Upper Connecticut River Fishing Report: 9/20

Things have changed here in northern New Hampshire on the Upper Connecticut River – we have more water flowing from the dams at First Connecticut Lake and Lake Francis. The changes occurred about a week and a half ago, and seems to have affected the fishing for the better, by most accounts.

The draw down of the Connecticut Lakes continues, and the Trophy Stretch is now flowing at 175 CFS, a modest but welcomed increase from the 125 CFS that it was at previously. At Murphy Dam, the flow is now 350 CFS, which is quite an improvement over the 275 CFS that we had most of the summer.

What has that meant for the fishing? The water is moving faster in these sections now (probably figured that one out), perhaps resulting in quicker decision making for the trout and salmon. They have less time now to decide if they want our offerings, or not. It also means that there is more holding water for the fish, as they can move around more freely than they were able to most of the summer. They are now not only in the more defined pools, but also in the riffles in between.

It also appears that some trout and salmon have been moving into the Trophy Stretch and the “No Kill” Stretch between Second Connecticut Lake and First Connecticut Lake. There were several good salmon that I heard were caught last weekend in the Trophy Stretch, so that could be an indicator of larger fish running up river.

As for fly recommendations, I will rely on some information passed on to me by Chuck Degray of North Country Fly Shop:

“With the increase in water flows, it’s time to start throwing Soft Hackle Streamers in olive or gray. With fresh fish in the system, UV San Juan Worms in pink and red are finding a few fish. With a few caddis around, Lafontaine’s Sparkle Pupa in tan or cream in size 14, and the usual Midge nymphs in black, red and olive are still producing. Don’t forget a Black Hares Ear and Olive Pheasant Tail in size 18-20. For the meat locker, try the Articulated Zoo Cougar and the Drunk and Disorderly.”

There’s a lot to digest there, but that is some top notch information. Chuck’s on the river every chance he can get, whether it is with clients or by his lonesome. The best is the last sentence – those that have fished with Chuck know that could have been his only recommendation (throwing junk!).

Chuck, Mickey Cunliffe and I did a drift on the lower Connecticut River down by Colebrook yesterday and we found some good rainbows and browns that were willingly taking the Purple Haze and occasional Grasshopper.

Some of them were also game for Chuck’s spectacular yellow articulated streamer, which was exciting. You have to be committed to the streamer game, as it can be cold as Pittsburg in January at times. But when it’s on, it’s a blast.

Only 25 fishing days left in the 2016 season here on the Connecticut River – get up here before it’s over …