Hello Compleat Angler friends! This week we have slimmed down the report to relevant fisheries for the winter to include Steelhead and Trout fishing. Saltwater anglers locally are still finding some holdover schoolies, namely on the Housatonic River. The South Shore of Long Island and into the beachfronts in New Jersey, anglers are still finding Stripers, however this should continue to taper off. On the freshwater scene chilly weather has reached the Salmon River in New York, with snow in the forecast. Make sure you wear a good layering system and dress warm when deciding to fish. Water has been below average on the Salmon River which has slowed fish entering the estuary and the river, however anglers that are persistent and putting in their time are able to find a few fish trickling into the lower river. In the middle and upper sections of the river Steelhead are holding in the deeper pools, so focus on these sections of water. A variety of techniques are still working, whether your drifting nymphs and egg patterns or swinging flies. The Farmington River flows were increase thanks to the most recent rain and snow, and flows are improved for the weekend. Water temperatures are still good, averaging in the low to high 40s, so you may still see some small Blue Winged Olives hatching during the afternoon. Nymphing will be your most productive option, while streamer fishing is holding up as well. The Housatonic River is still fishing well despite low flows, and techniques/hatches will be of a similar tune. Our smaller local rivers and streams have been tricky because of the below average flows; however, anglers are still finding some Trout from Fall stocking. In addition, Naugatuck was very recently stocked with more Atlantic Salmon.

Read on for more…

Connecticut

Local Rivers

Our local rivers and streams were largely unaffected by any snow and rain we received this past week. For instance, the Saugatuck River is flowing at 24.3 CFS and holding steady at these below average flows, so we are back to our low water tactics. Since evening and daytime temperatures are colder, trout are becoming more lethargic as water temperatures drop. Look for an increase in their activity when daytime temperatures reach the 40s. Hatches are diminishing now with the colder temperatures, but you may still see some small Blue Winged Olives in sizes 20-26, Midges in sizes 18-24, and Tan Caddis in sizes 18-24. Subsurface will be the most effective technique. During these flows smaller nymphs without flash have been working well. Strikes will be very subtle in the areas with slower currents if you’re fishing subsurface. Drab-colored nymphs will be working well such as Pheasant Tails, Prince Nymphs, Caddis Larvae, Waltz Worms, and Perdigones in sizes 14-20, as well as Zebra Midges in sizes 18-20. Having a dry/dropper rig or a wool indicator will be a stealthier presentation when compared to the splash of a twist on indicator. Streamer fishing will be tougher during lower flows; however, you may want to try fishing some small conehead Woolly Buggers in a variety of colors: Olive, White, Black, Brown, Tan, and Purple. Jig streamers either dead drifted or animated with a jigging action from the rod tip will also work well as they offer a slower and enticing motion. Overall, a slower and more methodical approach when fishing through runs will help during winter as trout are less willing to expend energy.

Naugatuck River

Flows on the Naugatuck River are holding steadily below average and are reading 400 CFS at the Beacon Falls gauge. The mornings have been cold, so trout and hatch activity will be highest during the afternoons. There are still some Small Blue Winged Olives, Midges, and Tan Caddis hatching from late morning into the afternoon. 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. Since we had a high-water event, some of the Atlantic Salmon will have pushed downriver, however more were stocked on December 5^th and will be hold in the deeper pools and slower runs. 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. Focusing on the entire run and fishing all sections methodically will be a good strategy to hunt them down. The Naugatuck and Shetucket are good alternatives for areas with more crowds/pressure.

Farmington River

Flows on the West Branch of the Farmington River increased from dam release this past week thanks to the snow and rain and are currently reading 184 CFS. The Still River is also adding 50.6 CFS from rain. Overall conditions are clear and good for wading, with improved flows leading into the weekend. Water temperatures will be coldest during the morning, so trout and hatch activity will be highest when water temperatures warm during the afternoon. Water temperatures are still good and are holding in the mid to high 40s. In the morning you will still find some Tan Caddis hatching in sizes 18-24, which will switch over to Blue Winged Olives during the afternoon and into the evening in sizes 20-24. If you see trout rising slowly, it will be worth trying some Blue Winged Olive emergers. Nymphing will be the most productive technique throughout the day. Smaller nymphs have been working well in conjunction with egg patterns now that most of the Brown Trout have completed spawning. For nymphs we recommend 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, Black Stoneflies in sizes 12-18, and Zebra Midges in 18-24. A few Brown trout are still finishing spawning so make sure to avoid fishing to these actively spawning fish or stepping on their spawning beds (Redds). Fishing downstream of spawning fish or Redds can be an effective technique as trout will hold below them and wait for eggs to become dislodged. 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. 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. It is also worth streamers as Brown Trout will be more aggressive during the post spawn as they look for more calories to regain weight in preparation for winter. The best times to streamer fish will be during lower light conditions in the morning and evenings. 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 arsena. Weighted Sculpin patterns are another consideration and can be fished on a floating line. Now is a good time for our Trout Spey anglers to use Scandi heads and polyleaders during these average 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. 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

Flows have gradually decreased on the Housatonic River this past week and are still below average reading 328 CFS at Falls Village. These flows make for wading and good clarity, and anglers are still finding plenty of fish willing to cooperate. Dry fly fishing will be best during the afternoon when water temperatures are at their peak, and most of the hatch consists of small Blue Winged Olives in sizes 20-26. It will be worth bringing some emergers and longer leader in 6x-7x as the rising fish have been more difficult to fool. On occasion you may find some Tan Caddis hatching during the late morning hours in sizes 18-24. Overall nymphing is going to be the most productive technique, especially during the morning when temperatures are cold, and trout are more lethargic. 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 Black Stoneflies in sizes 12-18, as well as some Zebra Midges in sizes 18-20. Egg patterns will still be effective in 6mm since Brown Trout are finishing spawning. 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 good now that Brown Trout are more aggressive during post-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.

New York

Salmon River

Cold temperatures and snow are in store on the Salmon River this weekend, so make sure to bring a good layering system and dress warm. Flows are below average reading 273 CFS at the Pineville Gauge so fishing has been tough in the lower sections of the river with a few Steelhead entering the river. Despite the low flows, anglers that have been persistent are finding a few fish in the lower river, as well as in the deeper pools in the middle and upper portions of the river. 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. Where allowed, pegging beads offer a realistic egg imitation in a variety of colors from mottled Tangerine to Chartreuse.  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 a single hand or spey rods in conjunction with a sink tip. During these low flows both Skagit and Scandi techniques are applicable. Some anglers are finding some nice Brown Trout and Steelhead in the tributaries as well as they push further up into the systems. Perseverance and methodical fishing are the name of the game for winter steelheading.