The Dog Days of Summer

It certainly has felt like the “dog days” of summer, even all the way up here in northern New Hampshire. Hot, somewhat humid, and downright uncomfortable at times, especially with chest waders on … Perfect conditions if you’re one of those that prefers to wet wade.

Thankfully, there are still some trout and a few salmon that are playing the game, even this deep in to the summer.

The picture above is courtesy of N.H. Fishing Guide Mickey Cunliffe. His client had himself a day yesterday, catching and releasing 15 – 20 trout, primarily on Stimulators and streamers, with a few caught on nymph rigs for good measure. For some anglers it sounds as though the fish aren’t coming easy, but other fisher people are doing well. That’s how fishing is at times …

While larger patterns like Stimulators and Soft Hackle Streamers are working, there are moments when fish are feeding actively with nary a caddis, stone fly, or may fly in sight. They’re taking really small stuff, so stocking your box with midge patterns and other minuscule insect imitations is recommended. Bring along the 6x tippet and your cheaters to tie ’em on …

While the river flows have remained the same in each of the sections of the Connecticut River (101 CFS at 2nd Lake Dam, 143 CFS at 1st Lake Dam and 300 CFS at Murphy Dam at Lake Francis), the water temperatures have risen a bit in each stretch due to the steamy weather. The Trophy Stretch below 1st Lake Dam was at 69 degrees this week – borderline for salmonids, so play your fish quickly when you hook them in this section and release them even faster.

Conditions are better for the trout below Murphy Dam, as this remains the coldest water coming out of any of them. I was fishing 30 miles to the south this week and took a water temperature – 62 degrees all the way down there, so you can imagine that it is even colder coming out of the dam.  Yes, the fish were active where I was and somewhat cooperative (streamers on a switch rod, of course!) …

So, Labor Day is almost here and that signals the start of our autumn season, even if the weather doesn’t feel very “fall-like” at times. The preparation of the Connecticut Lakes for lake trout spawning and the winter season begins at this time, and a corresponding increase in the river flows out of the dams. Cooler nights and days results in colder water temps (and more of it) for our trout and salmon and good times on the river lie ahead.

September is a great time to be here …