That’s a funny looking rainbow that our fly fishing guide Dave Poole caught last week below Murphy Dam. Big head, but small body – looks like a lake trout out of a lake that doesn’t have enough smelt in it. Dave said that this had been a large fish at some point, but he went on something that I need unfortunately – a diet. Whatever the case, this fish was released to (hopefully) fatten up for another day.

The fishing and the upper Connecticut River flows have both been consistent lately, as our weather has finally moderated over the last two weeks. The Trophy Stretch is currently flowing at about 195 CFS, and could drop a bit if our weather remains nice. The flow at Murphy Dam is currently at 400 CFS, and you can expect that release to drop a bit soon.

What’s working?  Nymphs in general have been solid – caddis nymphs and emergers have been the best patterns lately, but stonefly imitations can also be the ticket too. Remember to fish them “slow and low”.

Recommended Patterns:

BH Prince, BH Pheasant Tail, Mangy Caddis, Caddis Pupa, TB Dirty Bird, Caddis Pupa, Hatching Pupa (gray & olive), Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail, TB Case Caddis, BH Micro Stone

Streamers are still working with the higher than average flows, and in the appropriate pools that encourage such presentations. As you would expect, the best patterns have been the Garthside Soft Hackle Streamer and Angus Boezeman’s Scout.

The tried and true dry fly patterns at this time of year are working as well – Elk Hair Caddis, Olive X-Caddis, Klinkhammer, Challenged Pheasant Tail, Purple Haze, and Stimulator. Any of these patterns will work when properly presented.

And what of the Back Lake Hex Hatch, you may ask?

Regrettably, it’s winding down – there’s still a few coming off on nights with the right conditions, and while there will be some stragglers here and there for a couple of weeks, the peak of the hatch has come and gone.

Too bad, so sad …