Hello Compleat Angler friends! This week the low flows continue throughout Connecticut, which is making the local small streams difficult for fishing. Many of the stocked fish in the Mianus, Saugatuck, Mill, etcetera, have yet to spread out into other lies besides the deepest of pools. When fishing these areas use a stealthy approach because conditions are clear, and most of the rises you will see are on small Blue Winged Olive Emergers around size 20. Nymphing with small flies is recommended, but you may also substitute your Egg Flies, Mops, and Squirmies which will get additional hits. Streamer fishing is tough during these flows. Areas where fishing will be better include the Naugatuck, Farmington, and Housatonic, where there are a larger variety of holding lies and deeper pools despite lower than average flows. Blue Winged Olives are also the main hatches on these rivers in addition to Isonychia, Light Cahills, and some Tan Caddis. On the Salmon River in upstate New York, anglers are seeing Steelhead pushing upriver which Kings continue to trickle in and are spread about the whole system and their respective tributaries. Brown Trout are starting to be caught in the lower system, however they’re far and few. Our saltwater anglers are finding some Stripers around the coves, harbors, and mouths of rivers. Bluefish and Bonito are still slashing small Peanut Bunker and Bay Anchovies in deeper water. If searching for them by boat check around Middleground and further east. For our wade anglers, we’re seeing improved Striper fishing along the Westport beaches and the mouth of the Housatonic.

Read on for more…

Connecticut

Local Rivers

Flows are extremely low on our local rivers and streams, for instance the Saugatuck River is flowing at 18.3 CFS and the consensus is that we need some rain. This is making the fishing tricky because the Trout are holding in select areas with enough current and depth. They are also very wary, and when you see a fish rising they will most likely be on small Blue Winged Olive Emergers (sizes 20-24). Using a stealthy approach is a must to avoid putting these fish down. Strikes will be very subtle in the areas with slower current if you’re fishing subsurface. Smaller drab colored nymphs will be working in conjunction with Pheasant Tails, Prince Nymphs, Caddis Larvae, Waltz Worms, and Perdigones in sizes 14-20, as well as Zebra Midges in sizes 18-20. Anglers are still finding a few fish willing to cooperate on Egg Flies, Mop Flies, and Squirmies. Finding areas with enough depth is crucial, as most fish that have been stocked have not yet spread out due to low flows. A good low water technique is also a dry/dropper rig, and an Elk Hair Caddis will work well when paired with a small nymph and is stealthier compared to an indicator rig. Streamer fishing has been tricky during the low water since fish are on high alert, so look for an improvement when flows increase. If you decide to try streamers, using small jig files with a slow jigging presentation can entice fish. When dry fly fishing in low and clear flows, it helps to present a dry fly downstream because fish will be seeing the fly before your leader and fly line. Other dry flies to consider include Sulphurs and Light Cahills in 12-18, Tan Caddis in 16-20, and Midges in 18-24. Having a drag free presentation is a must as fish are on their A game.

Naugatuck River

The Naugatuck is also very low at 70.4 CFS at the Beacon Falls gauge. Water temperatures have improved, and fishing during the morning hours will yield the coolest water temperatures. The main hatches will be Tan Caddis in sizes 16-18, Blue Winged Olives (especially on overcast days) in sizes 18-20, Midges in sizes 20-24, and Ant Patterns. Light Cahills are hatching more commonly during the evening hours in sizes 16-18. If you see some fish rising in the morning, most likely they are on Blue Winged Olive Emergers. For nymphing the usual suspects will work well, Caddis Larvae, Pheasant Tails, Prince Nymphs, Waltz Worms and Perdigones in sizes 16-18. Also consider bringing Zebra Midges in sizes 18-24, Mop Flies, Egg Flies, and Squirmies. Streamer fishing will be good during the dropping flows and as water temperatures drop in the Fall. All sections of the Naugatuck were stocked and there are still some fish left from Spring Stocking. Recently stocked fish have been in the river for a week now but will still take a variety of flies. In addition, both the Shetucket and Naugatuck Rivers received a round of Trout stocking as well as Atlantic Salmon. For targeting Atlantic Salmon, swinging and/or stripping streamers and traditional hairwing flies, Woolly Buggers, and different color intruders will work well. Change flies after swinging through a pool, as sometimes Salmon will be triggered by a particular color or fly that has some added flash. Focus on the midsection of your runs and deeper pools when water levels are low, these areas will provide the safest holding water. The Naugatuck and Shetucket are good alternatives for areas with more crowds/pressure. Be mindful of stream temperatures and keep most of your fishing to the morning hours when water temperatures are at their coolest.

Farmington River

Flows on the Farmington River are low with good clarity. The West Branch in Riverton is reading 71.1 CFS steadily, and the Still River is adding 11.2 CFS. Water temperature in Riverton has been fluctuating in the high 50s to low 60s, and temperatures are good to fish throughout the river. The good news is the state has done a round of Fall stocking, and all areas have received their first Trout stocking. Recently stocked fish will take a variety of flies from Woolly Buggers to Mops and Squirmies. Stocked fish have been in the river for a month now, however it will still be worth bringing these flies. Your usual hatches are Blue Winged Olives in sizes 18-20 during overcast days, Tan Caddis in sizes 18-20, and Isonychia in sizes 12-14. Try fishing Isonychia emergers and Adults during the evening in faster. Since the flows are lower than average, a stealthy approach when wading and longer leaders will be the ticket for success. The holdover and wild trout will be very selective this time of year, so it helps to bring a variety of sizes and offerings. During reduced and normal flows with good clarity, we recommend using long leaders in 5x-7x for dry flies (12’ or longer). Swinging wet flies, such as a Caddis Pupae, can be an effective technique when Caddis hatch in the mornings and afternoons. The holdovers and wild fish are going to be more difficult but persistence and a more natural selection of flies will help even the odds. With that said anglers are finding some quality fish, namely larger holdover Brown Trout. Nymphing is going to be the most productive method during the afternoon when hatch activity is lowest. For nymphing, you will want to bring Pheasant Tails and Prince Nymphs in sizes 12-20, Caddis Larva 14-18, Perdigones 12-20, Hare’s Ears 14-18, Waltz Worms in 14-18, Golden Stoneflies in sizes 8-10, and Zebra Midges in 18-24. Since stocked trout have been in the system for a while, we recommend using smaller and more imitative nymphs that match their wild forage. In terms of rigging, look to use 5x-6x Fluorocarbon when nymphing. Smaller nymphs in sizes 18-20 will pair well on a dry/dropper rig. For Streamer fishing you’ll want to bring some Woolly Buggers and jig style streamers in sizes 8-10 in a variety of colors: Olive, Black, White, and Brown. Fishing articulated flies on a sinking/sink tip line can be another useful tool to include in your arsenal. Weighted Sculpin patterns are another consideration and can be fished on a floating line. Trout are getting ready to spawn so streamers will be working well. Just make sure to avoid fish that are actively paired up and spawning. Below actively spawning fish egg patterns will start working well, in addition they will work on stocked fish as well. Now is a good time for our Trout Spey anglers to use Scandi heads and polyleaders during these lower flows. Try swinging some wet flies on less aggressive sinking tips, as insects will become more active during morning to early afternoon. Remember to not high or low hole anyone. Let’s be respectful to other anglers. Good luck! Keep in mind: Please report any suspicious activity and poaching to DEEP by calling 1-860-424-3333.

Housatonic River

The Housatonic River has been slowly dropping after a small amount of rain further north which bumped the flows a bit the past week. Currently flows are low in Falls Village, reading 242 CFS. Fish that were stocked have yet to spread out during these flows, therefore the deepest of pools will be holding the most fish. Despite the flows anglers have been catching good numbers of fish on a variety of techniques. For dry fly fishing, small Blue Winged Olives in sizes 18-24 will be most prevalent during the mornings and afternoons, and you may find fish rising on them, especially down by the Meadows. You may also encounter some Isonychia in sizes 12-14, and Light Cahill in sizes 14-16 during the evening hours. You may still find some Flying Ants and Caddis at any given time, so it will be worth bringing these flies. During these low flows a longer leader in 5x-7x is ideal. Nymphing will be an effective method when you don’t see any hatch activity or fish rising. Good nymphs to include in your rotation this time of year include Caddis and Scud patterns, Waltz Worms, Perdigones, Prince Nymphs, and Pheasant Tails all in sizes 14-18. In addition, bring some Golden Stoneflies in sizes 8-12, as well as some Zebra Midges in sizes 18-20. Having a double nymph rig will give the fish multiple options, and well as cover different areas in the water column. The streamer bite has been picking up now that Brown Trout are more aggressive during pre-spawn. Bringing some smaller conehead Woolly Buggers will work during these low flows, as well as larger articulated streamers on sink tip lines. Make sure to avoid fish that are actively spawning and avoid stepping on Redds. Anglers are still catching some Smallmouth Bass on streamers and poppers.

Saltwater

Around the coast of Old Saybrook and New London there have been some Bonito and Bluefish roaming on bait, however every day has been different in terms of finding them up top. Around Middleground and further east there are still Bonito and Bluefish 6-10lbs on Bay Anchovies, as well as further East. Norwalk has seen an improvement in Striper activity in the form of schoolies blitzing on Peanut Bunker both along the outside and withing the rock structures of the islands, and some mornings you may find fish activity in the harbor. Areas to focus on in general include coves, harbors, and the mouths of rivers in the upcoming weeks. The primary forage is Peanut Bunker, Silversides, and Bay Anchovies, Sand Eels, and there are plenty around for the fish to find. Small and wide profile baitfish imitations, such as an EP Peanut Butter Fly, is a good pattern for both the Baby Butterfish and Peanut Bunker. For Bay Anchovies, a Surf Candy is always a good choice. For our wade anglers, the action has improved during the morning hours along the Fairfield and Westport beaches. There have also been fish starting to stage near the mouth of the Housatonic River. When fishing by boat or wading, it helps to look for the birds diving on bait. This time of year, you may find Stripers cruising the flats early in the morning before the heat of the sun. For our saltwater fishery we recommend using a 9 or 10wt rod paired with an intermediate sinking line. For your leader a shorter 7.5ft section of 20-30lb will turn over easily when paired with a Clouser or other larger wind resistant flies. For colors consider bringing Olive and White on clear sunny days. If the water is stained, bringing brighter colors such as Chartreuse and White will help stand out in dirty water. If there’s no surface activity, marking fish with sonar and using full sinking lines will also work on deeper water ledges. For this fishing we recommend a 4-6” Deceiver in Olive/White and an aggressive full sinking line. Overall, our Striper season has also had a late start, and we’re hoping to see more numbers and size of migratory fish as we get into November. Please be safe out there and respectful to other boaters!

Hot Flies:

Deceivers in various colors

Clousers

Peanut Bunker Patterns

Custom Tied Baby Bunker (Super Realistic!)

Medium Sized Bunker Flies

Bob’s Banger (Stripers and Bluefish)

Larger Herring Flies

Good Fly Lines For Fall:

SA Full Intermediate

Rio Outbound Short (Good for big flies and big winds)

Rio Striper (Good all-rounder)

Airflo Universal Cold Salt

Leaders:

Rio Striped Bass Leader

Please report any poaching to the DEEP by calling 800-842-4357.

New York

Salmon River

Flows are on the drop and are currently below average reading 430 CFS at the Pineville Gauge. The lower and Middle sections of the river (Pineville and down) have seen the most activity with King Salmon and Steelhead. There are now Salmon holding in all pools in the upper sections of the river as well as the tributaries. Flows are still below average, and as a result, the deeper pools and runs will be holding a larger concentration of fish that are staging. Lower flows are delaying some fish, and the numbers of fish pushing in will be smaller. Overall, there has been a steady stream of Kings moving upriver with a few coho mixed in, and as of recent anglers are getting into some fresh fish upriver. On the lower sections of river some anglers are also finding Brown Trout entering the system as bycatch, and fishing for them in the tributaries should improve into November. For flies we recommend different colors of Woolly Buggers (Chartreuse, Black, Pink, Purple) as well as Egg Sucking Leeches dead drifted. In addition, Glo Bugs, Estaz Eggs, and Sucker Spawn flies will also work in a variety of colors. Adding a few Stonefly patterns are a good consideration for Steelhead. In the lower river these early fresh fish will be aggressive, so we recommend a 9’ leader around 16-20lb composed of fluorocarbon, which has more abrasion resistance on rocks. A micro swivel can be used when attaching your tippet, which aids in avoiding your split shot from sliding and helps with faster rerigging. For our two-handed Salmon and Steelhead anglers, similar colored intruders will be working with sink tips and a Skagit setup. Concentrating on the lower river will help as fish will be more likely to grab when they are fresh in. During the morning and evening hours is when fish will be most active, especially if the afternoon is bright and sunny. On occasion anglers are finding an Atlantic Salmon in the lower sections of the river.

Catskills

Flows remain below average on the Mainstem of the Delaware River, reading 1410 CFS at the Lordville gauge. The West Branch has seen a small improvement and is currently above average at 841 CFS in Hale Eddy, while the East Branch is well below average at 574 CFS. All sections have good water temperatures, fluctuating in the low 50s to low 60s while the East Branch has the coolest water temperatures. As a result, there is an uptick in Trout activity, whether you’re searching for rising fish or hitting the banks with small streamers. Conehead Wooly Buggers on a floating line has been the hot ticket as of recent since most sections are below average, so there is no need for sinking lines yet. The main hatches for this time of year are Isonychia during the evening hours in sizes 12-14, Blue Winged Olives in sizes 18-22, and Light Cahills in sizes 14-16. Bringing a variety of these insects is crucial as they will key in on any stage of these hatches. The hatches aren’t phenomenal; however, you will find Trout picking off a variety of these insects throughout the afternoon (especially Blue Winged Olives). The trout will be wary and picky this time of year, so fly size, a long leader, and good presentation is crucial. A stealthy approach will also be beneficial during these lower flows. Dry dropper rigs during these flows will be a great searching technique. Use a reach cast with an upstream mend to ensure feeding fish see your fly first and not your fly line or leader. Nymphing has been the most consistent producer when there are no hatches. For nymphs we recommend bringing Prince Nymphs, Pheasant Tails, Caddis Larvae, Perdigones, Waltz Worms, etc... In sizes #12-#20. Nymphing during the sunnier afternoons and mornings has been the most productive. If trout are on Caddis, try fishing some emergers just below the surface film if they’re refusing the adult. Larger streamers will also be in play now that Brown Trout are getting ready to spawn, however take care to avoid fishing to spawning fish and stepping on their Redds. Other nearby rivers and streams are very low and are still in need of some rain which will improve the fishing.

New York Saltwater

Striper fishing has seen an uptick this week, with improvements around Montauk Point. Larger schools of Stripers have showed up along the South Shore of Long Island from Montauk Point to Fire Island and are demolishing bait in good sized rafts. Anglers are starting to find more action on foot along these beach fronts as fish push bait onto shore. This is a good signal that the Fall Migration has arrived. Many of the larger migratory fish are on larger Bunker around the 4-6” size, and you will also find Bay Anchovies, Silversides, Juvenile Bluefish, and Sand Eels. Off Moriches there are also some larger schools of Bluefish with some Stripers. Anglers are still finding some Bonito stragglers left over from the large schools, with a few Albies in the mix towards Orient Point. You may come across small schools of them along the Northshore by boat. Overall Albie fishing in Montauk has been slow. The bays, harbors, coves, and salt ponds have seen an increase in schoolie activity. For this fishing you will want to bring some smaller sparse Clousers in #2 and a variety of colors, small Deceivers, Sand Eel patterns and Crabs. The bait has made a transition to smaller sizes, and at any given time the smaller bait is Silversides, Sand Eels, and Bay Anchovies. Most of the larger Bluefish are situated on the North Shore of Long Island around Plum Gut, with a few schoolie Stripers. In addition, some anglers are also finding Bonito in this area. Look for the birds which will give away the location of Bluefish, Stripers, Bonito, and Albies crashing on Peanut Bunker. Overall, the Albie season has been a bust but were grateful to see the arrival of the Stripers again.

Rhode Island Saltwater

The Rhode Island Striper bite has been holding steady in the bays, coves, mouth of rivers, and along the beachfronts from Watch Hill into the Cape, with a good concentration of fish around Newport and the Providence River. Fisher’s Island also has Striper schools feeding on top. Anglers are also finding some larger Bluefish mixed in with the surface action. The best time to fish is during the early morning hours when temperatures are at their coolest. Some anglers are finding a few pods of Bonito still left over; however, the hardtail action has tapered off. Albies haven’t really moved West of the Cape in good numbers. Block Island Striper fishing has also seen an uptick with some Bonito still making a showing. Most of the bait consists of Silversides, and Bay Anchovies from 1”-3”. You may also come across Bass and Bluefish crashing Bunker in the 4-6” range. Anglers in the Cape are still finding Albies, however the numbers have been tapering off.