Hello Compleat Angler Friends! Fall is well under way, and with it, increased activity in the sound and in our local rivers. A huge rainstorm earlier this week blew out local rivers and muddied our bays and estuaries, but things have cleared up nicely for the weekend. Trout are being found primarily in the Farmington, with many reporting success on dries, and nymphs. The saltwater bite has started to pick up in the Western Sound, and there is certainly no shortage of bait. Next week looks nasty with wind and scattered rain, so get out and enjoy the weather while it's still nice!
Read on for more…
Connecticut
Local Rivers
Flows on the Saugatuck have risen to 92 CFS, which is a perfectly comfortable flow for this time of year. After a long, quiet summer, we've finally heard some reports of trout in the Saugatuck, mostly during the early mornings and late evenings. While water temps are improving, be conscious of targeting trout on warmer days. Hatches right now are Caddis and ISO's, as well as Sulfurs.
The Naugatuck is now at 137 CFS. Keep an eye on the calendar and the DEEP website as we approach October 1. Salmon will begin to be stocked in sections of the river. No reports lately of trout, but smallmouth and other species are being found in deeper water and on top during the evenings and early mornings.
Farmington River
Fishing and local conditions have been good. The Riverton USGS flow gauge is reading 213 CFS at the Rt 20 bridge, and the Still River is adding in 30 CFS a little below that. Water temps have ranged from the low/mid 50's in Riverton to the mid 60's in New Hartford and Canton. Because we've maintained cold water temps, bug activity and fishing have both been well above average for August & September. Current hatches include #10-14 Isonychia (Iso's), assorted Caddis averaging #16-20, #20-24 Blue Winged Olives (BWO's/Olives) #20-24, Flying Ants #16-24, Hebe's/Yellow Quills #16-18, Summer Stenos/Cahills #12-14, and Yellow Sally #14-16. The majority of these bugs are typically on the water from late afternoon through darkness, but with the Farmington being a cold tailwater they can also be out in the latter mornings and afternoons. Early to midmorning has been bringing Trico's #22-26 & Summer/Winter Caddis #18-24.
Nymphing remains a consistent producer when trout aren't rising. A lot of the best fishing currently is in riffly water with a bit of current and some chop to it, whether you are fishing nymphs or dry flies. Many bugs live and hatch in faster water, and the evening egg-laying/spinner falls occurs where the riffles are. Smaller, heavy jig streamers fished slow & deep are a great fly to fish after you are done nymphing a run, often producing a bonus fish or two or three. Junk Flies (Mops, Eggs, Worms) are also good "clean up batter" flies.
Make sure you have Flying Ants with you. There have been a mix of sizes from #16's to #24's. Typically a mid/late afternoon to evening deal. Match the size, or you may be highly frustrated. Trout love ants and will often key on them to exclusion of anything else. The ideal scenario for flying ants is a warm/humid day with a little rain the day before to get them to do a mating swarm.
September often means using smaller nymphs in the #18-22 range- this can be the difference between a very slow outing and a banner day. Most nymphs are small to very small in late summer/early fall. A good strategy at our current flows is to use a heavier #16-18 nymph at the bottom of your rig, and a smaller lighter pattern on a dropper 18-24" above. Two nymphs that break the rules are Isonychia #12-14 in the afternoon & evening, and Stoneflies (black, brown or yellow) #8-10 from daybreak to 9-10am. Use 5x for the large nymphs, and 6x for the others. Look for areas of faster current with rocks and structure, plus places where the water is slowing into the heads of pools. A "pool" can be large, or just a deeper spot inside of larger runs. Look for water shaded by trees and hills, keeping an eye on the angle of the sun on bright days. Position yourself so you are not throwing a shadow on the water you are fishing. Euro nymphing is working well in fast water. Traditional indicator nymphing is better in slower water, when fishing at distance, or on really windy days. Dry/Dropper with a small weighted nymph 18-24" under a buoyant and visible dry fly is also effective and fun, especially in shallow water and also slower water. They normally eat the nymphs, but you do get some bonus dry fly eats.
The Housatonic River at Falls Village is reading 364 CFS, which is better than where it has been. We got out on the river with seasoned guide Bob Strassel Jr. last Friday and managed a few nice smallmouth and one brown. Fish were rising in the morning to small midges and BWO's, and even a few caddis in the later afternoon. The bright sun and lower water makes it difficult, but as the water rises and flows steady, a more consistent streamer bite should open up. Smallmouth are starting to dwindle as the days cool, but trout are just getting started.
The CFS at the Pineville gauge is currently 236 as of 8:05 AM. Water temperature this morning was 62 degrees Fahrenheit as of 6 AM. In the Upper Section, angling success was described as “moderate” for the lower part, “slow” for the middle part, and “quiet” for the uppermost part. Fish species reported were all Chinook (King) Salmon. The fish present were actively moving upriver through the section, then hunkering down within pools in the uppermost part. Angler density in this section was described as “moderate” in the lower two-thirds and “none” present in the uppermost part. In the Middle Section, angling success was described as “moderate” in the bottom and uppermost parts of the section, with the middle part described as “slow”. Fish species reported to be all King Salmon. The fish present were actively moving upriver in all parts of this section, with a percentage holding in pools within the bottom and uppermost parts of this section. Angler density in this section was described as “moderate” throughout the section. In the Lower Section, angling success was described as “moderate” throughout the section. Fish species reported were all King Salmon. The fish present were moving upriver through the estuary part, then holding in pools within the top part of this section. Angler density in this section was described as “moderate” in the estuary part and “high” just upriver.
Catskills
The release from Cannonsville is 475 cfs. The river flows bumped slightly from yesterdays rain but not enough to warrant any plan changes for today. We had some good reports of olives and ants yesterday. Hopefully the clouds stick around longer than forecasted and we see some of the same action today. The West Branch is at a good level for wading and floating. There have been tiny olives on some sections and a few Cahills, Isonychias, and hebes. The hatching should be less spotty as the flows drop and the nights get cooler. Streamers and nymphs are good bets early and late in the day. The West Branch has a greenish tint to it that is likely the reservoir turning. The fish and bugs don’t mind it and its actually better for streamer fishing
Today will be 74 degrees with clouds early turning partly cloudy in the afternoon. Wind will be 10 – 15 mph from the North.
Albies and Bonito are being spotted out east, as well as bass and scattered reports of blues. In the Western Sound, there is a plethora of bait in the harbors, back bays, and river mouths. Peanut bunker, adult bunker, silversides, bay anchovies. You name it. Bringing a variety of flies on your next trip is going to be the key to success. There are still not many active bass, but plenty of 2-5 lb. Spanish Mackerel which are always fun on a fly rod. Hopefully next week's front with shake up things for the better and break these fish out of their summer patterns. We are only just starting the fall run, so get out and explore!
