In Conclusion …

We’re down to the nitty-gritty of the fishing season in northern New Hampshire – only five days (as of this writing) to get out there and be on the water. The season is officially over at the end of legal hours on Saturday, October 15, and we’ve generally had a good fall. The salmon are present in the Trophy Stretch, in ever increasing numbers, as well as some brook, brown and rainbow trout too.

As you would imagine, the river was very busy during the holiday weekend, but it shouldn’t be as bad during this final week. We expect a number of anglers this weekend, getting in their last shots at the fish, however.

The flows have been lowered in all of the stretches of the river, as of today. Second Lake Dam flows at 45 CFS, as Second Connecticut Lake has reached its desired autumn level. First Lake Dam now flows at 150 CFS, which is a great level for wade angling. Crossing the river is certainly possible in normal spots, but still take care doing so. Murphy Dam is now at 300 CFS, once again, a good flow for wading the river, in general.

The fish can get pretty picky at these new levels, and there might be some adjustment for them today as they get used to the new lies. In general, nymphs will work best at these moderate flows, but dries might also do the trick if the fish start looking upward. I don’t expect much of a streamer bite at these levels however, but it’s always good to carry a few with you just in case.

Good luck out there these last few days of the season everyone!