Upper Connecticut River Report: 6/9

The beat goes on up here in the northern reaches of the upper Connecticut River. We have entered the “sweet spot” of the fishing season, as the river flows are good, numerous caddis, mayfly and stonefly hatches are occurring, and the trout are present and active. Many thanks to TTL Fly Fishing Guide Mickey Cunliffe for his image above, a common sight for his clients so far this season.

Without a doubt, nymphing, whether it be euronymphing or with the aid of an indicator, has been the most effective way of getting in to fish. The combinations of flies to offer the fish is innumerable, but perhaps the most important part of the equation is achieving the right depth, in the right water, at the correct speed. “Slow and low” is the key phrase here and doing so with as little drag as possible is highly recommended.

Dries and streamers still have their place in the more defined pools that allow a good swing if stripping a streamer, or a piece of calmer water for a juicy dry fly to be seen and gulped. Most anglers are picking up brook and rainbow trout in the Trophy Stretch, but there are browns present too, as well as the occasional lake run landlocked salmon that have come upriver from Lake Francis. There’s no doubt when you get a salmo salar on – “the leaper” is unmistakeable.

The outer brook trout ponds have been excellent fly fishing as well. Casting dries to eager brookies is always good for the soul, and can get you back on track if you’ve been in a slump lately. Back Lake has continued to produce big rainbows and browns too, but we’re all anticipating the upcoming Hex Hatch, which should get off the water in a couple of weeks from now – we’ll let you know when it does.

Please remember that there’s going to be other anglers out there too. It’s a busy time of year and just about everyone’s out there for the same thing, so give your fellow anglers some space and hopefully they will do the same. Good fishing, everyone.