Connecticut River Fishing Update: 9/12

Merely thirty-three days left in the 2020 NH fishing season here on the upper Connecticut River. Sad to say, and even worse to think of. Everyone’s been asking how the fishing has been and it has been a mixed bag generally speaking. Some are catching some trout and salmon here and there, but it seems like many are struggling.

The question is “Why”?

There are a couple of factors working against us anglers so far this fall. For one, the weather has been awfully dry and river flows are generally lower than usual for this time of the year. It is the higher water that draws fish (especially salmon) from the lakes in to the river system, and lower water can make fish very spooky. Tread lightly when getting in to your favorite spot.

To give some perspective, the Trophy Stretch is usually flowing in the 200 – 300 CFS range at this time of year, as the Connecticut Lakes are lowered to allow for safe lake trout spawning. This year, the lakes are already pretty low as a result of the drought and evaporation, so the river has remained in the 150 CFS area this season. More rain would help things dramatically for sure.

Second, the river has been a busy place, as more and more people are trying to find solace on the river with a fly rod in hand. All of New Hampshire has been crowded this year, and Pittsburg has been no exception. My advice is to walk farther and hit some of those out of the way spots that you have always wondered about but never taken the time to check out. Explore …

Nymph rig (BH Prince, BH Pheasant Tail, San Juan Worm, Goomie Worm, Hatching Pupa, UV Soft Hackle Glitter, Midge Patterns, etc.) combinations still seem to be working best out there when the fish are cooperative, but this is usually the time of year when a well presented streamer (Chuck Degray’s Soft Hackle Streamers, in Gray, White and Olive) does the trick as well. If you’re fishing a deeper run or pool, let that streamer sink so that the fish can get a good look at it.

If dries are your game, CDC BWO, BWO, and CDC Caddis patterns are the flies to use at this time of year. There are a lot of different patterns that could work, so don’t be afraid to change up when the fishing is slow.

Only four weeks left – time is a wastin’!