Fishing Reports

Hello Compleat Angler friends! This past week’s rain has conditions higher than average on most rivers and streams for once. This will help spread out trout that were previously concentrated in the deeper pools. Currently the Housatonic River is too high to fish so look for an improvement in clarity and wading once flows drop below 1000 CFS. On the Farmington River, conditions are ideal, and more water is being retained at the dam which will help keeps flows up for a few weeks. Streamer fishing is currently improved, while nymphing remains the most effective method with trout being more lethargic in the colder weather. Bite windows will be short during the winter, so your best times to fish are generally from the late morning to early evening when water temperatures are at their highest. Anglers are finding some nice holdover Brown Trout and Rainbows. Thanks to the flow increase, we should see improved fishing on our smaller rivers and streams, and if conditions are still off color you may consider larger flashback nymphs or flashier and larger streamers. On the Salmon River in New York, flows have increased enough to trigger more Steelhead and Brown Trout to enter the system, so look for an improvement in numbers of fish. Both swinging streamers and nymphing will work well.

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…

Hello Compleat Angler friends! Water levels have shot up a bit from recent rain, but they are still below average on all our local rivers and streams, so low water tactics are back in play. As a result, small nymphs are working well, and you can expect the most trout and insect activity during the afternoon when water temperatures are at their highest. The most prevalent insect will be Blue Winged Olives in sizes 20-26 both in the adult form and emergers. You may also consider bringing Tan Caddis and Midges. The Housatonic is also below average but fishing well from the Fall stocking, and the Farmington River is holding steady with wadable flows. Streamer fishing will still be in play as Brown Trout look for high calorie meals since most have completed their spawning. On the Salmon River in New York Steelhead fishing has seen an uptick in the lower sections of the river since there was a small increase in flows. This has triggered more fish to push into the river. The tributaries are also fishing well for Steelhead and Brown Trout. Local saltwater fishing has been spotty, but schoolies can still be found on Peanut Bunker along the shoreline, as well as around coves and the mouths of rivers. The mouth of the Housatonic River is seeing Stripers return to winter over upriver, and anglers are catching fish from the mouth to the I-95 bridge. The Striper action continues strong along the South Shore of Long Island down into New Jersey as large rafts of fish crash Bunker and Sand Eels. Meanwhile, Rhode Island is still seeing some schoolie action near the salt ponds and the mouth of the Providence River, however the bite has been tapering off.

Read on for more…

Hello Compleat Angler friends! This week we received our much-needed rain! As a result, the most significant changes have happened to our local rivers and streams which are now flowing above average. This will spread Trout into a variety of water types and open anglers to improved streamer fishing. Nymphing will also be an effective technique, and hatches may be diminished with the higher water. On the Housatonic River, flows are still below average but are gradually increasing, and despite the below-average levels angers are finding great fishing. Small Blue Winged Olives make up most of the hatches, with the possibility of a few Midges and Tan Caddis throughout the day. Our overcast and rainy weather will help jump start the Blue Winged Olive hatches. The Farmington River is fishing well with subsurface tactics, and the West Branch flows are a little below average as water is being held at the dam. The Still River has increased from the rain. On the Salmon River in New York, flows are still below average but have jumped which is enough to trigger more Steelhead to enter the system. Anglers putting in their time are catching a few Steelhead and Brown Trout, as fish are now spread into all sections of the river. On the Saltwater, local fishing has been very spotty with fish blitzing on Peanut Bunker near coves and the mouths of rivers. Fish will be starting to stage near the mouth of the Housatonic, which is good news for our shore-based anglers. The best boat action is still in New York and New Jersey. Anglers are still catching a few late run False Albacore in Montauk, along with Stripers which are traveling off the beach fronts along the South Shore to New Jersey. Rhode Island is seeing decent topwater action near Narragansett as fish are concentrated in and around the mouths of rivers. The salt ponds have also seen an increase in Striper activity.

Hello Compleat Angler Friends! Still no improvements in the rain forecast for our local rivers, however anglers that have been fishing the Housatonic and Farmington Rivers are finding good success subsurface and on small Blue Winged Olives during the late morning into the afternoon. These rising fish will be very picky in terms of fly size, so the smaller the better. Anglers fishing on our small local rivers and streams are finding fish, however they haven’t been very cooperative with the low water. Small nymphs on a dry/dropper rig will still be your best and most stealthy approach. Water levels have lowered on the Salmon River in New York, which has slowed the numbers of Steelhead entering the system. Steelhead are now spread throughout the entire river, and persistent anglers are finding a few fish each day. On the Delaware River, the West and Mainstem flows have increased so it will be worth bringing some streamers to your next outing. Our local saltwater fishing has been spotty, with some anglers finding short lived blitzes both by boat and along the shorelines. Fish are also starting to stage near the mouth of the Housatonic River this time of year in preparation for winter over. Meanwhile, Rhode Island has seen a quality over quantity scenario for Striper fishing. Along the South Shore of Long Island into New York anglers are finding great Striper action, with blitzes on Sand Eels along the beachfront. An interesting development to note is a late season push of False Albies near Montauk Point to Shinnecock. Anglers are finding Stripers mixed in with them as well. The only tough part of the equation for fishing out East has been the weather window.

Read on for more…

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.

Hello Compleat Angler Friends! We received a little rain this week which has bumped flows slightly on our local rivers and streams, however the increase was marginal, and they are still running below average. As a result, the fish have been finnicky and concentrated in the deeper pools. For instance, on the Housatonic, you may see plenty of fish rising, however they are picky and eating small flies. The usual hatch will be small Blue Winged Olives in sizes 20-24, with some Isonychia and Light Cahill hatching throughout the day and into the evenings. The streamer fishing has been holding up on the Farmington, Housatonic, and in the Catskills despite the low flows. Since Brown Trout have started spawning make sure to avoid these actively spawning fish and trampling on their Redds. It will also be worth adding some egg patterns in conjunction with smaller more imitative nymphs in sizes 14-20. The Salmon River in New York is also has low water, but anglers are finding a few Kings left but mainly Steelhead. On the Saltwater, if you’re fishing by foot in Connecticut this weekend the beachfronts have seen more Striper activity. During the morning hours you can find them pushing Peanut Bunker into the shallows. Our boat anglers have been finding some Bluefish, however they are far and few. The best bet when fishing by boat is to focus on the coves and mouths of the rivers, and searching for birds. New York, Rhode Island, and New Jersey currently have the bulk of the Striper migration, and these areas further East of us are fishing great. The most prevalent bait will be Sand Eels and Peanut Bunker.

Read on for more…

Hello Compleat Angler friends! This week the low flows continue throughout Connecticut, which is making the local small streams difficult for fishing. Many of the stocked fish in the Mianus, Saugatuck, Mill, etcetera, have yet to spread out into other lies besides the deepest of pools. When fishing these areas use a stealthy approach because conditions are clear, and most of the rises you will see are on small Blue Winged Olive Emergers around size 20. Nymphing with small flies is recommended, but you may also substitute your Egg Flies, Mops, and Squirmies which will get additional hits. Streamer fishing is tough during these flows. Areas where fishing will be better include the Naugatuck, Farmington, and Housatonic, where there are a larger variety of holding lies and deeper pools despite lower than average flows. Blue Winged Olives are also the main hatches on these rivers in addition to Isonychia, Light Cahills, and some Tan Caddis. On the Salmon River in upstate New York, anglers are seeing Steelhead pushing upriver which Kings continue to trickle in and are spread about the whole system and their respective tributaries. Brown Trout are starting to be caught in the lower system, however they’re far and few. Our saltwater anglers are finding some Stripers around the coves, harbors, and mouths of rivers. Bluefish and Bonito are still slashing small Peanut Bunker and Bay Anchovies in deeper water. If searching for them by boat check around Middleground and further east. For our wade anglers, we’re seeing improved Striper fishing along the Westport beaches and the mouth of the Housatonic. Further east along Rhode Island and Long Island Striper fishing has improved with large rafts of fishing pushing bait to the surface during the morning hours.

Read on for more…

Hello Compleat Angler friends! Many of our freshwater anglers are catching good numbers of Trout thanks to most local rivers and streams being stocked. Since water is low concentrating on the deeper pools will yield your best numbers until flows increase and spread fish out. Subsurface techniques have been the most effective, and a variety of nymphs and streamers are catching stocked fish. Another consideration is bringing Blue Winged Olive, Isonychia, and Tan Caddis dry flies. Fish will most likely be on Blue Winged Olives during the morning and afternoon, especially on the Housatonic River. Most of our rivers have seen an uptick in streamers fishing now that Brown trout are in their pre-spawn phase and will be more aggressive, just make sure to avoid fishing to spawning fish. There are a lot of great options now since many areas were stocked. In the saltwater we’re seeing improvements in Striper fishing this week both out east and in the Western Long Island Sound. The prevalent forage out east is Sand Eels, Bay Anchovies, and larger Peanut Bunker (4”-6”). In the Western Sound, we’re seeing similar forage with smaller Peanut Bunker (3”). The mouth of the Housatonic River, Weston and Fairfield Beaches, and the Norwalk Islands are seeing more busting schools during the morning hours. Some Albies and a few straggling Bonito are around Middleground to the Northshore of Long Island, and fishing for them has been a hit or miss in terms of finding cooperative schools.

Read on for more…

Hello Compleat Angler friends! Fall is underway with cooler air temperatures which means all rivers and streams have reached fishable temperatures no matter the time of day. All we are looking for now is more water, which will improve freshwater fishing. Regardless, the state Fall Stocking is underway, and so for the Mianus, Mill, Saugatuck, Housatonic, Naugatuck, Shetucket, Farmington, and many others were stocked with Trout. In addition, Atlantic Salmon were stocked on the Shetucket and look for future Atlantic stockings on the Naugatuck as well. Anglers are reporting good fishing once fish have settled after being thrown into the river, and they’re readily taking a variety of patterns. Woolly Buggers, Squirmies, Mop Flies, and your natural patterns will all be working. As fish settle and key in on natural forage/receive pressure we recommend switching over to your smaller and more imitative selections. These flies will be useful during these low flows as well, and a dry/dropper rig will come in handy. Hatches aren’t spectacular this time of year, but at any given time you may encounter fish rising on Blue Winged Olives, Caddis, Light Cahill, and Isonychia. We have some improvements on the Saltwater this week, as the Striper Migration is starting up out East, and we’re seeing schoolies in the Western Sound. Albies and Bonito have been a hit-or-miss, and some days anglers are finding schools up around Middleground and the South Shore of Long Island. It’s a similar tune out East, and many of the hardtails are still further offshore. We hope everyone has a great weekend, and good luck to our anglers participating in the Tighlined Slam!

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…

Hello Compleat Angler Friends! We have some improvements on our freshwater fishing this week, as the state of Connecticut stocks more rivers for the Fall season. This week the Mianus and Salmon Rivers were both stocked, while the Naugatuck received fish last week. Water temperatures have also improved on all our rivers, thanks to the cooler evenings, so all we need are some improvements in flows to bump water levels closer to average. Stocked fish will be forgiving in terms of fly selection, and you will want to use a stealthy approach during these low flows. Both the Farmington and Housatonic still have below average flows. There has been a small improvement on the Salmon River in terms of flows, which will trigger more Kings and Cohos to push up from the estuary. Now is a good opportunity for a dry/dropper setup or small streamers. Bluefish continue to keep anglers busy on the saltwater with topwater feeds on Peanut Bunker, Small Silversides, and Bay Anchovies. Some anglers have been finding Bonto, Stripers, and some Albies on the mix. Overall, the Albie fishing has been a hit or miss, but anglers hunting down birds diving on bait have been successful. Out East, it’s been a slow start for Albies, however anglers are finding a few schools along the Rhode Island shoreline. Striper, Bluefish, and Bonito have been plentiful however.
Read on for more…