That’s Tim Poole’s hands with a big brookie taken on the Trophy Stretch yesterday. Tim used to be, prefers to be a dry fly fisherman, but he’s learned that nymphing pays dividends too. Nice job Tim! Hoping you’re surviving the sweltering conditions better than some of us are – it’s just too darn hot! But, we know the alternative, so we’ll take the heat for now …

The water in the Trophy Stretch and other parts of the Connecticut and Androscoggin Rivers has come down quite a bit in the last week.  All sections are very wadable right now, and NH Fish & Game has been busy stocking this week. The Trophy has been producing some good fish from Lake Francis, as well as those of the stocked variety – expect mostly rainbows and brookies right now, with some browns and salmon sprinkled in occasionally. Nymphing is probably most effective, though there’s been some good caddis and mayfly (we’re turning toward sulphurs now, so light cahills will be here very soon) hatches happening too. If you’re a DFO (dry fly only) fisherman, June is your month for sure.

The river south of town has been good as well – lots of rainbows and brookies, with the occasional salmon thrown in – escapees from Lake Francis Penitentiary when the water was coming out of the spillway is what we’re thinking. Caddis hatches have been plentiful here, and there were also a few small stoneflies (yellow sallys) starting too the other night – don’t get caught out there without several of each! They aren’t jumping on the line however, so careful presentations are necessary on these fish. Water temps have gone from 48 degrees last Friday to 54 degrees on Tuesday – quite a jump, and that has our trout in prime predatory mode.

OMR drifted the Androscoggin yesterday and did very well with his people. They landed mostly brookies and rainbows, and even a salmon too – all were taken on streamers and nymphs. The world famous alderfly hatch hasn’t kicked off yet – June 20 is usually the date we look at to see the first emergences of the zebra caddis on the Andro. We’ll let you know when it happens. The hex hatch at Back Lake shouldn’t be long now – they should start popping in a week or two.

We have some openings for lodge rooms during the week and cabins as well – take a look at our Specials page for the latest deals.

Fishing season, like life, is short – so, go fishing!