Housatonic River

What Are They Bitin’ On?

June 15, 2019 by Leigh 2 Comments

One of the most famous lines from “The Movie”, and often what we ask or secretly want to ask is, “What are they bitin’ on?”

Last night was epic, catching trout after trout from late afternoon until dark. I used mostly dries, but nymphed long enough to catch one (Note: Wanted to prove that I could do it. I’m a lousy nympher.)

So what were they bitin’ on? In between these pics, I’ve included links to some of the recipes I tied and used for last night’s session.

Sulphur Gnat – I started using Jim Misiura’s pattern two summers ago, and will tie it on during a sulphur or any evening hatch. Last night it was slammed so hard that the hackle unraveled.

Sulphur Comparadun – This was my first time using it. Caught the first fish of the evening on it within 3 minutes of hitting the water. The Tightline video series is one of the best I’ve found.

Rusty Spinner – One of my most frequently used flies.

Caddis – Another Tightline video recipe, but there are so many out there. This was the last fly of the night that I tied on (primarily because I could still see it). I picked up 3 hungry trout looking for a meal.

Bonus: This Peacock Caddis Pattern is one of my favorites.

Dry fly season is here! Hope you’re getting out on these long evenings. Enjoy!

Starting June the Right Way

June 2, 2019 by Leigh Leave a Comment

It has been way too long since I’ve written a post.

If you follow me on Instagram, then you know that I’ve been fishing. Most trips have been to the local bass pond or short jaunts to smaller rivers where I’ve picked up a few trout on streamers or nymphs.

The first day of June was largely dedicated to yard work, playing catch up from what a long, wet spring left behind. By the afternoon I was spent, but the Housatonic was at 1130 cfs, only slightly above my personal limit of 1,000. What the heck.

I packed the fish+mobile with gear, cooler and Tippet. We headed west along the backroads that take us to the Housatonic. Along the way we saw a handful of anglers wading and 3 drift boats along a relatively short section. Two of the boats were playing fish, so I thought my chances would be good.

I arrived to find that I would have my favorite pool to myself – I thought. Within seconds I was joined by two other anglers – one casting dries, the other nymphs. It’s a large pool so we spread out and gave each other room.

I watched both men hookup within minutes and figured that the fish wanted mixed grill.

I started out nymphing, which brought a few quality fish to hand. After watching sporadic rises, I tied on a rusty spinner, which also brought in a number of healthy browns. By dusk I was satisfied and planning a return trip.

Tippet is always happy to join in, especially if the adventure includes pre- and post-fishing walks. She spent half of this trip in the backpack wading with me, and half in the car watching. I park in the shade and crack the windows so she can take in some fresh air and nap as needed.

Before leaving I took a couple of pics. Even without the excellent fishing, this is truly a beautiful spot. I feel lucky to live so close to the Housatonic and other fishing and hiking opportunities.

Heading home, I always stop before driving thru the covered bridge. It feels like I’m leaving another world. And I am.

Public Service Announcement: While I was home unloading the fishmobile, I rubbed my hand along the back of my neck. I felt a small smooth bump. It started to move. I pulled it from my neck. Yes, it was a tick. I live in Connecticut, which means we take every tick encounter seriously due to Lyme’s disease. I’ve had Lyme’s before, and don’t wish to test my luck again. If you live in a state with similar concerns, please take every precaution to protect your family and pets from these stealthy terrors. It was a mild winter and a wet spring, so expect them to be in full force.

That said, get out and fish soon. Enjoy!

Nothin’ But Gnat – An Evening On The Housatonic

June 8, 2018 by Leigh 1 Comment

My first trip of the year to the Housatonic River is a mix of anticipation and trepidation. The hour long ride through northwest Connecticut is relaxing, and the back roads remind me what a beautiful state this is. The scenery becomes lush and canopied, and the car’s outside temperature gauge drops by a few degrees. For the last few miles, the road parallels the river, adding to the beauty and the temptation. On days when I am unable to fish, I sometimes take my motorcycle along the same route.

Stepping out of the car onto the dirt parking area, the air is crisp and filled with the scent of local flowers. You can feel the mist of the river. Aside from the river sounds it is peacefully quiet – a much appreciated benefit after a long week.

And while I usually wait until late spring, when the water flow and air temps are reasonable, it doesn’t always translate into a fish catching expedition. Tonight I was in luck. The thermometer read high 60’s, light winds successfully carried a sulphur hatch, and I was greeted by hungry brown trout, compliments of the state’s stocking program.

Stepping into waist-deep water, sporadic rises surrounded me. I tied on the small yellow and white dry fly and proceeded to catch about a dozen 12″ – 14″ brown trout over the 2-hour session, all eager for my pattern.

This was truly a one-fly night. All fish were caught on this sulphur gnat pattern, the same one I teach in my beginner fly tying class. I want to than Jim Misiura for this pattern, and encourage you to follow his channel on YouTube.

Best of all, I had the water to myself for the entire time. An increasing rarity as the weather becomes more favorable.

I look at the picture below much like a kid walking through the gates leaving Disney World. Sad to see it end, but happy for the day and the memories made.

Hope you have the chance to get out and make some memories. Enjoy!

Fishing Dog

October 6, 2017 by Leigh 1 Comment

Nothing like sharing your love for fly fishing with your pet. They don’t try to get in your spot, second guess your fly selection, and rarely comment on the size of the fish you caught. In short, they are great fishing buddies.

About a month ago, I adopted Tippet, a rescue dog. She is a year-old Chihuahua mix, that I got through Sweet Souls Rescue in Newtown, CT. I was told she might have some Italian greyhound in her, but since she came from Charleston, SC, I’m guessing I have about as much in me as well.

Our first outing went well. It was a combination of introducing her to the river with a dog walk, followed by a short introductory session in the backpack, which she didn’t seem to mind. Extra bonus was that she saw me catch some fish.

There is always competition on the water, and the herons seem to watch my casting with a critical eye.

I’m always surprised when I look up and see a train rushing by.

She took to the water quickly. I gave her a couple of on-water breaks just to increase her comfort level.

Some beautiful fish were landed, so I’d say she brought me some luck as well.

At the end of the day, a tired dog is a happy dog.

Hope your fall fishing is turning out to be as enjoyable as it has been for Tippet and me. Enjoy!

Fish Per Minute

August 20, 2016 by Leigh 6 Comments

Or at least it seemed that way.

With temps still in the 80’s, I decided to give the trout a break and focus on Housatonic smallies with streamers. I was not disappointed.

The bite was on from the minute I arrived. Often they were hitting the streamer as soon as it touched the water, acting like it was a dry fly. This continued for 2 hours, and I stopped counting at 30 fish.

Bonuses on this trip:

Had the water to myself
Only lost 2 streamers to breakoffs
Did not fall in

Why not give the green trout a try.

Enjoy!