At 6:45 there were 2 cars at the Pipe lot. At 11:00 there were 10. Everyone was working the Pipe/Tree lot and not with a lot of luck. I spent an hour at the top of the Tree Pool and had 3 hits but nothing in the net (strange). A pheasant tail got the hits and a SH got ignored so when things got just tooo crowded (5) I slipped down to Cady Lane with my 7 foot 4 wt bamboo rod where I had the place to myself. I don't like crowded conditions which drain the essence of what we try to do.
It was there that the soft hackles (starling and orange) came to life with 4 brookies and two bows in the net. Two of the brookies approached 12 inches and were absolutely gorgeous. The problem was that I didn't see the number of brook trout that we've seen in the last 3 or 4 years. Three years ago I guided a teenage beginner who caught a dozen because there were many dozen in the current below us. Not this year! Maybe it's the high flow or maybe it's just the cycle of things. Time will tell.
As most of you readers know I am not one for fishing crowded waters. I'll go to a popular spot and if I'm just one of very few I'll fish the spot. As soon as it gets crowded I'll head South or North or East or West. Most of my clients feel the same way. "Show me some out of the way places" they say and I do. It's kind of sad that 90% of the fishing is confined to 10% of the water and this has little to do with stocking points. It has more to do with the length of the walk!
The Wet Weather
This weather is actually more like a monsoon than a Front related event. Wet air comes flying off the ocean and then condenses over the land with elevation really wringing out the moisture. The attached map shows this with the bulk of the blue dots (high flow) occurring west of the Connecticut River. As As I write the Millers is running at 784 and trending down. The EB is at 486 and has appeared to have peaked. Hopefully the Swift will drop from it's 133 flow down to it's historical 45-50 cfs flow and then stay there. All this rain has been a gift for our freestones and trout have been seen actually jumping out of the water Monday morning on the Millers. (No, I didn't catch them).
Book This Fall
It's not too early to think about this. In fact, it's right around the corner. Book a Fall trip. It's easy and you don't have to tie up your $$ with a deposit because I don't require one. Also don't forget about fishing the Millers on an August evening. It has always been a prime time for me!!
Ken
23 comments:
Wanted to say that I loved the reports from Georgia. I've done some reading on the mountain streams of the south and they look beautiful. A bucket list item of mine for sure is to catch a wild brookie in all the states where they are present.
A quick report - Spent last week in the North Conway area and managed to get out a couple of times. I was in the fly shop when one of the guides was in and the consensus was that flows had been low and the fishing had been on the slow side. Terrestrials and small BWO's had been the ticket.
Tuesday it rained all day bringing things up nicely with a shot of cool water. Took a bow on the Saco with a soft hackle on the swing. Later in the week my buddy and I hit the Ellis and we managed a half dozen brookies out of a plunge pool with Stimulators and Elk Hair Caddis. Saw maybe four other fisherman in two outings.
Two quick notes - You can now buy and present your NH License with your cell phone which I believe is a new thing. Also the word was that the fishing was hot at higher elevations 2000+ feet. I didn't have a chance to test that out.
Jon from Oxford
Had a blast last night fishing the Swift. My first trip there in a few months, and well worth it. Got a few from the blown down tree below the powerlines (above 9) on ant's late afternoon, couldnt make fish look at moths, which was a bummer as I was really hoping for that fun. #22 black starling soft hackle took a few, then worked my way up to the Y pool. I skipped that for several years due to the number of guys fishing it... But the rain or threat of it, maybe being a week night, I dont know, but it was just me an a guy with an eastern european accent until the rains came, he left a little while later. Seemed like a nice guy, so if you are reading this - hello!
Got one brown on the starling and black, then one on, of all things, a sparkle pupa tried for the heck of it... Finally, an "emerger" soft hackle that was a #14 or 16 (cant remember) which is a brown back with a creamy yellow front and brown partridge soft hackle, slowly swung or stripped proved the ticket, blew it on 4 or so, and landed as many more before literally leaving due to the cold. The final hour or so another guy showed up and we had a great time catching some fish and talking archery. Good night on the river with surprisingly few people.
Oh - and the oddest thing I've seen in the 30+ years I've fished the swift...
A guy walking into the water by the hemlocks stark naked rinsing himself off, then leaving 5' later. Not a care in the world. There were also a few early 20's looking guys hanging out on the stairs as you head up the hill, by the little bench, as the day ended close to 9PM for me, who were interesting characters...
Johathan,
Brook trout are everywhere because they have been transplanted. A good bucket list would be to catch a NATIVE brookie in its native range, basically from Michigan eastward. Now that I think of it there are native populations in Iowa of all places!
Will,
I heard that Dan Trela saw that exhibitionist a few weeks ago on the Swift. My concern is that the Y Pool may become a UMASS/AMHERST/HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE Swimming Hole. All of this has to be reported. The jerks, especially the ones who had campfires going about Rt 9, don't belong there!!!
Ken
Brad,
Thank you for your response!
First, the flies that I have online are mostly geared to the Swift River. I sell them individually and not as a set.
I think that the best choice would be a three hour our trip to the Swift or the Millers to get you familiar with two very different rivers. I would say that anytime would work for the Swift and evenings (5 - 8pm) would work for the Millers.
Hope to hear from you!
Ken
Ken
I have notice some different type folks in the last week walking or hanging out on the Swift River. Nothing scary just not the type of non fisherman folks I normally see.
FYI more fish than Iv seen in the last six month from the Rt 9 bridge down to the first little rapids all collecting on the west side of the river. JW
Jim W.
This hot humid weather will bring out all kinds to sample the cold water. The real concern is if any of these types will be setting up "camp" along the river. That's happened on the Millers.
You've discovered my "secret spot" and that's ok!!!
Ken
I am looking to buy new waders and wanted to see if anybody had suggestion on durability?? Last pair I owned is simms but they are leaking in multiple places.. very disappointed after year and half. I am preatty hard on my gear as I wish a lot. Anyways if anybody has any suggestion on waders I'll take it?
Thank you,
Damir
Ken, I agree 100% that the brook trout populations is down. I see the same in the Bondsville stretch where I mostly fish. I connected with a couple of small ones on soft hackles tonight which were long distance released, but I haven't caught many this year nor have I seen as many rising as in year's past.
Flow is back down again and the rainbows were none too cooperative as a result of that or maybe they are wising up to the usual flies drifted, but a couple were connected with. A partridge and orange connected with one and a dead drifted wooly bugger did as well. Rain started coming down pretty hard and I packed it in.
Regards, Sam
Damir,
As you might of guessed I live in my waders and they will start leaking during the second year. I've owned most of the major brands but the results were the same. Then one day I was on the Sierra Trading Post site and saw breathable stocking foot waders for $65. Why not buy two pairs which will still be half the cost of a name brand pair. Long story short - I've had them for 2 years and no leaks. I still haven't opened the bag on the second pair!!! They are made well and fit fine. I noticed that they are selling them for $80 now but still a bargain.
Sam,
I've noticed that the bite is off right after a change in water volume. I am happy to see it down though.
Ken
Hurrah for the soft hackle!
I too am in the same mindset of crowds, Ken. If I see someone in a spot a frequent I will explore or go to another place. I recall you telling me that FFing is a very solitary venture.
Great to see reports from home again.
All the best.
Ken - Last time I was there your hot spot treated me very well. It was tied with just thread and had a pink spot instead of the tan. Responsible for a dozen trout of mixed species. With the change in flow I don't know if it will still be productive.
Damir
I’ll echo what Ken suggest with waders. I’m on year 3 with a relatively inexpensive pair of White River waders from BassPro.
I’ve read many reviews and came to the conclusion that if I was a guide I could justify the high price of a quality pair.
My suggestion is regardless of the brand you still need to treat them carefully. Hanging them up to dry and placing them back in their bag after use goes a long way.
You may want to consider a slightly loose fit, the seams are typically taped from the inside and if they are heavily stretched during use the seams will degrade and cause leakage.
Good luck
Mike
Ken,
Thank you for waders advice I will look into it. Another avenue I was going to explore was LL Bean as I have a buddy that returns them as they belreak down for a new pair. I fish about 2-3 times a week and I am very hard on my ewuipment..
On brook trout I think they are reaching the size where they are being kept January 1st to July 1st. I was at Cady Ln on other hand and saw bunch if 1" to 2" brookies swimming around... We did catch few 10" to 12" brookies at Cady Ln the other day.
Damir
Funker,
The BEST flyfishing is a solitary pursuit which is better if you have someone to share the adventure with at the end of the day.
Damir,
I used to buy LL Bean waders but I got guilty about sending them back the next year. Sierra Trading Post is fine with me!.
Just Me,
The Hot Spot will work regardless of the flow. It's worked for 15 years running!!
Ken
Orvis for waders. I have a pair of 2016 Silver Sonics that have been fantastic. Their new Ultralight waders look nice. I have not heard good feedback about L.L. Bean waders. Some advice I've heard for taking care of seams on waders is to keep them out of the sun if possible.
It's not a bad idea to wash them inside out (or however manufacturer recommends) with Nikwax Tech Wash and TX.Direct to waterproof once a year. I'm amazed at how many stories I hear about leaky waders. That's the one thing they're supposed to do - keep water out, not in!
My waders usually have a life of two or maybe three years. Cabela's premium extralight a size too large have been good waders and realtively affordable around $125 a shot. I am hard on my gear also and have ripped my waders many times due to my fault....sliding down a steep rocky bank on my backside. A size bigger helps ease stress on the seams. Flex seal in paint phase has extended life by a year or two.
fyi LL Bean has changed their return policy recently it is far more restrictive. I find that taking care of my waders prolongs their life by up to 2X. Fit is critical too. You can't stress the seams so they have to be loose enough to move in but not so loose as they are rubbing together on every step. I was them gentle cycle about every 5 or 6 trips and hang them outside to dry. I have had $pendy Simms, mid-level Orvis/Redington, and the less costly brands like you get at STP.Based on my experience there is not much of a difference in durability or performance, most of my waders last more than a few seasons- I go with fit as being the most important criteria and the last couple pair have been Orvis(bought on-sale end of last season for well under $200). I had my last pair 5-6 seasons and am on a new pair now which fit great and seem to be more breathable...I just spent 8 days in them in Montana and was really comfortable and happy with them but I suspect all of the waders have gotten better since my previous pair...I'd find a pair that fits really well, take care of them a little and you will get your money's worth so long as you don't spend too much.
At the famous Y pool at 6:30 AM and had it to myself for about 15, 20 minutes stayed till around 10 with no more than 4 guys in the water, oh no fish for me and I only saw 1 caught. I headed for rte.9 bridge and be on, On the way there, Mass Wildlife had a group of about 20 guys spread across the river with electrodes and nets moving towards the Y pool I got out just in time. Anyways caught a couple brookies below bridge and a 18 to 20" bow fooled with a #18 Black Spider and 7x tippet,made my morning. What waders? I never use em.
Fished the swift today. Started above route 9. Started on the stretch down stream.from the powerlines. A couple of short strikes but nothing to hand. Soon I was displaced by a fish counting operation. They electroshocked up to the powerlines and the bubbler. I crammed into the Y pool a try to get s few risers but fishing was slow.
Cady Lane to the rescue. Got a dozen brookies up to 10 inches on a swung soft hackle (dun hackle and primrose thread). All in a 50 yard stretch. I then went to the top of Cady Lane where the bigger rainbows hang out. There was one angler there already but we shared that stretch. A half dozen fishing working just under the surface (only dorsals and tail fins breaking). There were sulfurs in the air so I tied on a sulphur comparadun....nothing. Same soft hackle as above upstream..downstream swing ....nothing...finally tried a dark soft hackle (starling and herl)...upstream cast did the trick. I saw his head tip up...raised the rod and he was on. A nice big rainbow. What a way to end the day. I have been fishing Cady for 3 years now thanks to you Ken. Thanks
A few brookies brought to net tonight, but for the most part, nothing much doing. As I was heading out I ran into a couple of spin fishermen, one of which had a couple of rods that would have been suitable to catch stripers or blue fish as he hoofed it to the stream. The other fellow was armed with a UL spinning rod and I struck up a conversation with him.
He told me he brought in a 6# brown fishing off the Depot St. bridge in Bondsville fishing off the top of it. I asked if he had a picture of it and sure enough he did. The fish was a beast. The way he described it to me, he only uses 4# test line and sent his buddy down to capture it down below in the river. Put in a cooler for a while with water in it, it was shown to locals as he worded it, and then released.
Hard to say if that trout survived the handling and being toted around in the cooler, but maybe it did. He showed me what that brown hit and it looked like a crappie or perch jig with treble hooks.
Gary and Mike C,
It will be interesting to know what that sampling team came up with.
Sam,
Let's hope that brown survived. At least it didn't end up in the freezer.
Everyone,
Thanks for the trip tales!! Always appreciated.
Ken
"What waders? I never use em."
Gary, you're a better man than I.
- Jerry
Jerry,
He doesn't use waders from May onward. I know!!!!!
Ken
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