Upper Connecticut River Fishing Update: 6/12

Nice salmon that found the bottom of a fishing net today, taken on a Caddis Pupa. He was released to prowl the depths again, and many thanks to N.H. Fishing Guide Mickey Cunliffe for educating this salmo salar, and documenting it for us …

Overall, the fishing on the Trophy Stretch has been good for some, and a little slow for others. The river flow in the Trophy is holding steady at around 150 CFS or so, which is good for wading purposes. The moderate flow has its drawbacks too, and especially wary fish is the top of that list. Trout and salmon settle in at this type of flow, tend to be reluctant to move around, and it can even cause them to be very selective with their feeding activities.

My best advice is to be stealthy with these conditions, not that you would ever want to go blundering in to the river (though I’ve seen it happen!), but approach your fishing spots carefully. Once there, fish with a plan and a purpose. Cover the water thoroughly, and make sure you bring along plenty of 5x and even 6x tippet.

Nymphing is probably the best option at this point, with a beadhead nymph up front (Pheasant Tail, Caddis Pupa, Prince, Black or Yellow Stone, etc.) and a soft hackle wet fly (Soft Hackle Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear, Chuck’s Swing Fly, Hatching Pupa, UV Soft Hackle Glitter, Jailbird, etc.) or even a San Juan or Goomie Worm as a trailer.

If you’re a purist, Elk Hair Caddis might be the best option, as the caddis have been coming off pretty well lately, but an Adams, Klinkhammer, and Yellow Sally should probably be in your box too. There have been some fish getting taken on top every now and then, so keep on the lookout for surface dwellers. If the tug is your drug, make sure you have some Soft Hackle Streamers in your box as well – Olive seems to be a favorite right now, but the White and Gray Soft Hackles are also dependable.

The flow below Murphy Dam at Lake Francis is currently at 595 CFS, but that is a temporary condition for two more days, then it will be returning to 300 CFS. The higher flow might actually be better for fishing however, and while you probably will not be crossing the river at that level, you may run in to some fish that are actively feeding and willing to expose themselves in pursuit of their next meal. The caddis hatches have been particularly strong below Murphy, so bring some dry and wet versions of your favorite caddis patterns.

June is the month to hit the outer brook trout ponds too, so make sure you bring along a personal watercraft to get out on these waters. Our guests have provided good reports from East Inlet, Coon Brook Bog and Big Brook Bog too. Back Lake’s brown drake hatch began several days ago as well, so a Brown Hornberg, Brown Owl, and Woodduck Heron can all be pretty good options. Even a Green Drake could do the trick when the fish hit a feeding frenzy.

The famed Hexagenia hatch on Back Lake could be 7 – 10 days out, as it follows close on the heels of the brown drake hatch. Let’s hope for some summery weather (hot and humid is what really gets the hex hatch fired up).

Get out there folks, it’s only getting better from here on out …