Danbury High School’s mission to inspire and empower the next generation of learners!

Gene Rinaldi - Long Time CVTU Member

CVTU Member Doug Peterson requested that we post this notice to the CVTU website and send an email to chapter membership.

Doug Peterson visited Gene Rinaldi today. Gene is in the hospice unit at Candlewood Valley Rehab in New Milford. He is suffering from pancreatic cancer with no treatment options.

He told Doug he would welcome visitors (for short periods) and a chance to talk about trips and fishing you might have shared with him. He feels that his fishing experiences were a huge bright spot in his life. Yankee baseball is a hot topic, too. As you may know, Gene loves being with a crowd and hamming it up. If you have any photos that would be great.

Candlewood Valley Rehab is on Park Lane East which is a right turn off of Route 202 a few miles north of the hospital. Gene's phone is 203 297 3997.

He is not in pain, but tires easily. You can imagine he welcomes comfort.

Support for the proposed legislation to improve the Upper Farmington River Flow

Trout Unlimited has reached out to the board of Candlewood Valley TU, asking for your support of an important advocacy issue on the Farmington River. Members of the Farmington Valley TU Chapter have been closely engaged and monitoring the severe challenges facing the Farmington, due to insufficient flow management from the reservoir.

Please see below for detailed instruction on exactly how you can take just a few moments to draft a powerful statement to our local legislators. We are urging their consideration of the bills being presented, to establish a baseline commitment for flow management of the West Branch of the Farmington. Time is of the essence, please act today!

** Call to Action Steps **

1. Create a new email

2. Add to the Subject line: "Support for the proposed legislation to improve the Upper Farmington River Flow"

3. Add the email addresses of the four leaders of the State Senate and House Environment Committee listed below to the "To:" section of your email. Joseph.Gresko@cga.ct.gov, Rick.Lopes@cga.ct.gov, Patrick.Callahan@housegop.ct.gov, Stephen.Harding@cga.ct.gov

4. Add FVTU as a CC in the message to allow us to track the support: Carl.FVTU@gmail.com

5. Copy the text below into the body of your new email. Make sure to enter your name and the town you live in your signature line.

Representative Joseph Gresko, Chairperson

Senator Rick Lopes, Chairperson

Senator Stephen Harding, Ranking Member

Representative Patrick Callahan, Ranking Member

Environment Committee

Room 3200

Legislative Office Building

Hartford, Connecticut 06106

Please raise for a public hearing two bills that have been proposed to the Environment Committee to address erratic flows in the Upper Farmington River. This nationally renowned and federally-designated Wild and Scenic River begins below the MDC’s Goodwin Dam in Hartland and flows for 15 miles through Barkhamsted, New Hartford, and Collinsville (Canton). Less than two miles upriver of this dam is the Colebrook River Dam which is a flood control dam owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Currently, the USACE will only release (or hold back releases) when requested to do so by the MDC.

The first bill requires the MDC to make requests for releases from the Colebrook River Dam, as necessary, to maintain the flow of water in the West Branch of the Farmington River at or above a rate determined to be a sufficient minimum flow rate by DEEP.

The second bill directs DEEP to oversee an update to the Farmington River Instream Flow Study last completed in 1992, which is linked here: http://www.farmingtonriver.org/application/files/9814/7699/4131/FmgtnRiverInstreamFlowStudySum.pdf

Updating this study will provide information to determine the best flow regime for the Upper Farmington River to support its ecological health and recreational flows in light of changes in climate, as well as recent changes to state and pending changes to federal regulations governing the water in Colebrook River Reservoir.

Thank you for considering these two bills.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Your Town

President's Message

Hi All, My mom has always said the older you get the faster the year flies buy, it’s only been recently that I understand what she meant.

Thanksgiving is in the books and I hope you all enjoyed time with friends and family. Christmas is just around the corner and CVTU has a few great things on the calendar.

Our December gathering will Feature Matt Devine and Drew Ransom both from the CT DEEP.

Matt is a cold water fisheries biologist working out of the Marlborough office of the CT DEEP. His enthusiasm and knowledge combined with his passion for all trout will bode extremely well for trout in CT for many years to come.

Drew is a Connecticut native who after many years honing his craft out west has come home to work with the wild trout initiative here in CT. Like Matt his passion and enthusiasm for his job is refreshing and the anglers of Connecticut are lucky to have him working for us.

Matt and Drew will be covering many topics during the evening,:

PLEASE come to the gathering or zoom in and hear what they have to say, Im sure they will do a grFall stocking recap and spring stocking preview

• Results from the CT recent online Trout Stocking Survey

• The plan to conserve wild trout in the state.

• Coldwater lakes research and management

• Highlights and updates from the Fisheries Division (e.g., new staff, projects, toys…)

• Where we are with Deep Brook/Meeker Brook.eat job.The more support we give the better the results will be for the future of trout in our State.

NOTE: the December gathering will be our last at Edmund Town Hall as we are going back to Stony Hill Fire House starting with the January meeting.

We will once again be joining members from the Mianus chapter for our ugly sweater party on the Farmington on December 16th, please check the website for details. This event is more about friendships and seasonal cheer than actual fishing but it is always a great day regardless of the weather (and every year at least a few fish are caught).

Other topics of note are our continued efforts to fight for protection of Deep Brook when and if the housing project “The Farm at Deep Brook” comes back to the town as a new proposal. CVTU was instrumental in bringing awareness of the flaws in the last proposal and will continue our efforts as the project moves forward.

Lastly, The chapter is required to hold elections in the spring. The current board has been in place for a number of years and we have a couple members who need to step down. As they step down we need others to step up and fill their chairs, The board is open to all members and I encourage you to reach out with questions regarding the positions open, and hope that we will get some new blood and fresh ideas as a result of the changes.

I hope to see you at the December gathering , the ugly sweater party or the December board meeting.

Cheers to to you and your families during this wonderful time of the year!

Best,

Mike

CVTU Rod Building Class

The CVTU Rod Building Class will run again this winter. This will be the third rod building class CVTU has offered since 2019 and it has been quite popular. This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow chapter members while learning skills that will stay with you for years. You can choose to build a fly rod or a fresh/saltwater spinning rod.

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This class will walk you through selecting a blank and components, building the rod, and finishing your rod. You can custom order individual components to your liking or keep it simple and order a kit with everything you need. We will show you how to do everything from step 1. We have numerous members willing to help run this class so you will be in good hands and will have fun.

CVTU is proudly supported by MudHole Custom Tackle. CVTU members are offered special discounts on all of our supplies and equipment. The first meeting will be on Zoom where we will learn how to select components. After the ordering process is complete, we will get together on a Saturday and do most of the building together. Dates TBD.

You will have the opportunity to purchase your own tools and wrapping equipment with an approximately 50% discount from Mudhole. You can also choose to borrow and return CVTU's rod building equipment if you just want to try it.

CVTU will ask participants for a $25 donation to cover the costs of tools and consumables that will be provided in the class.

Please click the button below to complete the survey to reserve a spot. Questions can be e-mailed to John Hildenbrand at Jhildenb73@gmail.com.

Volunteer Anglers Needed

Volunteer Anglers Needed for Removal of Triploid Grass Carp from Candlewood Lake and Squantz Pond

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Many of you may have seen an email earlier this week from Mike Beauchene of Connecticut DEEP. Mike says that DEEP is conducting a project to rid Candlewood Lake of Triploid Grass Carp. I have included the text of Mike’s message below with details on the issue, and information for how we can help. This is a great opportunity for CVTU to demonstrate our commitment to our local fisheries.

We are requesting your help to remove Triploid Grass Carp from Candlewood Lake and Squantz Pond. To learn more and register as a volunteer angler, please click the following link: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Fishing/Triploid-Grass-Carp-Removal-from-Candlewood-Lake-and-Squantz-Pond 

Sterile Triploid Grass Carp were stocked into Candlewood Lake in 2015 and 2017 to control invasive Eurasian Watermilfoil. However, during 2022, the coverage of all submerged aquatic vegetation in Candlewood Lake dramatically declined to the point that it was largely absent from the lake. Submerged aquatic vegetation is an important habitat that supports healthy fisheries and water quality. It is the position of the DEEP Fisheries Division that active removal of grass carp from the lake is necessary for the submerged aquatic plant community in Candlewood Lake to recover to desirable levels in a timeframe that minimizes adverse effects to fisheries resources and lake stakeholders. Relying on natural mortality alone, it could take upwards of 20 years for the carp population to decline to levels that allow for the recovery of the aquatic plant community. It is the position of the Fisheries Division that such an extended timeframe is unacceptable as it would negatively impact fisheries resources and lake stakeholders. Consequently, the direct removal of grass carp from Candlewood Lake is necessary. 

In May 2023, CT DEEP Fisheries staff conducted a pilot Triploid Grass Carp removal program over the course of 3 days, using a combination of boat-based electrofishing and large mesh gill nets. During the 3-day pilot program, a total of 118 grass carp were removed from Candlewood Lake. The estimated population of Grass Carp remaining in the lake ranges from 1,500-3,800 fish. To restore a healthy level of submerged aquatic vegetation, it is necessary to remove additional Triploid Grass Carp. 

The CT DEEP Fisheries Division is enlisting the help of anglers to remove Triploid Grass Carp from Candlewood Lake and Squantz Pond (which is connected to Candlewood Lake and was stocked with Grass Carp in 2017). Removal via angling represents a unique opportunity for anglers to target Grass Carp and directly support science-based fisheries management. If you would like to participate, please use the following links to register as a volunteer angler, report your catch, or view the submitted catches to-date on our public dashboard. 

Register as a Volunteer Angler 

Report Your Catch 

View the Dashboard 

Please contact the Fisheries Division with any questions.
Phone: 860-424-FISH (3474)
E-mail: deep.inland.fisheries@ct.gov 

Mike Beauchene, Supervising Fisheries Biologist

Our Mission: To advance the conservation, enhancement, restoration, use, and appreciation of Connecticut’s fish, fisheries and fish habitats.

CT Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) & Fisheries Program Support, Fisheries Division

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106-5127
P: 860.424.4185 F: 860.424.4070 E: mike.beauchene@ct.gov

Changes to Inland Sportfish Regulations – effective 12/27/2022

The following is a simple summary of the key changes to the regulations for sport fishing in the inland district. The full version of the regulations is available on the Secretary of State’s web page. Questions?

Seasons

• Removes the closed season for fishing on all lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams.

• Establishes a statewide “Catch and Release” season for trout and kokanee from March 1 to 6:00 am on the second Saturday of April (Opening Day of harvest).

• Extends the season on trout management lakes from March 31 to 6:00 am on the second Saturday of April (Opening Day of harvest).

• Retains thermal refuge closure to protect trout while seeking refuge in cold-water tributaries as indicated by signs posted by CT DEEP.

Species

• Revises the statewide daily creel limit for trout and kokanee to be 5 trout daily AND 5 kokanee daily (previously 5 of either, 8 in aggregate).

Waterbodies

• Establishes the following special trout regulations on East Twin Lake and Lake Wononskopomuc: During the period from 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April through the last day of February the daily creel limit for trout shall be five, not more than one of which may be a brown trout, and the minimum length for brown trout shall be twenty-two inches. During the period from March first through 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April, inclusive, the daily creel limit for trout shall be one and the minimum length limit shall be twenty-two inches.

• Adds Long Pond (North Stonington) and Lake Wononskopomuc to the list of Trout Management Lakes.

• Prohibits ice fishing on Factory Pond (Salisbury), Lake Chamberlain (Bethany), Lake Saltonstall (Branford, East Haven), Maltby Lakes (Orange, West Haven), Lake McDonough (New Hartford, Barkhamsted) and Shenipsit Lake (Ellington, Tolland, Vernon).

Gear

• Establishes a limit of two devices per person when ice fishing on East Twin Lake or Lake Wononskopomuc. This may be two (2) tip ups, two (2) jigging rods or one of each.

Definitions

• Establishes a definition for Cast Net, Inline Circle Hook and Culling.

• Revises the definition of Closed Season to conform with the definition provided in state statute

For more information please visit the Secretary of State’s Webpage or the Digital Fishing Guide.

President's Message and Holiday Cheer!

Happy Holidays and Merry Fishmas!

Wow, it seems like yesterday I was waiting for the first good hatches of spring, and here we are a week away from Christmas.

CVTU had a busy and productive year with conservation, fund raising, fishing trips and Trout in the Classroom. We continued both in-person (SO great to see those who came out), and zoom chapter meetings with many wonderful presentations.

Additionally, we held a number of successful work parties for tree plantings, conifer revetment work, invasive clearing, river cleanup and electro shocking of the Pootatuck and Deep Brook.

It’s been a challenge at times to get people together due to the NEW world we live in. We continue to do our best to be safe and mindful when we are in-person: giving our members who to choose to engage, a place to see old friends and make new ones.

Looking ahead to 2023, we will have a full calendar of activities beginning with a New Year’s day trout trip to the Mianus River with our friends from Mianus TU (more to come).

Our January meeting will feature a new presentation by Steve Culton and Antoine Bissieux “The French Fly Fisherman” will be our presenter for February.

We are rounding out the rest of the TU meeting schedule, and will forward it to you soon. If there is a topic or presenter you would like us to look into please let us know! This is your chapter and we are here to make it the best it can be.

I would like to take a moment to thank our board members and volunteers for the dedication and commitment they bring to each and every project and event . Without them we would not be able to succeed .

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season. Share the warmth of the season with your friends and family. And most of all, live your best life.

Sincerely,

Mike

It’s Giving Season! Support CVTU’s Classroom-based STEM initiative - Trout in the Classroom

One of the most powerful things we can do as a chapter is to provide experiences to children that help them develop a deep appreciation for their natural world and inspire them to take action. Our annual Trout in the Classroom (TIC) program - which provides all the equipment for classrooms in local schools to raise trout from eggs to release day in a local river - the best way we have found to do this. We, and programs across the country, are gearing up for our next TIC program - a memorable STEM program and gateway stewardship experience - won't you help us maintain and grow TIC with your support and a tax deductible donation?

Our goal is to ensure the almost 20 schools, in towns across Fairfield County, always have the equipment they need to take advantage of the power of TIC and connect more kids to conservation. To do so, we need to plan for the repair and replacement of critical equipment such as chillers, filters and consumable supplies s we get ready for our . Please consider us in your end of year giving as we get ready for our January program start by clicking on the Donate button.

The Trout in the Classroom (TIC) program is one of the very best ways we can protect the work we have done and invest in our future. CVTU’s program, headed up by teacher and CVTU board member Kit Neilsen, allows teachers to engage students in unique powerful experiential learning that is customizable to their curriculum and students needs. Whether the tank is in a 3rd grade hallway, allowing 200+ students to observe the life cycle of trout in person, or an honors biology class studying the nuances of carbon cycling, the trout bring the lesson to life in a way they’ll never forget. Support the Program and local education with a donation now!

Candlewood Valley Trout Unlimited is deeply proud of its TIC program. We support over 20 tanks in local schools, reaching thousands of students each year. We believe in our teachers and thank them for their deep commitment to environmental education. 

To keep this vibrant, impactful program going, it takes more than our incredible volunteers and dedicated teachers. It takes funding for critical equipment for maintaining the temperature and water quality which keep our trout alive and inspiring young minds. Please help us continue the important work of this powerful program with a donation to CVTU & TIC today, and thank you!

If you would prefer to donate by check, please make your check payable to Candlewood Valley Trout Unlimited and mail it to Candlewood Valley Trout Unlimited, P.O. Box 3, Hawleyville, CT 06440. Thank you.

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Help us spread the word! Know someone who also cares about STEM and classroom-based conservation education initiatives in Bethel, Danbury, New Milford, Newtown and Ridgefield? Please feel free to share this website and URL with friends, and colleagues in your network. Thank you.