Hello Compleat Angler friends! Our weekend weather forecast in Connecticut is expected to be cold, so if oy decide to venture out we recommend bringing a good layering system. Our smaller freestones have remained low and clear, and there are still some trout from Fall stocking. Catch rates will be diminished as well as hatches, so we recommend fishing with an assortment of small nymphs in the deeper slower pools. Flows increased on the Farmington River, and levels are now close to average. There are also flow improvements on the Housatonic River, and most sections will still have easy wading. Streamer fishing can also be a good option since Brown Trout have finished spawning and looking to regain weight. Both streamers stripped slowly, swung, or jigged through a run will entice fish with their slower action. On the Salmon River in New York, temperatures are cold with quite a bit of snow received. Flows have increased to above average levels. Slush will be an issue in the morning on lower sections of the river, however there are still a few Steelhead entering the system. Further upriver fish will concentrate in the slower and deeper pools, and it will be worth fishing these areas methodically. Winter fishing will have diminished catch rates; however, there will be a small bite window which is usually when water temperatures are at their peak for the day. As a result, trout activity will be at its peak during this time.

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Hello Compleat Angler friends! This week we have few changes to our local freestones; flows are still low and are unaffected by snowmelt. Snowmelt will drop water temperatures a bit as that cold water enters the rivers. You may see some small Blue Winged Olives and Midges hatching during the afternoon; however, hatches will be diminished with these colder water temperatures. Nymphing will be the most effective technique followed by streamer fishing. For nymphs, consider bringing small imitative selections (sizes 18-24). In addition, egg patterns will still be working now that the majority of Brown Trout have finished spawning. For streamers, you will want to try swinging flies on a floating or sink tip line. Jigging streamers can also be effective because they present a slower and more enticing action to lethargic fish. Trout fishing during colder temperatures will result in finding a narrow bite window during the day, usually when water temperatures are at their highest. During this time bug and trout activity will be at its peak. Overall, fish deeper pools methodically, and don’t be discouraged as catch rates can generally be lower during Winter. On the Salmon River in New York, Steelhead and Brown Trout are spread throughout the system, and anglers are finding single digit numbers of Steelhead each day on average. Nymphing with egg patterns and stoneflies will be most effective, however aggressive fish will still willingly take a swung fly.

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Hello Compleat Angler friends! As the weather gets colder, we’ve slimmed down our fishing report to relevant areas with winter fishing potential. Winter will have its own unique challenges when trout fishing in Connecticut. Fish will be more lethargic and tend to favor the deeper slower pools and runs. They may become more active during the afternoon, and when water temperatures are warmest some will forage in the faster part of the run. Water temperatures will also be coldest during the early morning, so we recommend waiting until the late morning into the afternoon when trout will become more active. You may find small Blue Winged Olives and some Midges hatching; however, they may be diminished. Fishing slowly and methodically in likely holding areas will be the key to success, and there can be a bite window on some days in which trout activity is at its highest. Overall, flows are below average on our local freestones, as well as the Housatonic and Farmington Rivers. Small nymphs and jig streamers will be working best this time of year. On the Salmon River in New York, flows were cut which means Steelhead are now in their holding lies spread throughout the river. Focusing on the deeper pools is a good start. Anglers are finding a few fish each day, as well as some nice Brown Trout.

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