Like the backwoods of Maine, but in North Canaan

NORTH CANAAN — It’s early spring, and while the weather may remain cool for a bit the fishing at the Limestone Trout Club in North Canaan is heating up.

The club, founded in the 1950s by Dr. Skip Ellis, offers superb fly-fishing on a scenic 94-acre property. The private club features six ponds in a quiet setting that is protected assiduously by members, their families and full-time, on-site management. One of the attractions of the club is that it allows anglers to enjoy their sport in a relaxed atmosphere without having to push elbows up against others.

“We have statistics that show we have fewer than six anglers a day fishing at the club,” said Dean Keister, membership committee director. “Some members come up for three or four hours, but I usually fish all day when I go to the club because I love to fish. Frequently, you have no one fishing in a pond with you.”

Because most of the fishing is catch and release, the trout grow large, with some reaching 10 pounds and 4- or 5-pounders rather common. The club stocks each year, although there are many “holdover” fish.

At the turn of the 20th century the property was an active limestone quarry. Ground water pressure eventually flooded the quarry and made it impossible to continue operations. The land was abandoned. 

That’s when Ellis “discovered” the property and decided it would make a perfect place for a trout fishing club. He organized a group of anglers and, in 1957, the club was established.  

The property is fed by many natural springs that keep water levels high on three main deep ponds. Each of the ponds is between 45 and 60-plus feet deep, providing an ideal environment where trout can seek the cold water they need to survive in the summer. The club has both fisheries and pond committees that actively manage trout stocking, water quality and other matters.

Rick Wallace of Barkhamsted has been a member of the Limestone Trout Club for 25 years. He was initially attracted to the club for its outstanding fishing and private surroundings.

“Being a still water fishery, there is never any issue with high water, which is a problem at times on both the Farmington and Housatonic rivers.”

The grounds of almost 100 acres provide lots of walking trails and cookout sites for those who wish to take a break from fishing. 

“One of the biggest assets of the club is its membership,” Wallace said. “The camaraderie makes for good times and stories on the porch of the clubhouse with an aprés fishing libation. 

“There are all skill levels among the membership, and the more experienced are always willing to help the newcomers to the sport. We are fortunate to have such great members and many strong friendships are formed here.”

Winsted resident John Krupinski is in his second season at the club.  

“My favorite thing about it is the feeling of being in the backwoods of Maine, but only having to drive 20 minutes to get there. The grounds are easy to navigate for us later-in-life fly-fishers, and the fishing can be quite good.”

The club has around 100 members, from the Northwest Corner to Hartford and Fairfield counties. 

“We used to have one member from Wyoming who would come to the club because the fishing is so good and the property is such a nice place to be,” said Keister.

The club opens officially each season with a dinner at the Country Club of Farmington. The dinner this year is on April 6; general regulation fishing for the state commences on April 13. 

“We hold an annual barbecue during the summer and a family fun day during the fall,” said Keister. “We have done events for Project Healing Waters Fly-Fishing, a group that brings disabled veterans to fish, as well as a fishing event for breast cancer survivors.”

For information about the club, go to www.limestonetroutclub.com.