Upper Connecticut Fishing Report: 9/27

Conditions are ideal for angling on the Connecticut River’s “Trophy Stretch” lately – a steady 152 CFS (very good for wading), perfect water temperature, and still quite a few trout and salmon willing to “play the game”.

It is relatively busy out there to be sure, as we’re only two plus weeks away from the end of the season, but everyone seems intent to enjoy their time on the water and get in what might be the “last” fish of the season.

While nymphs continue to be the standard fare out there, dries have their moments too, as well as streamers. Yesterday morning was a good one for me, employing a Pat’s Rubber Legs up front with a Little Green Machine trailing in tow. Fish equally liked both offerings it seemed, so the same method was used this morning … to no effect.

A White Soft Hackle Streamer turned out to be a better choice this morning, and a good salmon found the bottom of my net. But it was slower overall. Perhaps it was the changing weather system (high pressure building in to the area today), but it seemed slower for other anglers too. That’s fishing!

The flow out of the dam at First Lake is a perfect 152 CFS, and that flow coupled with the flow from Perry Stream (which was heightened by yesterday’s drenching rains) should lead to some fresh trout and salmon from Lake Francis over the next few days. We are also supposed to receive substantial rain next week, so that could really turn on the salmon coming upriver. Just make sure you bring the rain gear if you’re venturing north.

Recommended Patterns:

Nymphs: BH Pheasant Tail, BH Prince, Brown / Black Rubber Legs, Atomic Stone, BH Black Sparkle Stone, Little Green Machine, Copper John, Red Fish Finder, Goomie Worm, San Juan Worm, Soft Hackle PT, Hatching Pupa, Angus’s Red & Black, Olive Flashback Baetis, Chuck’s BWO Swing Fly, Midge Patterns

Dries: BWO, Adams, CDC Caddis, Stimulator, Morris May Emerger, Last Chance Cripple, BWO Snowshoe Emerger, Nyman’s BWO D.O.A.

Streamers: Soft Hackle Streamers (Gray, White, Olive, take yer pick), Royal Coachman Streamer, Putt’s Favorite, Scuplzilla, Wooly Buggers