I know … another fish in the net picture, but believe me, it was tough to manage a 2+ lb. Connecticut River brook trout in my net, my rod, my camera phone, and a cigar sticking out of my mouth all at the same time – this is the best I could do. This one (and the one before it) took a soft hackle hatching pupa trailing an olive woolybugger on a sinking leader on my switch rod.
The Connecticut River continues to flow very lightly out of each of the lakes thanks to our friends at TransCanada. While we are down about one inch of rain as of this time for June, the flows are appalling low, especially in the Trophy Stretch and below Murphy Dam, so your guess is as good as mine as to why this is happening.
This has led to some challenging fishing on the Connecticut River in Pittsburg, as our trout and salmon scurry for the safety of deeper water. There are fish there, but they’re real spooky right now. Still, the hatches of caddis have been epic this week south of the village, and if you throw in the assortment of stoneflies and mayflies also coming off, it has been a smorgasbord for the trout when they feel safe enough to venture out to feed.
The Androscoggin River is also lower than usual, but there’s been some decent action on some drifts over there. Nymphing with beadheads and soft hackles can work, as well as the woolybugger or sculpzilla followed by a soft hackle mentioned already. No alder fly hatch yet, but it should be happening soon over there.
Back Lake was good this weekend for some of our guests that were trolling Mickey Finns, but it seemed to be tougher for the anglers using lures. No hexes yet, thanks in part to our long winter and colder spring, but the countdown to June 20 (the traditional start for the hex hatch) is definitely on now.
Please take a look at the link on the right petitioning for a rules change below Murphy Dam in Pittsburg. Put your signature on it if you feel so inclined, and we hope that you want to see the best for our Connecticut River fishery as we do!
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By: bs
Tom Caron dispenses advice, wisdom, and bs in the pursuit of trout and salmon daily for Tall Timber guests.
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See You at the Show!
Salmon Serenade
Upper Connecticut River Fishing Report: 8/25
Connecticut River Flow Update: 8/12
A Glimmer of Hope
Jo T.
June 10, 2014 — 10:13 am
Great photo, Tom! Thanks for keeping us posted about the river’s conditions.
bs
June 11, 2014 — 10:56 am
Hey Jo –
TransCanada increased the flows a bit yesterday (Trophy Stretch is up to 150 CFS), and the fishing was very good yesterday for our guests.
Let’s keep our fingers crossed that things are on the right track again!
Mickey
June 11, 2014 — 2:29 am
Tom,
China has blocked all acess to google, including gmail, so I cannot email you. Sadly I cannot come up with my dad during the dates that i mentioned to you last week. I will probably end up coming up on my own a couple times while I am home, but not sure of the dates yet. I will keep you posted.
Nice fish by the way. Look forward to having you net some fish for me.
Go Dolphins,
Mickey
bs
June 11, 2014 — 10:55 am
Sounds good Mickey – we’ll hook up at some point.
Good luck in the peoples republic! Talk soon, Tom