Photo by Ron Sinfelt

February trout fishing is not your grandfather's trout fishing, for sure! The part of trout fishing's legend that begins in the spring with melting snow drifts and muddy runoff is out of date, and has been for some time.

With the trout season never closing on certain streams and rivers because of enlightened fisheries management programs, many anglers continue casting a line through the fall months, and some never quit. By changing tactics with the seasons, and checking the county sections of the New York Department of Environmental Conservation's freshwater fishing regulations, trout fanatics can fish all winter.

While they're joining the ranks of steelheaders and ice-fishermen in that respect, there is a difference: A February trout fisherman can count on having the pools to himself.

A sunny afternoon makes it more comfortable for winter anglers, of course, and raising the water temperature a degree or two may even improve the fishing. In winter, the key will be to work slowly and deep when you're casting nymphs and streamers or spinners and small stick baits.

A popular misconception is that aquatic life becomes dormant during the winter. It does get pretty sleepy, but insect activity continues year 'round. Small stoneflies will hatch under certain conditions, for example. The food chain remains unbroken, and at the top a stream's browns, rainbows and brookies are often suckers for what looks like a free lunch.

The following are some streams and rivers that will give anglers a two-month head start on the regular trout season, and provide a lot more fun than tying flies or watching another basketball game.

CONNETQUOT RIVER
Although nearly all of the trout water on Long Island is open for February fishing, the best odds for catching a winter brook trout anywhere in the state are on the Connetquot River as it flows through Connetquot State Park. That is because the park hatchery releases trout averaging about 1 pound throughout the season, with plenty of holdover brookies and some sea-run rainbows -- trophy-sized fish -- populating the stream at the present time.

Also, the Connetquot is a spring creek with year-round temperatures hovering around 52 degrees offering ideal winter fishing conditions.

The Connetquot meanders through the park for about five miles before hitting brackish water leading to Great South Bay, certainly the only blue-ribbon trout water on the planet surrounded by dense suburban development. Streamers and nymphs are reported to be most effective at this time of year, with many anglers trying black or olive Woolly Buggers. Caddis and stonefly nymphs or scuds fished on dead drifts are also recommended.

With a gentle, steady current and a sandy bottom, wading here is about as easy as it gets.

Trout fishing opens Feb. 1 on the Connetquot, and is strictly controlled throughout the season because of the popularity of this unique river --during February and March, fishing is permitted from Wednesdays through Sundays. Thirty areas are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and each angler has a specific stretch of water to fish for four hours. Two fishing periods are assigned each day from 8 a.m. to noon and noon to 4 p.m.

The special regulations here require catch-and-release, fly-fishing only. A daily fee of $15 is charged. On April 1, the fishing week begins on Tuesdays, with three daily sessions scheduled and special creel limits permitted.

Connequoit State Park is at Oakdale, about halfway out on the south shore, off the Sunshine Highway (Route 27). The park is north of the highway, and access is from westbound lanes -- watch for the sign and short exit lane. For more information about fishing the Connetquot, call (631) 581-1005.