Hello Compleat Angler friends! While flows are still above average on most of our rivers and streams across Connecticut, they are dropping closer towards average levels, so most options will be clear and fishable. Before and between hatches, both streamer fishing and nymphing are working well with the high water. For hatches you can expect a few Hendricksons still, Blue Winged Olives, Olive/Tan Caddis, and soon we will start to see some Sulphurs. You may also consider bringing some ant patterns and beetles. Our anglers fishing the Delaware River are also seeing improved March Brown hatches. The Farmington River currently has ideal flows, meanwhile the Housatonic is too high to wade comfortably. On the saltwater we’re seeing improvements in bait and Striper activity. More migratory fish are pushing into the Long Island Sound, and the most prevalent bait is small Silversides and adult Bunker. There are currently some great wading and boat fishing options!

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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.

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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.