Connecticut River Flow Update: 8/12

River flows continue to moderate here on the upper Connecticut River in Pittsburg, but each thunderstorm has the potential for a reversal in this trend, so pay attention to the weather if you’ve got a trip north planned soon. At 296 CFS, the Bridge Pool is finally getting to a flow where it can be fished decently – just bring heavy nymphs and split shot.

Seemingly every day we’ve had the potential for storms or showers at least, so we have rarely had any truly “dry” days lately. What that means for us is that the ground is still saturated, so heavy rain will result in runoff in to the river, sometimes heavy runoff, especially where major tributaries join the main stem of the river. Above those junctions is usually still good for fishing however, so that is definitely an option if the weather gets out of hand.

Currently, the flows are 58 CFS out of Second Lake Dam, 296 CFS out of First Lake Dam, and 578 CFS below Murphy Dam at Lake Francis. Anglers that are new to our area will consider these flows high and possibly unfishable at first glance, but believe me, these flows are certainly angler worthy. Just come prepared with nymphs and plenty of split shot if nymphing, or sinking leaders with your best streamers if you are of that persuasion. Dry fly anglers could do some business in the No Kill or Trophy Stretch right now, and this is a great time to try out all of those snazzy terrestrial patterns.

River temps remain cool below Murphy Dam (54 degrees earlier this week), and gradually warmer in the other stretches. I have not seen much evidence of insect hatches below Murphy lately, but that could change as the flows come down. Care should still be taken wading the Trophy Stretch or below Murphy Dam, and crossing the river should be undertaken by those of good ability and with a wading staff.

The water clarity has also improved dramatically this week – the river truly looks like its back to normal in that regard, but I heard quite a few stories and experienced a few of my own when the water was slightly off color. Last weekend, I managed to achieve the rare feat of a “Pittsburg Slam” – a brown, brookie, rainbow and salmon, all landed and released in my first thirty or so minutes on the water. A particularly purple/pinkish colored streamer with white hackle did the trick, but, alas, it was lost on my last cast that evening … and that was the last one I had. What could have been …