Hello Compleat Angler friends! This past week’s rain has filled up our local rivers and streams, and while flows are on the drop now, we are still at above average levels. Flows will continue to fluctuate over the next few days with more rain expected. Some anglers are opting to wait until flows approach average for more hatch activity, while others are taking advantage of the high water and fishing subsurface. Streamer fishing will be improved during these higher flows, and you will be able to get away with fishing larger and gaudier nymphs and streamers. The good news is that reservoirs are receiving some much-needed water, so this will help flow and water temperatures throughout the summer. Most of our rivers have improved clarity, and some rivers are fishing better than others which is a factor of pressure and poaching. On the Farmington River, flows are ideal above the Still River. If you’re fishing below the Still, streamers will be a good option since flows are high but dropping. On the saltwater Striper fishing has seen improvements on our side of the sound with more fish congregating around the coves, harbor, and shoreline chasing Silversides. In addition Bunker are starting to push in with larger migratory fish hot on their trail, while some Stripers are at the mouths of rivers chasing Herring.

Read on for more…

Hello Compleat Angler friends! While this spring was a slow start for trout and saltwater fishing, Connecticut is seeing some improvements this week. For freshwater the noticeable improvement is the arrival of the Hendrickson Hatch, and trout are now keying in on the emergers and spinners, which marks an exciting time for our dry fly anglers. Flows are below average on most of our Connecticut options, however, keep your eyes on the gauges as we will expect rain throughout this weekend and into next week. In addition, streamer fishing has been tough with the lower flows but nymphing continues to produce fish when trout are not rising. Since most rivers are stocked, anglers are reporting bringing good numbers of trout to hand, with some finding larger holdover fish on some select rivers. On the saltwater, we’ve seen improvement in the harbors, coves, and salt ponds. Stripers have been actively feeding on Silversides and a variety of other smaller baitfish while some pods of migratory fish are blasting Herring on the surface moving along our coastline. In addition, New York is seeing the arrival of larger Stripers with Bluefish being right being right behind them on Bunker, signaling good things to come for our saltwater season.   

Hello Compleat Angler friends, this weekend will be a little tricky for fishing in Connecticut, with Sunday having some higher winds. Saturday, however, will see calmer conditions being overcast with a chance of rain. Our dry fly anglers will want to bring some Blue Winged Olives with them, as these conditions are a recipe for an afternoon BWO hatch. All of our Connecticut options are at below average flows, which means good clarity and easy wading. The fishing has been good with plenty of options to consider after Spring Stocking. On the Farmington River anglers are finding both larger holdovers and stocked fish. Great news is that the Housatonic is at fishable levels, and so far one of the TMAs has been stocked. We’re starting to see the first of the Hendrickson hatches, which should improve in the coming weeks. On the saltwater anglers are finding good schoolie action around the mouths of rivers, harbors, and coves. You may see birds diving and fish working the surface. Most of the bait will be small besides Herring, and we’re still waiting on the arrival of the Bunker. Things are really starting to materialize!

Read on for more…