Upper Connecticut Fishing Report: 6/13

The fishing’s been steadily good over the last week or so on sections of the upper Connecticut River. The “Trophy Stretch”, between First Connecticut Lake Dam and the inlet of Lake Francis, has been the best fishing lately.

Mostly nymphs from what we’ve been hearing from guests and guides lately, as you would expect. The dry fly and streamer guys have their moments too in this stretch, but the majority of fish brought to net have been fishing sub-surface with nymphs.

It’s all of the usual suspects, too. The typical set up is a heavier, usually beadhead nymph up front to get your rig down in the water column, with a lighter weighted soft hackle wet fly or attractor pattern trailing about 14″ – 16″ off the first fly. Fish it slow and low, and adjust your split shot and strike indicator, depending on the swiftness of the current and depth of the run you’re fishing. Don’t over think it …

The more challenging aspect, at least yesterday, was managing to find a spot to fish on the Trophy. It was busy from all reports, as word has gotten out that it’s been good angling. My advice? Walk … walk some more … and keep walking until you find a place you can get your waders wet. Please remember to practice safe and social fishing. In other words, don’t be a jerk. We’re all out there for the same reason …

Back Lake

I’m sure that people are wondering what’s happening on Back Lake, as nearly no one was fishing it in May. The fishing for our guests has been excellent over our first week of being open for business, and it seems like a multitude of flies and lures are working.

For flies, the Woodduck Heron and Brown Owl have been good. These flies will be typically used as hexagenia emerger patterns in a couple of weeks when that hatch happens, but maybe the trout are anticipating what’s coming as that giant smorgasbord nears.

Other flies to try on the lake would be a Hornberg (the yellow variety seems to be a favorite), Mickey Finn, Golden Demon, and any of the Ghosts.

Lures have probably brought more fish to the net however, and some of the old standbys are working just fine. The Lake Clear Wabbler, Super Duper, Colorado, Phoebe, and Yellow Rooster Tail have been like candy for our trout. Troll them slowly a couple of feet down and you should be in the feeding zone.

Whatever you need, we probably have it at our Fly Shop – it’s open daily 8 AM – 9 PM, so stop in if your fly box or tackle box are deficient …