Len's Latest: Fishing Report 4/3/19

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

Whether you’re fishing local rivers or the bigger Catskill rivers, the story this week is similar. For the most part, decent river flows and clear and cold water. Water temperatures both in New York and Connecticut remain in the mid-high 30’s. That means fishing, in general, will be slow and tough - especially in those waters that mainly contain wild fish. Best bets in all rivers right now are streamers fished slowly and nymphs and “junk” wets (egg patterns, mops, worms and green weenies) fished deep and slow. Yes, there have been some hatches in the afternoons - look for small dark (black or brown) stoneflies or BWO’s (#16-#20). However, with river levels at summer levels, hatches should be on time or ahead of time. Over the next couple of weeks, look forQuill Gordons, Blue Quills, and then around the first of May keep your eye open for the March Browns and Hendricksons!

The Delaware East Branch at Peas Eddy

Heads-Up! Here in Fairfield County, the Saugatuck was stocked again last week along the TMA section at Ford’s Road. As well, the Mianus was just re-stocked with 600 fish in the TMA along Merriebrook Lane in Stamford.

In both of these rivers look for small, dark Stoneflies. Most effective wet patterns would be small nymphs (Caddis, Stonefly, Pheasant Tails and Hare’s Ears) and junk flies (Mops, Eggs, Green Weenies, Worms) along with Wooly Buggers and streamers. While you’re fishing for primarily stocked fish, remember they get hit hard right from the start and it doesn’t take long before they become really picky.

If you are fishing the Farmington, keep in mind that an approximately one-mile section from Canal Pool in Riverton downstream to Pipeline Pool is closed from 4/1-4/13 (opening day.) Beaver Pool remains open.

A fat, Delaware Main Stem Rainbow

First up, here’s your river flow report for local Connecticut rivers and Catskill rivers:

Connecticut

• Farmington West Branch Riverton:   195cfs; mid-30’s
• Still River at Robertsville:    217cfs;
• Farmington West Branch through the TMA:   412cfs; mid-30’s
• Housatonic at Falls Village:  2220cfs;
• Saugatuck at Ford’s Rd.  177cfs;
• Norwalk River in Wilton:   52cfs;

Reports from the Farmington all point to lower numbers of fish but bigger fish. Most effective methods are still streamers, nymphs and “junk” patterns (Eggs, Mops, Worms, Green Weenies). Fish slow and deep - look for runs and pools with current but “shoulders” where fish can hold just out of the main flow. Work nymphs and wets slow and deep along the bottom - remember the water temperatures are still in the mid-high 30’s. In the afternoons, look for small, dark stoneflies and BWO’s.  Even if you see them, most of your action may still be sub-surface. Other good bets for wet patterns are Wooly Buggers, Caddis Larva, Pheasant Tails and Hare’s Ears.

Our own Sal Renzuella (Riverkeeper Guide Service) floated the Housatonic recently and reported that while the search for trout was tough and slow, they brought some quality Smallmouths to the boat.

A great shot by Sal Renzuella - and a great Smallmouth day on the Housey….

New York

• Delaware West Branch at Hale Eddy:   1040cfs at 39 degrees;
• Delaware West Branch at Stilesville:   669cfs at 37 degrees;
• Delaware East Branch at Fishs Eddy:   1840cfs at 37 degrees;
• Delaware East Branch at Harvard:   374cfs at 38 degrees;
• Delaware Main Stem at Lordville:  3670cfs at 39 degrees;
• Beaverkill at Cook’s Falls:  1050cfs at 37 degrees;
• Esopus at Allaben:   299cfs;
• Schoharie at Lexington:   270cfs at 39 degrees;

Reports from the Delaware branches are similar to Connecticut. Water levels are close to ideal both for floating and wading. If you are wading, be careful - with water temperatures in the mid-30’s, taking a spill becomes a serious matter. Keep your eyes peeled for Quill Gordons, small Black Stoneflies, Blue Quills and BWO’s, and remember, the March Browns and Hendricksons won’t be far behind. Look for rising fish in the afternoons.  Most action on all the Delaware branches is currently on streamers fished to the bank slowly, as well as nymphs fished deep. The occasional fish taken have been beastly!

Overall, our rivers are still a cold, tough task, but there are some big, beautiful fish being taken by those with patience and persistence so good luck to you!

As always, stop by the shop for all your needs. We carry all the major brands including Sage, Simms, Abel, Ross, Hardy, Lamson, Hatch, Nautilus, Scott, Winston, Reddington, Echo, Loomis, Patagonia, Rio, Airflow, Sci-Anglers, as well as a complete line of flies (freshwater and saltwater) fly-tying tools, vices, accessories and materials for both freshwater and saltwater!  Hone your casting skills with our very own “Fish Doctor,”, Scott Loecher. Or if you need the latest intel or information on the best guides we’re happy to help.

Hope to see you out on the water!

Len<