April 11, the
official opening of the fishing season in the Nutmeg State is the day when
fly-fishing aficionados from near and far flock to the Annual Riverton Fishing
Derby in the Riverton section of Barkhamsted located in the beautiful Litchfield Hills.
The day starts
before daybreak with a hearty breakfast beginning at 4 a.m. at the Riverton
Fire Department on 3 Riverton Rd. in the center of town. Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be available
at the Riverton General Store located in the center of town in a mid.-19th
century building that is the hub of activity for this village. Green mountain
coffee, made to order sandwiches, homemade soups, chili, salad and pastries are
just some of the things offered here. For more information on Riverton General
Store www.rivertongeneralstore.com.
This exciting
Litchfield Hills event takes place on April 11th on the West branch
of the Farmington River, a Nationally designated “Wild and Scenic” river that
is known to host an abundance of rainbow, brown and brook trout. As a matter of fact, on Friday afternoon
before this event, over 100 fish are purchased and released into the Farmington
River adding even more incentive to catch the “big one.” The contest, complete
with prizes, begins at 6 a.m. and lasts for about four hours, ending at 10 a.m.
and it’s all-free; and there is no registration or fee required.
The public is
always welcome to attend this event and to cheer on their favorite
fisherman. Last year some 500
enthusiasts participated in the derby. An even bigger crowd is expected this
year. Prizes include items donated by
local merchants as well as by Orvis and Cabela’s. The coveted grand prize is a village chair of
Riverton donated by the Hitchcock Chair Company. The Hitchcock Chair Company Store is located
in Riverton and stocks an excellent selection of this classic hand stenciled furniture. For information about the Hitchcock Chair
Company visit www.hitchcockchair.com.
A bit further
upriver a section of the flowing waters especially stocked for the occasion, is
set aside for the "Kid' Derby".
Any tot under 16 who is able to hold a fishing pole, can join in the
fun. Special prizes are awarded to kids.
The easiest way
of getting a fishing license is to visit the Connecticut Department of Energy
and Environmental Protection’s online sportsmen licensing at https://ct.outdoorcentral.net/InternetSales.
Fishing licenses are also available from town clerks and this website
has a complete listing of town clerks and businesses that sell fishing
licenses. The website also has a weekly
fishing report that runs from opening day through the end of November. The report is a summary of fresh and
saltwater fishing activity in the state as reported by tackle stores around the
state.
For more
information on Litchfield Hills, where to stay, dine and what to see and do
visit www.litchfieldhills.com.
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