Unlike the majority of central and southern New England, we have been fortunate to receive rain at the right times of the season, as the Connecticut Lakes and Connecticut River are in good shape as fall approaches. We received somewhere around 4 inches of rain just this past week, so there’s plenty of water in our system, meaning that more water will need to be released from the lakes to achieve the desired lake levels this fall.
More water released from the dams means generally happy fish below in the stretches, and also is an enticement to larger lake fish (i.e. salmon) to journey upriver in anticipation of spawning later in the fall. Brook trout, browns, and salmon are all fall spawners, and a greater push of water might bring them out of the lakes and in to the river earlier than normal.
As of this writing, there is a big push of water currently out of Second Connecticut Lake Dam (242 CFS), as the lake filled again this week due to our substantial rainfall. This flow will change to a more wade-friendly level soon, but there should still be a good push of water in this stretch as September looms.
At First Connecticut Lake Dam, the flow is a modest 154 CFS right now – good for wading anglers. We have still been seeing some warm temps in this stretch (67 degrees as of a couple of days ago), but we anticipate a cooling off in this stretch as the night time temperatures also drop.
At some point, the flow here will be increased to start lowering First Lake, which should increase the numbers of salmon coming up from Lake Francis. One of the best fall salmon runs that we had was a few years ago – lots of water that year, as the Trophy Stretch was running a from 225 – 300 CFS for most of September. The salmon fishing was incredible, and there were some great fish that year. Sign me up for that …
The flow below Murphy Dam at Lake Francis is a modest 300 CFS currently, but we anticipate a corresponding increase in this flow as the flow rises at First Lake. It should make for perfect conditions for swinging streamers to hungry browns and rainbows downstream this fall.
The most beautiful time to be on our waters is nearly here, and this year, there will be plenty of water to be on.
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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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Anonymous
August 27, 2022 — 4:31 pm
Thanks Tom see u soon..
Joe
August 29, 2022 — 1:01 pm
Hi Tom, thank you for your consistent updates. I will be up there this weekend with family for some fly fishing. Any tips on what to expect in terms of fishing? We know it should be challenging since it’s later in the season, and that smaller flies are the name of the game. Are size 18, 20, and 22 small enough? Thank you again.
bs
August 29, 2022 — 4:54 pm
Hi Joe –
Thanks for following. The flows should be moderate through this weekend, and changes aren’t expected until after Labor Day Weekend. Nymphs and dries when the time is right should pay dividends, and you’re right on with the sizes (i.e. “smaller is better”). When the flows increase as we get in to September, streamers definitely are an option for those that prefer to swing. Good luck this weekend!