Hello Compleat Angler friends! The most significant improvement has been the arrival of False Albacore locally from Westport to Bridgeport. Covering ground to find them is the name of the game, and look for likely areas they can be found: at the entrance to coves, along reefs, and in rips. In addition Bluefish around 10lbs have been seen in large numbers blitzing on Peanut Bunker off the beaches, and the birds will be a good giveaway to their location. Our wade, as well as boat, anglers are catching some schoolies off Westport, the Norwalk Islands, as well as in coves and salt ponds. Overall the fall season is on! On the freshwater scene, both the Farmington and Housatonic flows are high, so use caution or wait until flows recede below 1000 CFS. On the other hand, the Catskills didn’t receive as much rain and as a result the Delaware River is low with inconsistent hatches. In good news, our Great Lakes anglers are catching some nice Kings and Cohos, with the occasional Brown Trout and Steelhead. Conditions will be windy and rainy Saturday and Sunday, and this front will drop temperatures into the low 60s locally. Read on for more…

Connecticut

Local Rivers

Flows are high again but are currently on the drop. Clarity is still good and the areas to focus on include the Saugatuck, which is flowing average at 94.7 CFS, and the Mianus, Norwalk, and Mill Rivers. Both the Norwalk and Mianus Rivers are your closest options in relation to our shop. The state has begun Fall/Winter stocking now that flows and temperatures are good, however only a select few ponds and lakes were stocked. We will keep you updated! Stocking will begin in rivers once the water temperatures drop a little more. Common insects that you may encounter include a variety of Caddis in Tan and Olive sizes 16-24, Isonychia in sizes 10-12, Blue Winged Olives in sizes 18-24, as well as Tricos in sizes 20-26. Terrestrials are still around with plenty of ants/flying ants. Nymphing will still be your most effective technique until hatches occur, and now is the time to start throwing streamers, as you will pick up fish that are more aggressive and looking for a larger meal. Wooly Buggers are always a safe bet in drab colors (Olive, Brown, Black), but don’t be afraid to switch things up and throw larger articulated patterns on a full sinking or sink tip line, especially during this high water. You will want a shorter leader when streamer fishing, something around 5-7’. One of our favorite streamer lines for Fall is theAirflo Streamer Max Short. The short head loads rods well when targeting the opposite bank on our smaller rivers, and it really helps sink the fly quickly into the strike zone.

Naugatuck River

Flows on the Naugatuck are high, reading 838 CFS at Beacon Falls. While flows are still making things tricky for wading, water temperatures are dropping so now is the time to start thinking about fishing once these flows drop. Look to fish similar offerings we are using on our local streams: Sulphurs, Cahills, Caddis, Tricos, Blue Winged Olives, and Terrestrials. October Caddis should start arriving soon, so bring some Tan Caddis patterns in sizes 14-18. With respect to other insects, having a range of sizes from 12-24 in nymphs/dries will have you covered. Look to fish Isonychia in the evenings in size 10 and focus on the faster water where they will be more active. Overall, the hatch to focus on will be Blue Winged Olives, which are now becoming more prevalent again, as these are ideal temperatures for both morning and evening hatches. The Naugatuck is a good alternative for areas with more crowds/pressure. Since flows are above average it will be a good time to throw streamers during the mornings and evenings. Also keep in mind that throughout the Fall and Winter the state will be stocking Atlantic Salmon in both the Naugatuck and Shetucket Rivers.

Farmington River

Flows are still high on the Farmington River, however they have dropped to fishable levels. Water was cut from the dam bringing West Branch flows down to 516 CFS, with the Still adding 155 CFS. Water temperatures have improved, starting in the low 60s during the morning and reaching the mid-60s by the afternoon. When flows return to normal, surface bug activity will still be the most consistent during the mornings and evenings, with Blue Winged Olives in sizes 20 and smaller being the focus on cooler days. There are still Flying Ants, Tan/Olive caddis in sizes 16-20, and light hatches of Tricos in sizes 22-26. Other considerations are Cahills in 12-20 during the evenings, as well as Isonychia in sizes 12-14. Midges are also a must for this time of year in sizes 20-24, both in the larval (Zebra Midge) and the adult forms. For Nymphing, options should include larger Stoneflies (which can be paired with a smaller offering to help get your rig down) as well as Zebra Midges, Pheasant Tails, Perdigones, Caddis Larvae, Hare’s Ears, Waltz Worms, Pheasant Tails, and Prince Nymphs. When the water is fishable and on the drop, it will also be worth bringing junk flies, such as Mops and Squirmies. This is also a good time to fish streamers, as dropping flows coupled with pre-spawn behavior for Brown Trout will have fish more aggressive as they search for higher calorie meals. In terms of rigging, look to use 5x-6xFluorocarbon when nymphing, andNylon 5x-7x when dry fly fishing. During normal-low flows, and especially with smaller flies, it pays off to have a stealthy leader in the10-12’ range which will aid in a delicate presentation. Staying into the evening can result in some good spinner falls. With the variety of bug activity, swinging wet flies can be a productive option as well. For Trout Spey Anglers, look to fish larger streamers or intruders paired with afaster sinking tip. Fishing a wet fly swung on aless aggressive sinking tip can pull additional fish. The same can be said for those nymphing with single handers: swinging nymphs at the end of your drift can simulate an emerging insect. Twitching jigged streamers through a run can also be a deadly technique, and good colors to try include olive, black, tan, and white. Your odds will be better with streamers during the morning hours but will improve as Fall progresses. Vary retrieves, starting fast and then slowing down to see what the trout prefer.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 800-842-4357.

Housatonic River

Flows have been gradually dropping but are still high (currently 997 CFS) on the Housatonic. These flows have improved for wading and clarity. Under normal flows there have been great hatches of Blue Winged Olives in sizes 20 and smaller in the evenings, with some Isonychia mixed in (sizes 12-14). High water will diminish surface activity. Other hatches you may encounter include Tan/Olive Caddis in sizes 16-20, and Flying Ants are still prevalent. As we approach Fall, the trout will start to get into their pre-spawn phase, which means that they will be looking for higher calorie meals so bringing some larger streamers will prove useful, especially during these flows. If you are fishing articulated neutrally buoyant streamers, you will want to pair these with asinking line and a short 5’ leader tapered from20lb to 10lb. Now is also a good time for our Trout Spey anglers to consider throwing larger patterns during the afternoons in combination with swinging wet hackles in the mornings and evenings. Afternoon is still a good time to switch over to smallmouth fishing, so bring your Woolly Buggers in a variety of colors, as well as crayfish patterns. Targeting Carp can also be a fun and challenging endeavor. For Carp, we recommend 6-8wt rods with a weight-forward floating line (a Bonefish Taper line works well) paired with a 9’ 8lb Fluorocarbon leader. Egg flies, small nymphs, crayfish patterns or hoppers can work depending on their feeding behavior. When targeting Pike, bite wire or a heavy fluorocarbon section is a must. While floating lines will work, it helps to get subsurface with a full sinking line. A variety of flies will work in 6-10” in different colors (a flashtail whistler is always a good option). Rods in 8-10wt are ideal for casting large flies and sinking lines. Look for slower sections of river, coves, ledges, and weed beds when hunting for Pike.

Saltwater

Albies are now showing up regularly from Norwalk to Bridgeport and the primary bait is Peanut Bunker and Bay Anchovies. Look for quick blitzes of small pods of fish near cove entrances and along reefs. Everyday has been different, with some mornings better than others in terms of numbers and school size. Some areas to focus on are the reefs and beaches off of Westport, Southport, Stratford Shoals, and off New London. Larger Bluefish can be found finning in the mornings in and around coves and beaches, as well as blitzing on bait in deep water structure. There are also occasional Stripers hanging around the surface during low light conditions. Our anglers have reported some impressive Bluefish being landed around 10lbs, and fishing poppers remains an effective and exciting way to get into the action, especially during first light. We recommend bringing wire leader in 20lb, andknottable wire is easy to work with when adding a section to your leader. Striper activity will remain most prominent during dusk and dawn. Deceivers, Clousers, Half n Halfs, and Gurglers continue to fool Stripers. Now is the time of year to bring smaller patterns, as Bay Anchovies and Silversides will be more prominent and fuel blitzes. For your standard Striper leader, we prefer a leader7’ of 16-20lb, and if using poppers, you may extend your leader by a couple more feet. It will also help to bring some longer fullfluorocarbon leaders in 16lb for the chance of encountering Albies. Salt ponds continue to hold resident fish, as well as rocky points near the Norwalk Islands. Some anglers have been seeing blitzes nearshore while walking the beach, and it’s all about being at the right place at the right time. Mornings are typically best with a focus on the higher tide stages. If you’re wading, some areas to consider are Calf Pasture and the beaches off Westport, Penfield Reef, Holly Pond, and Old Mill.

Hot Flies:
Deceivers in various colors
Clousers
Bay Anchovy Patterns
Peanut Bunker Patterns
Medium Sized Bunker Flies
Epoxy Sardine (Great Albie Fly)
Bob’s Banger (Stripers and Bluefish)

Good Fly Lines For Fall:
SA Full Intermediate
Wulff Monoclear (For picky Albie days)
Rio Outbound Short (Good for big flies and big winds)
Rio Striper (Good all-rounder)

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

New York

Salmon River

Flows on the Salmon River are slightly below average at 436 CFS, and overall, the fishing hasn’t been lights out, but there has been moderate action. Each day there have been more Kings and Cohos moving up through the system, especially if there’s higher water which will have larger numbers of fish traveling up past the estuary. It’s all a matter of finding pods of fish that are staging and who will cooperate. Fish are now spread throughout the entire system, and anglers are catching more numbers in the middle sections as well as upriver. During these average flows look to target the deeper holes as fish will be staging and waiting for conditions to improve to continue up the system. Average water has the fish a little warier so consider using12lb-16lb leaders. There have been more numbers of Steelhead and Brown Trout being landed, especially in the lower part of the river. The most popular approach for Kings has been dead drifting egg sucking leeches and Woolly Buggers in various colors, and some anglers are having success fishing large brightintruders in Pink, Black, Purple, and Blue/Chartreuse when swinging the lower parts of the estuary. Larger Glow Bugs andbeads in different colors will also take fish, so switching up flies/colors and techniques will be the key to success. Having amicro barrel swivel incorporated into your leader will help avoid splitshot sliding down your leader, and will also aid in quicker re-rigging during breakoffs and snags.

Catskills

The Mainstem at Lordville on the Delaware River is currently 1130 CFS, while the West Branch at Hale Eddy is flowing at 359 CFS. Flows at Fish’s Eddy on the East are 535 CFS . Conditions are good for wading, however our anglers are having a tough week with low water and hot air temperatures. Hatches have been spotty but if you’re focused on dry fly fishing, bring Blue Winged Olives in sizes 18-22, Isonychia in sizes 12-14, Cahill in size 16, and Flying Ant patterns. Having a leader of at least12’ of 5x-6x will help when looking for a stealthier approach. Other patterns to consider are Tricos and Little Yellow Sallies. During the mornings and evenings look for surface activity, and by the afternoon it will be mainly a nymphing game. Streamer fishing is now a viable method when flows increase and Brown Trout approach their pre-spawn. In addition, most of the river will start to see October Caddis with more regularity. Nymphing remains the most effective method and fishing a dry-dropper rig can work well too. Stoneflies, Pheasant Tails, Hare’s Ears, Caddis Pupa, Caddis Larvae, Waltz Worms, and jig style flies (like Perdigones) are all good considerations when going subsurface. Overcast and rainy days will be your best bet for surface activity, and don’t overlook swinging wet flies and nymphs, such as an Isonychia, which will be the most active. For the Neversink, Willowemoc, and Beaverkill rivers bring similar patterns and add Light Cahills to your box.

Saltwater

The weather has been beautiful to be out fishing in the western portion of the sound, and it will be best to take advantage before the incoming front pushes in high winds and rain. Albie fishing continues to be consistent. Some hotspots are the rips around Montauk, off Mattituck, Plum Gut, and Port Jefferson. Overall, it seems like the highest concentration of fish is along the North shore.  There are some Bluefish mixed in, and you may encounter them blitzing around some of the jetties and beaches. The primary baitfish will include Peanut Bunker and Bay Anchovies. Wade fishing has been a hit or miss, with some anglers finding an occasional Striper or Bluefish, and finding the birds working bait has been the key to success. When fishing by boat, focus on structure around the bays and look for birds/baitfish as Stripers, Albies, or Bluefish will be blitzing. This tends to be a low light scenario. Bringing some poppers, like a Bob’s Banger, can produce some Blue and Striper action during dusk and dawn. Night fishing has held steady for Stripers, especially around docks and lights, and anglers fishing from shore are finding large Stripers off the beaches. Looking for fish pushing bait to the surface in the rips will result in some fish 30lbs and over. Tide movement is crucial when looking for fish, as this will stack bait into the rips which will make for an easy meal. If there is no surface action, you can use an aggressive sinking line paired with a larger Clouser to get deeper. Fishers Island and around Gardiners have also seen Bass crushing Bunker on the surface and Albies are starting to filter in nearshore. The back bays on the Northshore are still seeing plenty of Bluefish, and some Albies are starting to filter in, especially near Wading River. With the abundance of bait and different species you will encounter, we recommend bringing some Deceivers, Clousers, Sand Eel patterns, and Popovic’s Surf Candies to imitate Bay Anchovies.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island is seeing the most Albie and Bonito action so far, with Bass and Bluefish mixed in. Hot spots include Watch Hill, Point Judith, Charlestown Breachway, and the West Wall. Covering ground is the name of the game as some anglers are finding Albies in deeper water as well as along the beaches. Striper rafts have been mixed in nearshore which has proven helpful for our shorebound anglers. Every day has been different, so cover ground and look for signs of bait on the surface. There have been really small Bay Anchovies, in the 1.5” range, so having some smaller Tan/White Clousers and Surf Candies will imitate these well if the fish are picky. The ledges off Block Island are still fishing well, with large Stripers and Bluefish on Sand Eels in the rips. Look for fish on top during tide movements during dusk. Some of the flats are seeing slot size and over fish cruising in shallow, with the most effective patterns being crab flies. If you are struggling to find hard tails, the consistent Bluefish action on topwater can save the day, as they are still nearshore in bays and salt ponds. With big Striper rafts, Bluefish to play with, and consistency in Albies/Bonito, the Fall run is on!