Our sixteenth annual Beginners Fly Fishing School, taught by Angus Boezeman and Alan Erdossy of Broadside International, kicked off this weekend, with many grasshoppers trying to learn the ways of fly fishing. The picture above shows the instructors netting insects to determine what the fish might be feeding on – it must’ve paid off, as one of the students landed a nice salmon on a golden stone nymph, based on the evidence that came up in the net – knowledge is power !
So far this summer has been a total opposite of last year. Last year was cold and rainy. This year is hot and sunny. Everyone here is just loving it, keeping cool in the lake and wet wading.
These hot days have brought the water temp of Back Lake way up. A few Hexs are still coming off but very few trout are bothering with them. 
Some of you from what we call “Down Below” probably recognize this plate, especially if you frequent Archery Pond. Ken and I hit the lake last night and Ken is now known as “The Bass Master”. No trout but we still had fun. Tonight we’re going Down & Dirty. It’s time to put on the full sink fly line and dredge the bottom.
OMR drifted the Connecticut River yesterday with Bob and Scott from The Battenkill Lodge and they had a great day. Lots of browns, some in the 17″ and 18″ range. They were fishing with a full sink line and a Zoo Cougar, a big sculpin pattern. Big Fly, Big Fish! There were also rising fish and they nailed some of those too.
We had our final Fly fishing School this past weekend and everyone as always had a great time and caught a few trout on the Trophy Stretch. The water flow is still running at 150 CFS, which is a great flow. Darn right perfect, I’d say. The fish are getting a little tougher and you might need to work a little harder for them but they are there. On top try an Elk Haired Caddis, or go down with a BH nymph trailing a Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail and a Soft Hackle Hare’s Ear, or the Soft Hackle Streamer in gray. Connecticut River water temps are great. We are soooo lucky to have bottom release dams.
Tom fished Terrell Dam one evening last week and did well with a Damsel Fly on top.
This is one of my favorite pictures. It speaks volumes. Happy Birthday Mr. Wilson!!
Yes, the San Juan Worm that’s what’s happening on the Trophy Stretch. Landlocked Salmon love the worm!! I’ve heard that Sulphurs have also been spotted.
Back Lake is seeing Brown Drakes, a few Light Cahills and lots of Black Caddis coming off.
Yellow Hornbergs are flying out of the fly shop and our long time guests, the Hartnett’s Kaye and Uncle Art are experts at fishing Back Lake. Trolling a Yellow Hornberg has been
Art’s secret weapon.
It should be a great week ahead.
Our first fly fishing school is this coming weekend. We have four students signed up for the school and this could be your chance to learn what fly fishing is all about. Give us a call to get more info.
1-800-835-6343
Our first Fly Fishing School presented by Broadside International is right around the corner. Here is the Tall Timber 2010 Fly Fishing School Line-Up.
June 4 – 6, Simplified Fly Fishing 
July 9 – 11, Stream Tactics & Techniques
Join instructors of Broadside International on the productive upper Connecticut River during the peak of our trout season. All aspects of the sport are covered in both the Simplified Fly Fishing and the Stream Tactics and Technique programs. Each of the Weekends will include fly fishing excursions to nearby waters during “peak” times, great accommodations at the lodge and fabulous meals at the Rainbow Grille. Our instructors, Angus Boezeman and Alan Erdossy bring over 40 years of teaching experience to the Tall Timber programs.
For all the details go to http://talltimber.com/Fishing/Schools/flyfishingschools.html.
Call the lodge to reserve your spot today.