Upper Connecticut River Fishing Report: 8/25

Well, summer finally came at last this week, at least for a few days. It was simply gorgeous, and that good weather led to decreasing flows at First Lake Dam and Murphy Dam at Lake Francis. The river is back “in shape”, and is now at its most wade-friendly and angler-friendly level since late June. It is shaping up to be an exciting final month and a half of the season.

The flow for the Trophy Stretch came down to 201 CFS yesterday, a far cry from the nearly 800 CFS we were at in early July after the rains came. Adding to this good news was the drop in flow at Murphy Dam this week down to 472 CFS, opening up a lot more water for us anglers to play in.

The flow out of Second Lake Dam remains a robust 153 CFS, which is certainly good for fishing, and the trout and salmon too. There could be some fork tails starting to venture in to that area under that flow, and the resident brook trout must be loving it. Cooler temps are on the way next week too, which will help things even more.

As far as the fishing goes, it really doesn’t matter how you like to fish, you’ll have your moments whether you prefer sending nymphs down and dirty, floating dries to waiting sippers downstream, or throwing a bid ole streamer for a predatory trout or salmon. Each method could work depending on the pool or run that you’re targeting.

A multitude of nymphs are working – just get your depth and speed right and you should be in the zone. As for dries, the usual mayfly (BWO’s) and caddis patterns should work, but don’t forget your Stimulators for the stonefly hatches when they come. Terrestrials are still effective right now as well, so Hoppers and Cinnamon Ants can be particularly devastating patterns in the fall.

Streamers? Yup, they’re working too – just make sure to switch up your colors or patterns if it goes slow on you – shake it up, if needed, and vary your presentation or stripping speed. It just might result in a big brown being brought to hand …