Hello Compleat Angler friends! Our local rivers and streams that were affected from the flooding are now starting to approach average levels, but some are still running high. Meanwhile, the Housatonic and Farmington Rivers were largely unaffected. If you’re seeking out great Smallmouth Bass fishing the Housatonic is an ideal flow for wading and some larger fish to be caught. Both large streamers and poppers are working well. The Farmington River is currently the best option in Connecticut for Trout, while the Delaware River has also dropped to more average levels with good temperatures on all sections. Fall trends are starting to become evident, which is the signal that fishing is improving on the saltwater. Out east along Rhode Island has the best fishing into the Cape, with Stripers, Bluefish, and Bonito crashing bait during the morning hours. Most of the bait this year is going to be smaller, so having Sand Eel, Silverside, Peanut Bunker, and soon Bay Anchovy imitations will be your best flies.

Read on for more…

Connecticut

Local Rivers

The big and blown out flows are starting to settle down, but the rivers are still high, and some may still be stained with debris. For example, the Saugatuck River is reading 177 CFS (this past Monday flows reaches over a whopping 5000 CFS!). As such, streamer fishing will be working well during the dropping flows if you’re inclined to fish this weekend. Try using some patterns that incorporate flash if the water is still a little stained. In addition to streamers, nymphing will also be another productive technique in higher water. 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. Don’t be afraid to throw a Mop Fly, Squirmy Worm, or large Stonefly pattern while flows are above average. Hatches will be diminished during these flows; however, you can expect the normal hatches for this time of year, including 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. A large influx of rain will help drop average water temperatures, but make sure to check your water temperatures this time of year. If water temperatures are above 68 degrees, it would be best to focus on Panfish and Bass. And as a bonus all the flies listed above will work on these species, as well as small popper and topwater flies.

Naugatuck River

Comparatively, the Naugatuck River is taking longer to approach fishable levels. Currently at Beacon Falls the gauge is reading 900 CFS, and at these levels the water will still be high and stained. It’s best to wait until flows approach more average levels. Once they do, your ideal time to fish will be during the morning after these cool evenings. 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. Sulphurs and 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. 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

On the West Branch of the Farmington River, flows were raised at the dam which bring Riverton flows to slightly above average at 262 CFS. Meanwhile the Still River is adding 49.6 CFS, overall, the Farmington River was largely unaffected by the rain from this past week. Water temperatures on the West Branch are fluctuating in the high 50’s to low 60s. Tricos are now on the river with more frequency in sizes 22 and smaller. For other main hatches look to fish Blue Winged Olives in sizes 18-20 during overcast days. During the morning and evening hours also consider Little Dark Hendricksons in size 20 and smaller, Tan Caddis in sizes 18-20, Isonychia in sizes 10-12, Light Cahill in sizes 14-18, Midges in sizes 20-24, and Terrestrials (Ants and Beetles). 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 since trout can be picky this time of year. 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, especially some big stocked rainbows, and are having good success. 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 Wolly 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. Now is a good time for our Trout Spey anglers to use Scandi heads and polyleaders during these average flows. Try swinging some wet flies on less aggressive sinking tips, as insects will become more active during the 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 800-842-4357.

Housatonic River

The Housatonic River was also unaffected by this past week’s rain and flows are at ideal levels for wading, reading 434 CFS at Falls Village. Water temperatures are warm, so most of the trout have moved into thermal refuges, which are off limits to fishing. The good news is that there has been some fantastic Smallmouth Bass fishing. 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. Poppers are another great option as the topwater eats will get your heart pounding. 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. Pike are another fun option for this time of year, focus on slower sections of water, coves, and weed beds. For rods and rigging, we like to use 8-10wts rigged with a sinking line, big flies (such as a Flashtail Whistler), and wire leader. The Housatonic also has some big Carp and the opportunity for sight fishing that will satisfy even the most discerning flats fisherman. For these fish, Mulberry Flies, Damselfly Nymphs, Crayfish, and your standard Trout Nymphs will fool these fish. We prefer 6-8wt rods paired with a floating line, such as a Bonefish Taper, rigged with an 8lb fluorocarbon leader.

Saltwater

Fall is right around the corner and we’re already seeing some trends that are characteristic of this transition. Smaller bait has started showing up which has been fueling Striper blitzes, especially during the morning hours. As a result, there has been an improvement in the coves, harbors, and nearshore structure, while the ledges and deeper water structure remain consistent. Blue fishing has been a hit or miss, with anglers finding large schools of smaller fish, while the larger fish have been tough to come by. Some areas near the mouths of rivers may be affected by this past week’s rain, so the fishing will be slower in these areas where the salinity will be reduced along with water clarity. As a result, areas in the Western portion of the sound have slowed a bit. The primary forage this time of year will include Sand Eels, Baby Butterfish, and Peanut Bunker. 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. Areas along the Eastern shore and to the middle of the sound have been seeing the best topwater feeds so far. Most of the fish will be schoolie size with a few fish 30” and over hanging underneath them. For our wade anglers, fishing along the shoreline has improved, and will continue to get better once the water clears up. 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 Spring/Summer:

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

New York

The Catskills

On the Delaware River water levels and clarity are in good shape as flows have gradually dropped to below average levels on the Mainstem at Lordville, which is currently 1670 CFS. The East Branch has also dropped but slightly high at 794 CFS at Fishes Eddy, while the West Branch is below average reading 627 CFS at Hale Eddy. Water temperatures are in good shape for all sections, for instance the Mainstem is fluctuating in the high 50s to low 60s. All the freestones also have good flows and temperatures for fishing. Dry fly fishing will be best during the evenings and on overcast days, and you can expect to see Blue Winged Olives in sizes 16-18 as part of the main hatches with some smaller sizes down to 26. Other considerations to bring are Sulphurs (hatches slowing down) in sizes 16-18, Light Cahill in size 14, Tan Caddis in sizes 16-18, and you may see some Flying Ants. During the evenings it will be worth fishing Isonychia patterns in sizes 12-14 for the faster water where they will most likely hatch. 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. 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 when flows are higher.

New York Saltwater

Anglers are still finding a lot of Bluefish around Plum Gut, while the Striper bite remains steadier further East. Along the Northshore and into Montauk you will find fish blitzing during the mornings on deeper water structures and rips. There are still Stripers to be had around Eaton’s Neck, but the action has been hit or miss with some fish still holding deep. The bays, harbors, coves, and salt ponds have 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 and Silversides, and we should see more Bay Anchovies as September progresses. Albies and Bonito have been further offshore in the tuna grounds, so it is only a matter on time until they filter in closer nearshore. Look for the birds which will give away the location of Bluefish and Stripers crashing on Peanut Bunker. Covering ground is the name of the game, and you may find Stripers of top during the morning hours along the shore and rips all the way out to Block Island. We are in the midst of the Fall transition so fishing should only improve in the coming weeks.

Rhode Island Saltwater

Water temperatures have improved in the bays and near rivers so there has been an increase in near shore Striper activity. A majority of the fish are on Bunker which have been filtering in with more frequency. Look for nervous schools being pushed as they will have fish beneath them. Along the Newport Shore Striper fishing has been the most consistent with a good concentration of fish in Block Island. Both larger Stripers and Bluefish are being brought to hand, and you can find them on top during the morning hours. It’s worth bringing some larger poppers on floating lines. Bonito feeds are also occurring along the shore in greater numbers anywhere from Watch Hill and into the Cape, while Albies have not yet pushed inshore in large numbers. Most of the Albie feeds have been spotted further out in the tuna grounds, so they will be pushing closer nearshore in the following weeks. The Fall transition has just started and there is currently some great fishing to be had.