Big ones lurk in the Connecticut River – it’s just a matter of finding them every once in a while … another photo courtesy of Angus.
The Connecticut River has been flowing pretty high this week, as all sections were impacted by the torrents of rain that we received at times during the week. Yesterday was beautiful however, and the next four days look great as well, so maybe the flows in all sections of the river will moderate a bit. Until then, make sure you use some caution out there, as one wrong step will send you in to some chilly water (which I found out just yesterday!).
Here’s another cool picture of a laker caught in the Connecticut River – yes, occasionally they end up making it through a dam and can do quite well in the river – and they’re a lot of fun to catch too.
Magalloway Stretch (91 CFS) – this is a slightly low flow for this stretch, but there should be some dry fly action for wild brookies and salmon in here right now.
Trophy Stretch (145 CFS) – this is a good flow for wading, as long as there’s not additional water coming over the boards on the dam, which immediately bumps this section in to the 400 + CFS level. There’s still been some good fishing here however, as nymph rigs and streamers still are the most effective way to catch fish when the flow is up. If it is at a good level, bring along your box of dries for some top water fishing.
South of Murphy Dam (900 CFS) – this is a lot of water, as I found out yesterday. Wading can be challenging in places, and streamers and wets are really the best way to target the fish in this section. While you would think that sink tips are the way to go here, your floating line could also come in handy for dragging a streamer in to the right level. Good news is that the water temp in this section was 52 degrees yesterday – great for trout, not so great when you slip and fall in 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
Eric Goodenough
July 26, 2013 — 9:48 pm
So, what’s up with switch rods. How are they being used on the CT? I’ve got a #6 and #7 and am wondering if I should have them on hand.
bs
July 27, 2013 — 7:26 am
Hey Eric –
Thanks for your comment. There’s a couple of us up here fooling around with switch rods on the CT right now. I have a 5 wt. that I use on the river south of Murphy Dam, all the way down to No. Stratford, NH. The river’s bigger, especially south of Pittsburg, and I’ve managed to get some casts in to spots I normally couldn’t with a one handed rod. While not every part of the river south of town is meant for it, a switch rod is really great for some of the bigger sweeps / runs where you want to swing flies. A 6 wt. might be ok, while a 7 wt. might be a little overkill.
I’m sure we’ll talk more about it up at camp this fall!
yahunter
August 17, 2013 — 6:49 pm
good read great fish looks like great fishing