Hello Compleat Angler friends! More improvements have happened on the freshwater scene this past week despite the lower-than-average flows. Local rivers and streams received some stockings, including the Mill River, Mianus, Housatonic, and Farmington. These stocked fish will be forgiving in terms of fly selection, so it’s time to break out the Wooly Buggers, Mops, and Squirmies until fish start to key in on naturals. In terms of hatches, you can expect Isonychia, Blue Winged Olives, and Light Cahills, however hatch activity can be a slower this time of year. Nymphing is going to be the best producer if no fish are rising, just be sure to use a stealthy approach to not spook fish during low and clear flows, and a longer leader will help when presenting dries and dry/dropper rigs. On the Delaware River fishing is starting to improve, both in the form of dry fly fishing and streamers, and smaller streamers are doing the trick during these low and clear flows. The Salmon run in Pulaski continues to be consistent on the Salmon River with fish slowly moving into and up the system but look for a bigger push in Salmon during the next higher water event. On the saltwater, we are still waiting for the Fall run to be epic, currently Albies have been difficult, and we’re not seeing large numbers yet. Some Bonito are in the Western Sound and into the beachfronts along Rhode Island, however they’re starting to taper off. Striper fishing in our end of the sound has been mainly some schoolie action, and can be found in their usual resident spots, meanwhile Bluefish have been the predominant topwater bite.

Read on for more…

Connecticut

Local Rivers

Local rivers levels have been holding steady below average with good clarity. For instance, the Saugatuck River is currently 21.2 CFS, so there were minimal changes compared to last week. There are still Trout from the Spring stocking that you may encounter, and so far, the Mianus River, Salmon River, and Mill River have been stocked. Average air temperatures have been reaching into the low 60s to mid-50s at night with daytime temperatures reaching into the 70s, which is an incremental improvement that has helped water temperatures drop back to fishable levels for Trout. Focusing on fishing during the morning hours will be best as they will yield the coolest water temperatures. You can expect the normal hatches for this time of year to include Blue Winged Olives (especially on overcast days) in sizes 18-20, Ant Patterns, Sulphurs and Light Cahills in 12-18, Tan Caddis in 16-20, and Midges in 18-24. Overall hatches haven’t been exceptional; however, a good searching technique is to use a dry/dropper rig. An Elk Hair Caddis will work well when paired with a nymph and stay afloat. Some of our favorite nymph patterns include Pheasant Tails, Prince Nymphs, Caddis Larvae, Waltz Worms, and Perdigones in sizes 14-18, as well as Zebra Midges in sizes 18-20. Generally, this time of year will call for more natural and smaller flies as any trout in the system is keyed in on natural forage, and on average the insects are smaller. Stocked fish are very forgiving in terms of fly selection, and your subsurface flies from Squirmies and Mop Flies to Wooly Bugger will work well until they start to key in on naturals. Small Wooly Buggers in Black, Olive, and White are all good color options to have with you. Stealthy wading will be your friend during these low flows to avoid spooking fish.

Naugatuck River

The Naugatuck is also at below average levels, with flows currently reading 101 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. 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, 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. The Naugatuck is a good alternative 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 still below average with good clarity. The West Branch in Riverton is reading 103 CFS and the Still River is adding 14.8 CFS. Water temperature in Riverton has been fluctuating in the mid-60s to high 60s, so you will want to keep your fishing to the morning and evening hours until temperatures improve as Fall progresses, and make sure to check your stream temperatures. In good news the state has done a round of Fall stocking, and certain areas have received their first Trout stocking. Recently stocked fish will take a variety of flies from Woolly Buggers to Mops and Squirmies. Trico hatches are diminishing as well as Flying Ants, however it is still worth bringing some because you may still encounter them. Other usual hatches are Blue Winged Olives in sizes 18-20 during overcast days. During the morning and evening hours also consider Yellow Sallies in sizes 14-18, Tan Caddis in sizes 18-20, Isonychia in sizes 12-14, Light Cahill in sizes 14-18 and Midges in sizes 20-24. 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 will do most of their spawning during late October, so look for an increase in aggressive behavior in a few weeks. 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

Due to a lack of rain the Housatonic River is also affected by low flows, which is currently flowing 162 CFS at Falls Village. Water temperatures have improved to the point that anglers are catching Trout, so they are leaving the thermal refuges. In addition, the upper sections of the river were stocked, and these trout will readily hit a variety of flies, which offers a good time to streamer fish. Isonychia will be working during the evenings in size 12-14, and throughout the day you will see some Flying Ants. In addition, you will encounter Blue Winged Olives in sizes 16-20, Tan Caddis in sizes 16-18, and White Flies are starting to hatch. During these low flows a longer leader in 5x-7x is ideal. Flows are still low enough to wade and sight fish for Carp. For these fish, Mulberry Flies, Damselfly Nymphs, Crayfish, Mop Flies, and your standard Trout Nymphs are all good flies to consider. We prefer 6-8wt rods paired with a floating line, such as a Bonefish Taper, rigged with an 8lb fluorocarbon leader. If you decide to fish for Smallmouth, large articulated streamers and Woolly Buggers have been working well recently for the larger fish, try switching colors from Black, Chartreuse, Yellow, and Orange, to see what they prefer. Overall, the Smallmouth fishing has tapered off, however anglers are bycatching some when streamer fishing for Trout. For Smallmouth we recommend a short and stout leader to turn over the larger flies such as a 6” 12-20 leader. The Rio Big Nasty Leaders are a great option. Overall, it’s time to focus on Trout fishing now that water temperatures have cooled enough.

Saltwater

Around the coast of Old Saybrook and New London there have been some Albies roaming on bait, however they are still spotty. You’re more likely to encounter Bluefish from 4-8lbs and there are still some Bonito around. Around Middleground we’re starting to see a few Albies as well with some Bluefish blitzing on small bait with some Bonito in the mix. Meanwhile some Stripers are still staged around their resident holding areas further West towards the Norwalk Islands, and we have yet to see large numbers of migratory fish arriving or any actions in the coves or harbors. The primary forage is Peanut Bunker, Silversides, and Bay Anchovies, 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, things have been relatively slow with a schoolie or two being brought to hand. 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. 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

The lower and Middle sections of the river (Pineville and down) have seen the most activity so far with a few fish moving slowly into Altmar and above. There are now fish holding in pools in the upper sections of the river. Flows remain similar when compared to last week, and are currently 464 CFS at the Pineville gauge, slightly below average. As a result the deeper pools and runs will be holding a larger concentration of fish that are staging. Overall, there has been a steady stream of Kings and some Coho moving slowly through the lower section of the river that anglers are connecting with, and as of recent anglers are getting into some fresh fish upriver. 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. In the lower river these early fresh fish will be aggressive, so we recommend a 9’ leader around 20lb composed of fluorocarbon, which has more abrasion resistance on rocks. For our two-handed Salmon 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.

Catskills

Flows remain below average on the Mainstem of the Delaware River, reading 1550 CFS at the Lordville gauge. The West Branch is also running below average at 709 CFS in Hale Eddy, while the East Branch is above average at 837. All sections have good water temperatures, fluctuating in the mid-50s to low 60s. 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 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. 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 articulated streamers on sinking lines will start working better as Fall progresses and in the sections that have above average flows. While flows are low, try some smaller streamers during the morning hours.

New York Saltwater

Striper fishing has been fairly slow, however anglers that are putting in their times and covering ground have been able to find both Stripers and Bluefish feeding on top during the morning hours. In good news anglers are seeing a lot of Bonito this season, and there has been plenty of action this past week and we have also been seeing some False Albacore showing up in the mix. Most of the action is concentrated on the South Shore of Long Island. Look for an improvement in the Striper fishing in a few weeks, so far there have been improvements in Montauk. Albie fishing in Montauk has been slow, and most of the rips are overrun with Cocktail Bluefish. The bays, harbors, coves, and salt ponds have also seen an increase in Striper 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 the predominant bait is now Peanut Bunker, Silversides, and 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. We are at the beginning of the Fall transition so fishing should only improve in the coming weeks. Overall, the Albie season has been a slow start but we’re hoping to see more numbers by the end of this month and into November. They’re still offshore mixed in with Bluefin.

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. 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. Bonito have still been showing up around the shorelines on occasion, however the fishing for them is tapering off. Block Island Striper fishing has also seen an uptick with some Bonito and Albies making a showing. Most of the bait is Peanut Bunker, Silversides, and Bay Anchovies, and all the bait is smaller on average, from 1”-3”. Anglers have been finding some Albies from Narragansett to Newport; however, the bulk of the fish are still situated around the Cape and Martha’s Vineyard still. There are a few schools along the Rhode Island shoreline, and some anglers have been lucky enough to find them. Some Albies have been spotted withing casting range of the West Wall pushing bait.