Fly Fishing NH's Connecticut Lakes Region

Connecticut River Fishing Report: 3/12

Maple sugaring isn’t the only thing this weather is great for – it’s great for the fisherman’s soul too.  Yesterday felt like it could have been any day in May or June, with all of the brilliant sunshine and warm temperatures, and there were a few trout out there willing to play the game.

A nice March Connecticut River brown - another victim of the soft hackle streamer!

Soft hackle streamers were still doing the trick yesterday in the 38 degree water, with the two pictured both taking them. There was also a close call with Moby Dick (probably a ginormous brown?) – my line stopped shortly on a retrieve, and then a split second later he was gone with my fly in his mouth. Guess he didn’t feel much like playing yesterday.

The floating smelt (courtesy of Chuck DeGray at North Country Flies) and some different nymph combinations were used early on to no effect, but the soft hackle streamer worked immediately. It’s definitely not easy out there right now, but well worth it once you get one on.

Thus, my scoreboard for catching a fish on the Connecticut each month of the 2012 season:

Jan., Feb., March, April, May, June, July, Aug., Sept., Oct.

In the meantime, the melt continues, the wading is pretty easy, and many parts of the river south of town are easily accessible. Expect some off color water at major junctions on the Connecticut due to melt from the tribs.

Snowmobiling is rapidly winding down now, and we have openings at the lodge in case you want to give spring fishing a try. The Rainbow Grille, as usual, will ply you with great food and drink at the end of your day on the water.

Give us a call if you can take time out of that busy schedule – 1-800-835-6343.

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