River
flows are expected to be high this week due to rain combined with the seasonal
draw down of Second Connecticut Lake. With higher water now is the time to try
new spots. Look for larger pools such as Bridge Pool, the Skating Rink and the
deep pools between the Skating Rink and Lake Francis. Caddis is the
primary hatch along with larger stones. Other areas to try include the
river below the Stewartstown Bridge. The river is larger there and slower.
Wading access is harder with all the private land but try a canoe or kayak!
Flies to try: Yellow and Orange Stimulators, Red Copper Johns, Ants and Grass Hoppers for the lower river, Bead Head Prince Nymph, CDC Caddis (grey), Copper Johns, Black Ghost for ponds, Elk Hair Caddis, BH Pheasant Tails, BH Micro Stones, Hornbergs, Wooly Buggers, and Hatching Pupa.
Fishing starts to
get good in mid-May with the start of the salmon run. Smelt
come out of the lakes to spawn in the Connecticut River. Landlocked salmon
follow the smelt to feed on them. Large landlocked salmon can be caught and
streamers in May. Pond fishing also gets good in early to mid May. Nymphs and
streamers are a good bet for ponds in May. River fishing gets going in late May
or early June. Dry fly fishing begins (weather dependant) in early to mid-June.
The Upper Connecticut is blessed with two tail-water, bottom release dams which
provide cold water for miles downstream. Dry fly fishing continues through the
summer with
water temperatures in the low to mid 60's. Summer river flows are
good. Some of the best fly fishing of the season can be July and August. Dry fly
fishing continues into September but as the water cools in late September,
nymphs become quite effective. Fishing season ends on October 15th. The end of
the season can be quite productive for landlocked salmon as salmon spawn in the
river in the fall. Streamers and nymphs are most effective? So when is the best
time to visit? That's a hard question with so many fishing options and
opportunities. A trip in the spring with some fishing buddies, a vacation with
the family in the summer, or a special getaway in the fall for some foliage and
fishing. Come visit the Connecticut Lakes Region for some great fishing and
more!
