Well, if there was a year to take some time off from chasing trout then this is the year (so far). First we had very high water during the Spring and since mid May it's been below the 100 years average. Here is the tale of the tape:
The EB - 41 cfs today which is below average for 60 days
The Ware - 21 cfs today which is below average for 60 days
The Millers - 295 cfs today due to last night's rain. That is about average
The Swift - 120 cfs as usual.
2010 was a very dry Summer as was 2003. 2006 was a very HOT summer BUT we had rain which kept the aquifers full and the streams cooler. Let's hope that we get our rain before Fall.
I've seen where a few have chased smallmouth bass and have done fairly well. Smallies always want to eat and can save the day when the trout stay home. I have caught and lost smallies on the Millers in the 2lb + range and a smallie is the only Millers fish that got into my backing (slightly),
One of my biggest was caught on a fly very similar to the one on the right. Fish it slow and deep!!
Stripers
It's been slow and even with an incoming tide the ocean water just doesn't cool off a wading fly fisher that much. Time for some evening or early morning fishing.
Ken
8 comments:
daybreak has been the ticket the last week...as soon as the sun peaking over the horizon has been ok for a few hours then they are looking for deeper water
BobT,
I've been an hour after daybreak and I guess that's too late also I've been working shallower estuaries (warmer water) and should be near deeper water. Try, try again.
Ken
I was fishing by 4:30 AM yesterday and today. Black and Purple EP bunker still doing the trick. Blue and grey also produced fish. A fair number of little guys nothing over 24" Deep...I am using a triple density sink tip with a 7 foot leader and letting it swing and wash through the current after a 5-6 pause three quick strips, pause one long strip...they are holding on or near drop offs..so if you can find some shallower water right next to deep you might find some. I did see two large one's cruising deep but could not entice them after a brief follow, got really slow by 7:30. A boat would make it easier...you can pick them out of the rocks more or less all day using that strategy. Its a good idea to scout your spots at low tide to find out where the deep spots are and you can also get an idea of how the current moves or would expect to move when the water comes in. You are up near Eldrige fly shop in Cape Neddick...its a good shop with lots of experience going after stripers-they can help find some spots.
I don't have a ton of luck in estuaries after the first 6-8 weeks. The bait seem to like colder water. The good news is fall is coming and that can be epic for a few weeks to a month.
BobT,
Yes, a boat would make it easier. Another thing is that there's little or no shade fishing the salt. Not like a trout stream. It's been a while since I've been to the Eldrige shop so I'll pay them a visit.
Ken
Ken,
Folks at Kittery Trading Post know the area well. Plus, they have a well stocked fishing department.
Bruce from Merrimack Valley
If you go up to Eldrige Fly shop, ask for James Brown (excellent guide for walking that corner of Maine). I went out with him twice in June and had great success. He grew up in that area and has been guiding over 20 years.
Eldridge Fly shop is a first class operation and they will help you out for sure!
Post a Comment