Upper Connecticut River Fishing Report: 9/23

It’s hard to believe that there’s only three weeks left in the New Hampshire fishing season (ends Oct. 15), but that’s where we are. The season has literally flown by. Nevertheless, the fishing has been good on the Trophy Stretch the last couple of weeks. Here is TTL guest Paul Bohn with a beautiful rainbow, caught and released under the expert direction of NH Fishing Guide Mickey Cunliffe – nice catch, Paul!

While nymphs are your best bet to land fish right now, dries and streamers certainly have their moments too.

For nymphs, Prince, BH Pheasant Tail, Copper John, Black Stone, Goomie Worm, San Juan Worm, Pat’s Rubber Legs, and a multitude of other patterns are recommended.

For dries, the numerous BWO patterns are good right now, as well as Elk Hair Caddis, CDC Caddis, Stimulators and even some terrestrial patterns (Hoppers, Ants, etc.). It was warm again today and the hoppers and crickets are still very active with this warm up in the weather.

As far as streamers go, Chuck Degray’s Soft Hackle Streamers are still the gold standard, particularly in Gray, Olive or White. Still, carry an assortment of colors, as you never know what will be the right pattern the day you’re out there. The Putt’s Favorite, Red or Gray Ghost and Royal Coachman Streamer can be good substitutes in case you’re searching, and don’t forget to take along a few Buggers too.

River Flows

The flow at Second Lake Dam is decreasing now, as it is now at 120 CFS this week and we expect a much larger drop in store for next week. If you’re going to fish the “No Kill Stretch”, this is your week …

The flow also was lowered today in the Trophy Stretch to 150 CFS from the 190 CFS it was at last week. We are hopeful that it stays near that flow for the remainder of the fishing season, but we will likely need a good amount of rain for that to happen. This is a good wading flow and it sounds like anglers have been doing well, but most of my information was from last week when it was at the higher flow.

Below Murphy Dam, the flow remains at a modest 260 CFS – very wadable, but this low flow can make the fish especially wary down there. Stalk your fish like you’re hunting them and wade carefully …