Fishing Report, April 3rd

Greetings Compleat Anglers!  Here is your fishing report for April 3rd.

Fishing continues to be hot in most local Connecticut trout streams, and Catskill rivers are just beginning to wake up from their winter nap.

The Farmington River is at a perfect height for wading. At Riverton, the river is running at 177cfs. Below the Still River at Robertsville, the Farmington is running 391cfs. Water temps are in the high 30s and in the afternoons in the low 40s. In the Farmington, there's a great mixture of newer stockers, holdovers and wild fish - mostly depending on where you fish and what your cup of tea is. For bigger, more quality fish, work through the TMA C&R section. Above and below the TMA you'll find a nice mix of stocked and holdover fish with a wild or two still mixed in. There have been several huge holdovers (browns and rainbows) taken over the past week. In the slower pools, there are some early black stoneflies, winter caddis and midges on top, and the fish are sporadically on them. But the bulk of fish being taken are still on nymphs and streamers. For nymphs, best bets are Pheasant Tails (#14-#20), Black Stoneflies (#14-#18), Zebra (#16-#24), Egg Patterns, Mpos, San Juan Worms, Caddis Larva (#14-#20) and Frenchie Nymphs (#14-#20).  For streamers, Wooly Buggers, Zonkers, Muddlers and many other patterns and colors are all worth a try. Remember, the water's still cold so work your streamers slow and low.

The Housatonic is still running high - around 2300 at Falls Village. Water temperatures are in the low40s. While difficult to wade, the floaters have been taking a few nice fish, mostly on nymphs and streamers. Best bets for nymphs are Black Stoneflies, Pheasant Tails, Beadhead Prince, Beadhead Hare's Ear, Egg Patterns, Mpos, and San Juan Worms. For streamers Wooly Buggers, Zonkers and other patterns will be effective.

There have been some huge hatches of Black Stoneflies on the Mianus River and numerous anglers have reported huge numbers of fish both on top and on nymphs as well. We're probably on the back-end of the stonefly hatch so be sure to take advantage of this feeding frenzy while it lasts.

The Saugatuck River is nicely stocked and still fishing well. It is running about 91cfs around the Doc Sperlock TMA along Ford's Road. Small nymphs (Pheasant Tails, Caddis Larva, Zebra, Copper Johns, Frenchie, Stoneflies and others) are killing along that section, as well as Wooly Buggers, streamers, Worm Patters, Mops  and egg patterns.

In the Catskills, the Delaware system and Beaverkill are just waking up!  The reservoirs are at tremendous levels (Cannonsville at 98.5% and Pepacton at 94.7%) so there should be good water flows throughout the spring and into summer.  There are scattered little black stoneflies with an occasional fish on them, but most of the fish are being taken on nymphs and even more on streamers worked to the bank. Current water levels are as follows: The Delaware West Branch at Hale Eddy 1290cfs at 39 degrees. The East Branch at Fishs Eddy 1810cfs at 39 degrees.  The Mainstem at Lordville 4550cfs at 40 degrees. The Beaverkill at Cooks Falls 1150cfs at 38 degrees. Some of those hardy sould who have ventured out thus far have been rewarded with some beastly fish - a 24" brown was taken yesterday in the West Branch. Most of these fish are being caught from boats banging the banks with big streamers - with the current water levels it is still difficult (and sometimes downright dangerous) to wade. But it won't be long until we see the first Olives!

We had a great fly-tying demo season here at the shop - I've attached a few shots of some of our gifted tiers in action!  Thanks to all who came out - Hope you enjoyed it and picked up some great tying and fishing tips along the way.

Don't forget to drop by and check out all the new gear, accessories and clothing. We carry all major brands (and many minor ones as well!) such as Simms, Sage, Abel, Ross, Nautilus, Hatch, Lamson, Scott, TFO, Echo, Reddington, Patagonia, Winston, Korker, Hardy and so many more. Come in and throw a few of our great rods, or if you need to hone some of your casting skills, speak with Scotty Loecher, our casting Guru!  Looking for a great guide and son;t know where to begin? Check out the "Guide" section on our website - we can hook you up with the perfect guide for either fresh or saltwater!  

Until next time, Tight Lines!