Hello Compleat Angler Friends! Despite the continuation of our Fall drought, some of our rivers have still been holding up for Trout fishing. The Housatonic and Farmington Rivers are fishing well, and despite the low water streamer fishing has been working during low light hours thanks to an increase in Brown Trout aggression. The most prevalent hatch on these rivers is small Blue Winged Olives in sizes 18-24, and if fish are refusing your fly opting for a smaller offering can be the secret ingredient, along with a good presentation and drift. You may also find Isonychia and Light Cahill hatching during the evening hours. Our small stream options have proven difficult in low water, and the deepest pools will be holding most of the fish. Small nymphs will be getting their attention unless they are rising. The Naugatuck River also received another round of Atlantic Salmon stocking, which makes for a total of 3 stockings this Fall, so now is a good time to swing flies for a unique fish. On the Salmon River in New York, the runs has transitioned to Steelhead, and while the numbers of fish pushing in are not huge, anglers are still finding a few each day with some nice Brown Trout being brought to hand. Steelhead are now spread into all sections of the river. On the Saltwater, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island are all seeing some great Striper fishing with large numbers of fish blitzing on Peanut Bunker, Sand Eels, and Bay Anchovies. We’re also seeing some incremental improvements further west in the Long Island Sound, with schoolies blitzing on Peanut Bunker more consistently from Westport to Darien. Anglers are catching fish both by foot and by boat during the morning hours with tide movement.

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 32.3 CFS and the consensus is that we need more rain. As of now, we can expect some rain on Sunday evening. Low water is making 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). One of the challenges is finding runs with enough flows to fish effectively. Using a stealthy approach is a must to avoid putting these fish down. And if nymphing, using smaller and lighter flies will help avoid flies getting snagged and effectively lengthening your drift. Strikes will be very subtle in the areas with slower currents 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 80.4 CFS at the Beacon Falls gauge. Flows have been fluctuating from the low 80s into the mid-90s. Water temperatures have improved, and temperatures are ideal no matter the time of day. 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 a few Atlantic Salmon stockings. The most recent Atlantic Salmon stocking was on November 5^th on the Naugatuck. With more Atlantics being stocked this year, it’s a great time to fish for them. 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.

Farmington River

The West Branch in Riverton received a bump in flows this past week, and the Riverton Gauge is currently reading 111 CFS. Water temperatures have been fluctuating in the mid-50s to low 60s. The Still River was also raised and is adding 69.8 CFS. While flows were increased, they are still below average with good water clarity, and this bump in water levels will help spread Trout into a larger variety of holding water. We still recommend a stealthy approach, longer leaders, and smaller more imitative flies. Anglers are still finding some stocked fish as well as nice holdover Brown Trout with these fish becoming more active during their pre-spawn. Just make sure to avoid the actively spawning Brown Trout and stay clear of their spawning beds (Redds). Actively feeding fish will hold below the spawning beds in deeper water waiting for eggs to become dislodged. Since water temperatures are cooler during the mornings most of the hatch activity occurs throughout the afternoon. 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 water. 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, or soft hackle Hare’s Ear, can be an effective technique when Caddis hatch in the mornings and afternoons. Nymphing is going to be the most productive method during the early mornings 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, Brown, and Yellow. Fishing articulated flies on a sinking/sink tip line can be another useful tool to include in your arsenal since flows were raised a bit. Weighted Sculpin patterns are another consideration and can be fished on a floating line. Despite the low flows the streamer bite has been good, especially during the morning and evening hours with Brown Trout being more active. Now is a good time for our Trout Spey anglers to use Scandi heads and polyleaders during these lower flows when swinging soft hackles. Try swinging some wet flies on less aggressive sinking tips, as insects will become more active during morning to early afternoon. Fishing larger streamers on a Skagit head will also work during the morning and evenings. Leaves have been an issue as of recent, however they should be cleared up in the next few weeks. 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 1-860-424-4357.

Housatonic River

The Housatonic River flows have been holding steady and are currently low in Falls Village, reading 287 CFS. In a positive light, these flows have provided easier wading conditions for anglers. 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. These fish have been very tricky, so having a long leader, small fly, and drag free drift are all musts. 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 Tan Caddis at any given time, so it will be worth bringing these flies in sizes 16-20. 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. Egg patterns will also be working as fish hold below spawning beds looking for easy calories. Make sure to avoid fish that are actively spawning and avoid stepping on Redds.

Saltwater

We’ve seen improvements in Striper fishing along the coast of Connecticut off Niantic and Old Saybrook, as well as more consistency in the Western portion from Westport to Darien. Our boat anglers are also finding Stripers around coves, along the Norwalk Islands, and at the mouth of the Saugatuck River. There are also improvements at the mouth of the Connecticut River, and most of the topwater action is short lived during the morning hours. Some anglers are still finding Bluefish in the deeper water structure; however, their numbers are slowing down.  For the Wade angler good spots to try include Compo beach, Calf Pasture, the mouth of the Housatonic, and Penfield Reef. During the morning hours you can find Stripers blitzing on Peanut Bunker around 3” in length, and in some instances, they will be pushing them into the surf. A variety of fly patterns will be working during these scenarios, which include Clousers, Poppers, Deceivers, Hollow Flies, and EP Peanut Butter Flies. Our warmer Fall temperatures have been keeping Stripers around for a late Fall run. Fish have been on the move chasing schools of Peanut Bunker, so it helps to cover ground and actively search for birds and bait. 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. Striper fishing should continue to be steady into late 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 remaining steady and below average, currently the Salmon River flows are 377 CFS at the Pineville Gauge. As a result, Steelhead are trickling into the river and while the numbers of fish are small persistent anglers are being rewarded with a few fish. In the lower section of the river the run is primarily Steelhead with a few Brown Trout mixed in on occasion. There have been a few nice fish brought to hand recently 10lbs or greater. In the middle and upper portions of the river anglers are also finding primarily Steelhead. Nymphing is the most effective technique now, and smaller egg patterns around 6mm are working with the low clear water. Using fluorocarbon leaders will aid in abrasion resistance and strength in smaller diameters. We recommend using 9’ leaders in 1-3X, and having a barrel swivel connecting your leader to tippet will help for faster rerigging during break-offs, as well as offer a point where your splitshot can’t slide down to your fly. Popular Egg colors include Chartreuse, Orange, Pink, Cheese, and Blue. Estaz Eggs, Glo-Bugs, Sucker Spawn, Stoneflies, and Squirmy Worms are all flies to consider bringing. Anglers swinging flies can opt for Woolly Buggers in a variety of colors, Egg Sucking Leeches, or PNW style Intruder Flies. These can be swung with single hand or spey rods in conjunction with a sink tip. Some anglers are finding some nice Brown Trout in the tributaries as well.

Catskills

Flows on the Mainstem of the Delaware River have improved but are still below average reading 1320 CFS at the Lordville Gauge. Water temperatures are fluctuating in the low to high 50s. Meanwhile, the West Branch flows are high, reading 1220 CFS at Hale Eddy, while the East Branch has dropped to a meager 161 CFS at Fishes Eddy. Since flows are up on the West Branch it is a good time to think Streamer fishing when there are no actively rising fish. Articulated streamer patterns with a sinking line will entice the larger Brown Trout that are now more active with the spawning season underway. However, make sure to avoid fishing to actively spawning Trout. This also means that egg patterns will be working in conjunction with your standard assortment of nymphs which should include 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. During some afternoons you may find Trout rising to Blue Winged Olives in sizes 18-24. It will also be worth bringing Isonychia patterns in size 12, and some Light Cahill in sizes 14-16 which will be more prevalent during the evening 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 when fishing areas with lower flows. Other surrounding streams are fishing well since they received a bit of water and are at fishable temperatures throughout the day. Use caution when wading to avoid stepping on Trout Redds.

New York Saltwater

Striper fishing has been holding strong with great topwater action from Montauk Point to the South Shore along Fire Island. There are some larger fish mixed in with the migratory schools, however the majority of the fish are up to 30” with schoolies being predominant along the North Shore. Anglers are finding good action patrolling the beaches by foot as fish push bait onto shore. The predominant bait consists of Bunker from 4-6”, Sand Eels, and Bay Anchovies. The inlets and coves are also seeing activity with Stripers blitzing on smaller bait, with fish still patrolling the harbors and salt ponds. Good flies to use in these scenarios include Clousers and Deceivers. The best bet for any topwater action is the morning hours, however blitzes have been lasting well into the afternoon with plenty of action to be had. Based on temperatures we’re expecting Striper fishing to hold up late into the season.

Rhode Island Saltwater

Bonito and Bluefish reports have slowed down but the Striper fishing remains steady. There is great topwater action near Providence and Narragansett, with larger fishing actively chasing schools of Bunker. Other areas that are fishing well include the bays, coves, in the mouths of rivers, and the salt ponds. Fisher’s Island is also seeing good Striper activity. In addition to Bunker, the prevalent bait is Sand Eels and Bay Anchovies. While far and few, anglers are still finding Bonito along the beachfronts.