Hare's Ear Caddis (Kind Of), Smallies In Big Rivers, And Long, Lost Guides

Drab and dowdy - 1. Not neat or becoming in appearance: a shabby old hat, lacking smartness or  A CADDIS FLy.

 Hare's Ear Caddis

"The uglier the better" it can be said about the caddis.  It is the most numerous of the aquatic insects in freestone environments and far out numbers the mayflies.

It was mid June about 15 years ago when I pulled off of 93 north to take a Manchester exit to cross the Merrimack for a sales call when it hit me.  The sky was full of a billion large caddis flies that were plastering my windshield enough to put on the wipers which was a mistake because after a minute I could barely see through the caddis slime. I  pulled over and with a spare bottle of windshield liquid and a squeegee managed to make things visible.  I don't know the species of caddis but it was about a size 12 and may have been the notorious ALDER FLY which doubles as the State of New Hampshire State Bird in some parts.  The Merrimack isn't noted as a trout river in those parts but I couldn't resist thinking of the smallies in that river and the feast that they had.

As I write I'm thinking of a similar river (Connecticut River) which may have the say phenomena (caddis blizzards and bruiser smallmouth) just right for the picking.  The fact is, outside of some shad, I know little of this river.  I could use some direction on this.  I'm not looking to open the vault on some secret spot but just a general direction.  Email me with some hints or suggest a time when we can work this river.  We are off the clock so no fees required.

Finding A Guide

Cruising the net can give you the impression that there are lots of flyfishing guides in your area.  Not so fast!! Many of these websites have not been updated in weeks, months or even years.  This can translate to someone who is out of business which means that you are wasting time looking for them.  Look for guides that update ALL OF THE TIME!!!!!  These are the guys that actively want your business and do not just sit there waiting for a message or the phone to ring!!!!!

Ken