Better Bring More Split Shot …

Well, we’ve survived Irene so far, but this will make things challenging for anglers over the next week, to say the least. In conditions like this, the adage “slow and low” is most appropriate , as the fish are staying on the bottom, trying to avoid the faster currents.  The fishing has been good lately, especially on the Trophy Stretch, for those that are willing to do what it takes to get to the fish. Remember, go to the fish, don’t wait for them to come to you …

River flows have been up slightly on all of the stretches lately, and expect more of the same in the near future. Nymphs and streamers will be the preferred method for a while on the Trophy and No Kill Stretches, or at least until things start to even out, and don’t forget the split shot (lots of ’em) and sink tip line for streamers when you go out there.  Remember the start of that great disco tune “Jungle Boogie” ? “Get down, get down …  Get down, get down …”

Recommendations from my observations last week:

Nymphs – BH Prince, BH PT, Copper Johns, with two or three split shot a foot above …

Droppers (14″ – 16″ behind your BH) – soft hackle PT, hatching pupa, snowshoe BWO emerger, jailbird, san juan worm

Streamers – gray soft hackle streamer (a really hungry beast trout attacked mine and took it with him), black or grey ghosts

DFO guys – CDC Caddis, Double Duck Caddis, BWO, but be prepared to change your style if the water is too swift for exclusively using dries.

If you’re going on a Connecticut River or Androscoggin River drift this week, you’d better check with your trusty guide to find out about the conditions – he’ll may have an alternate plan of action for you.

One thing is for sure – Back Lake’s resident mallard population seems to enjoy this weather!