Printer Friendly Version - Fly Fishers Don’t Have to Wait Until Spring

Early winter trout fishing can be quite productive and rewarding, as indicated by these two rainbows caught while drifting nymphs close to the bottom. Photo illustration courtesy of Captain Morgan

Holiday wrappings have either been tossed or recycled, while newly gifted items have gotten their once-over. If you are a fisher who usually pursues finfish of the Sound, the wait to finally be able to use that new addition will not be greeted with joy, unless you are heading to the tropical warm waters. If you are looking forward to drilling holes in the ice, you still might have to wait a while.

In any case, if you fish the sweet water, then you are in luck. Those nymphs and streamers can potentially be put to use after being stored in your new fly box. So can your newly acquired waders, net, and other accessories. If you were fortunate enough to receive a new fly rod, that can be put to into action, along with any accompanying items as quickly as you can load them into your vehicle.

What a great way to shed a few of those feast-driven pounds most certainly acquired from some of the best eating of the year. A little searching will reveal rivers and streams that are inviting and open to fishing. However, do not forget to renew your fishing license and obtain your trout and salmon stamp.

After some walking and snapping branches that caught the attention of wildlife, a particular stretch of the Salmon River’s Trout Management Area that rarely disappoints and is not far from the covered bridge received the first cast. The river was running faster than normal and a bit higher. Of course, that was pretty much the way the 2018 season started, so why should the ending be any different? Although a fluorocarbon leader is generally tied on for its invisibility factor, that probably was not necessary here.

It took a little work with multiple casts to the riffles, pools, and normal structure-oriented spots, before the first rainbow was tempted. Another rainbow liked the same weighted nymph and, shortly thereafter (and a little farther downriver), it was a brown’s turn—all released. From all accounts, it was warm for the time of year, although layers, head cover, and half-finger gloves were appropriate.

Being out on the water at this time, practically alone and working a four weight, is quite rewarding, whether or not you catch any fish. Still, a bend in the rod is always preferable, especially in such an historic location. Considering the season, the water is colder, so when using a streamer like a ghost or mickey finn, a much slower strip is demanded. The trout that were caught were reeled in on copper johns and pheasant tails. Perhaps, a weighted egg would have been effective, as well.

If fly fishing is a pastime of yours and you received a few related gifts, then now is a good time to put them to use. Best of all, there is no waiting or anticipation anymore. So, go out, hit the rivers, and let us know how you made out. Happy New Year to all and may your biggest catch of 2018 be your smallest of 2019.

A mild stretch of weather carried us into the Christmas holiday as Long Island Sound maintained its mid-40 degree temperatures both inshore and beyond. The arctic front brought in some colder air and a bit of white, but that was farther north. Around here, the warm temps favored rain, yet blustery winds caused the small craft and gale warning pennants to fly.

For the most part, fishing activity in the Sound was quiet, and that included holiday cod trips. Striped bass and white perch were the exception as a few fishers ventured into the key tidal rivers. Striper action was hit or miss, but the perch showed more interest, primarily in small jigs and worms.

Trout river levels dropped and flows were almost cut in half. Even still, in most cases, they were higher and faster than normal. However, fishing activity noticeably increased around these parts compared to the past few weeks. Rainbow trout appeared to be more aggressive than the browns, taking weighted nymphs and streamers. The Farmington and Salmon rivers were the popular destination spots. Salmon action in the Shetucket and Naugy increased, but then again, conditions were challenging at times. Most of the catches were either from drifting or retrieving a small jig or spoon over the bottom.

Ice fishing around our area has been slim to none considering that little ice that did develop has all but dissipated. Caution should be taken at any attempt at testing for safe ice. The best bet is still north of the I-95 corridor, meaning the upper northwest and northeast of the state.

Note: Email us pics of your catches to share with our USA and international fishing friends who keep up with the latest fishing news and frequent social media.

For all things fishy including flies, swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter, where we don’t make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better...

A favorite river to trout fish is the Salmon River, forming at the junction of the Blackledge and Jeremy rivers and flowing under Comstock’s Bridge built in 1791—the only covered bridge left in eastern Connecticut. Photo illustration courtesy of Captain Morgan