Fly Fishing NH's Connecticut Lakes Region

If You’re Going To Release That Fish …

I see a lot of fish pictures – live ones, dead ones, and even some that might have been technically alive when the picture was taken, but are sure to be belly up a short time after they have been returned to the water. 

If you plan on releasing the fish that you catch, it is important that you follow some common sense practices to ensure that the fish you release survives to be caught another day.

There’s an excellent article from Hatch Magazine that lays it all out pretty simply – check it out and put their guidelines in to practice. It’ll only make your fishing and fishery better, and it just feels good too.

The Fishing?

The Connecticut River’s “Trophy Stretch” continues to be a busy place – fishermen moving in and out, and it seems like every pool and run has been hit by anglers. The fish are there for sure, but they also seem to have become much more wary lately. Approach carefully and fish quietly. The lake trout pictured above was caught in the river – a rare specimen for sure!

Nymphs are probably still the best way to go, and there’s a wealth of options there. Stoneflies (Prince, Black Stones, Golden Stones) are hatching regularly now, so those patterns are always good, but don’t forget about the attractor patterns either – San Juan Worms (in all colors) and your classic Egg patterns are also worthy.

The lower Connecticut River also has fish right now, but they seem to be very picky – many different hatches are coming off, so bring plenty of flies, tippet, and lots of patience. Some epic caddis hatches, with the occasional mayfly and stonefly hatches as well – it really is something down there when it’s all happening. Unfortunately, the cornucopia of naturals makes it much tougher for our offerings to be accepted by the trout.

Back Lake continues to be sporadic for our trolling fishermen – once again, the fish are there but they have been mostly tight lipped to start this season. Our erratic weather probably hasn’t helped either.  The Brown Drake hatch started a few nights ago, so that’s good news – usually it goes for a week or two prior to the start of the Hexagenia hatch.

This is primetime for all of the brook trout ponds right now – they are a great option for when the river gets too crowded. Tall Timber offers free rowboats on some of the ponds for our guests, so check with us at the front desk to reserve one when you’re with us.

Fathers Day Weekend is approaching, and it will be a busy one I’m sure – make sure you have some options this weekend …

 

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