River flows went back to “normal” on the Connecticut River’s Trophy Stretch this past week – 147 CFS as of the moment, a very comfortable wading flow. The fishing has been solid since the drop, as people have been landing and releasing a majority of rainbow and brook trout from the reports we’ve heard. Nymphs, as usual, are doing the most damage, but those anglers that like to sling foam terrestrials have been having a good time too.
The water temperature is slightly warmer than we like in the Trophy Stretch, so please play your fish quickly and keep ’em in the water when releasing. Refrain from the gaudy grip ‘n grin pics …
Below Murphy Dam at Lake Francis, the water is much colder and now it’s a bit higher. It rose from 300 CFS to 500 CFS on Friday. Not great if you like to cross the river, but still a great flow for fishing. Wading needs to be done carefully, but the fish are there.
They even sometimes show themselves, when a particularly irresistible morsel comes floating by, but they are extremely wary of anglers. Casts need to be pinpoint, and if you miss one, you might as well go and take a break on the bank … they’ll be rising again five or ten minutes later. They are undoubtedly the kings of their castle down there.
While the flow is good for streamers, and nymphs in the riffles, dries are a better option, particularly in periods of low light (cloudy days, early morning, or evening when the sun is off the water). Think small and perfectly drifted and you’ll be in the right ballpark.
Terrestrials, particularly Black and Cinnamon Ants, as well as Hopper patterns have been producing on the float trips to the south. This is a great time of the season to catch fish on top with flies that you can actually see.
Only two months (nine weeks to be exact) of our fishing season left – we hope you can socially distance on the river this year.
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By: bs
Tom Caron dispenses advice, wisdom, and bs in the pursuit of trout and salmon daily for Tall Timber guests.
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Hendrickson
August 10, 2020 — 4:50 pm
Very informative mid-August post Tom! …and a nice back-cast Amigo! Enjoy the flow of the river and convince those pescados with the right fly.
bs
August 10, 2020 — 9:42 pm
Thanks Henry. The picture of the fish was taken by Mickey Cunliffe on a great day of guiding – his clients had an excellent session. Unfortunately, that was not a picture of me casting – that was a friend of ours that has been particularly adept at casting dries to some very picky, and large, trout.