Connecticut River Fishing Report: 7/25

It’s been a little while since our last report. A combination of obligations and getting the dogs ready for the rigors of the grouse hunting season (just a bit over two months away …) has meant less time on the river for me lately. Relying on the reports of others, the fishing has been good, and a recent change in the river flow may mean even better days lie ahead.

In regards to those river flows, the flow at First Connecticut Lake was increased from 145 CFS to 250 CFS this week, and there was a corresponding increase at Murphy Dam (Lake Francis) from 300 CFS to 500 CFS. All of the hot weather in New England has created more demand for power, thus the reason for the bump in water flow.

What does this mean for the fishing? While it may have been difficult the first day or two as the trout and salmon scrambled to find new holding lies, the long term effect should be a positive for anglers. The increased flow should help spread the fish out throughout the river (they can finally move out of the pools that they’ve been hunkered down in the last two months) and even draw some fish from Lake Francis, eager to get in on the fast flowing water. We expect this higher flow to last a week or two, so it would be a good time to take a trip north if you don’t have any plans in the pipeline …

More water is good, to a point. It makes it more difficult to cross the river in spots, so pick your crossings carefully, wade safely, and use your wading staff. Fish the edges in addition to all of the normal water you might otherwise fish, as some fish will be seeking the safety of slower water.

The higher flow also brings streamer angling back in as a viable option, in addition to nymphs and dries. The big variable is figuring out the right depth (where the fish are) and how to get your fly down to them. Sinking leaders and weight will be your best friend at these levels if you’re fishing under the surface.

TTL Fishing Guide Mickey Cunliffe has been doing well with his clients throwing nymph rigs of various combinations – the possibilities are really endless. BH Prince, BH Pheasant Tail, Jailbird, Goomie Worm, San Juan Worm, Angus’s Red & Black, Soft Hackle Hatching Pupa (olive too), Golden and Black Stones …

If you like swinging streamers, any of Chuck Degray’s Soft Hackle Streamers should work well at the right depth, with the Gray, White and Olive as my personal favorites. Muddlers could be good too, as the stone flies are hatching in abundance right now.

If you like fishing on top, Stimulators are a fun option, and don’t forget that we’re entering that point in the season when terrestrials can be particularly effective (Hoppers!).

A really cool catch and release from one of Mickey’s clients the other day was a Round Whitefish while on a drift trip on the Connecticut. These whiteys are related to the Mountain Whitefish that inhabit rivers in the western U.S.

They are a native species, so please put them back if you happen to catch one. As bottom dwellers, they certainly serve a purpose in the river ecosystem, so, by all means, let them do their job!

Back Lake Hex Hatch Update

Believe it or not, the hexagenia hatch on Back Lake is still happening, as there were a number of them coming off in the waning moments last night. We stayed out there until nearly dark and there were a lot of fish rising, hungrily taking hexes as they floated on the water. That’s the good news.

Ready for the bad news? They were all bass from what we experienced. While I was specifically throwing a popper out there in the hopes of catching a larger bass specimen, Mick was switching to hex patterns and a Stimulator. All bass, which is fine because the surface temperature of the lake is pretty warm. A trout would be tough to revive under such conditions.

If you like casting huge flies to rising fish, even if they are bass, Back Lake in the evening is a good option right now …