Upper Connecticut River Fishing Report: 8/19

Summer keeps plugging along here on the upper reaches of the Connecticut River, and it won’t be long before we’re feeling the crisp fall air and all that comes with it. There have been some slightly chilly mornings lately, but the fishing remains pretty good nonetheless.

River flows have remained steady in each stretch, but we anticipate a slight raise soon in the No Kill Stretch, and possibly the Trophy Stretch. Not too much water, mind you, but a slight raise in the flow could encourage more salmon to enter the system. We’re all for that.

In regards to the fishing, the usual patterns continue to produce in the Trophy. Stonefly nymphs in particular (Prince, Pat’s Rubberlegs, Black Stones Golden Stones) have been good patterns to run on the front end of a tandem rig, with attractor and BWO patterns off the back (San Juan Worm, Goomie Worm, Chuck Degray’s BWO Swing Fly, etc.). If those aren’t doing the trick, keep switching it up until you find what works for you.

There’s still a lot of terrestrials around too, haphazardly falling in to the river, and then a lucky trout’s mouth … Hopper and Ant patterns are still recommended right now. The buoyancy of the foam variety of Hoppers are great fun to use, and Cinnamon or Black Ants get the job done.

If streamers are your bag, you can’t go wrong throwing one of Chuck Degray’s Soft Hackle Streamers – the fish find them irresistible at times. Olive, Gray, White, or the Brown & Yellow combo – they all have fish catching potential, when fished at the right depth and with purpose.

The Trophy can still be a busy place at times, so please give other anglers plenty of room. Be nice, as it’s in short supply these days. Fall will be here before we know it – get out on the water before its over!