Did Santa bring you a fly rod or box of flies that you’re dying to try out? Are your streamers screaming to get out for a wintery dunk? Do you want to test the integrity of your waders for another season?
This may be the time of year for you because the fishing season will open on the Connecticut River on January 1. One of our guests from long ago, “Putt”, was famous for kicking the season off on January 1 each year, but he has taken his angling talents out West (big W) in search of steelhead and salmon (and anything else with fins). There have been rumors of a couple guests perhaps coming up this year to experience winter fishing in Pittsburg. This might be the year to do it too, with the abnormally slow start to winter that we’ve had here.
A few intrepid souls get out there first thing, with varying results. Most of the time it’s T.D.C. (Too Damn Cold) to go out and stay out and realistically fish, but occasionally, like last year, trout and salmon can be there playing the game. A couple of us did well last January 1 and 2 on soft hackle streamers, dead drifted in the manner of a wounded smelt. Brightly colored nymphs should also do the trick at this time of year as well.
Ok, that was the good news. The bad news is that it was -4 up here on Thursday morning, and access on some parts of the river is limited because of shore ice. Though the Trophy Stretch is probably not the place to go, the stretch south of Murphy Dam on Lake Francis can usually be productive. Be careful when you wade and fish with a friend (just catch more fish than him or her), because we don’t need any crazy search and rescue operations going on. The flow out of Murphy is around 200 CFS – a wading friendly flow, but still take care with the water temps.
Leaky waders are a bummer anytime of the year, but especially in the winter. See you on the river …
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By: bs
Tom Caron dispenses advice, wisdom, and bs in the pursuit of trout and salmon daily for Tall Timber guests.
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See You at the Show!
Salmon Serenade
Upper Connecticut River Fishing Report: 8/25
Connecticut River Flow Update: 8/12
A Glimmer of Hope
Dennis Clarke
January 31, 2012 — 8:32 pm
Hi Tom,
Always great reading your blog ! I was thinking about a visit over Presidents weekend this year. Would love to try the flyrod this early. I have heard about fishing below Lake Francis Dam, see above, but what about the inlet at Lake Francis below the Trophy section ? Is that & the Trophy section open to fishing in Feb ? Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated to help convince me to travel on up there that weekend.
Best regards,
Dennis Clarke
bs
February 1, 2012 — 2:01 pm
hey Dennis –
thanks for following along. In general, all sections of the Connecticut are open for fishing now, but because of shore ice, we’re restricted a little as to where we can go. The section below Murphy Dam usually doesn’t have the shore ice, so it’s more accessible than other areas. You could certainly try the Trophy Stretch too, but focus on the larger pools, where the water slows – Bridge Pool, Doc’s and Skaters might be best to try. Lake Francis Inlet really isn’t an option right now because of the low lake level – not much water there at the moment.
Stop in if you come up in a couple of weeks – headed back out now to catch a fish in February (we’re supposed to hit 40 today). See you on the water!
Dennis Clarke
February 1, 2012 — 4:11 pm
Thanks for the info Tom.
& yes, I forgot about the low lake level right now.I will keep an eye on the weather & flow rates. I would really like to get out there even for a couple of hours in Feb & try a little “winter” fishing.
I know it won’t be too long before spring as my arm has already started twitching.
Thanks again & good luck today !