Housatonic River

The Goblin Gets Gobbled

October 27, 2019 by Leigh Leave a Comment

“It won’t catch fish – until it does.” These words crossed my mind as I waded into the Housatonic on this late October morning. The streamer on my line was a Goblin, a hasty creation that I entered in the Instagram #spookystreamer Halloween fly tying contest created by @svenddiesel. I didn’t expect it to catch fish, but then again, you never know . . .

The water was cold and clear, with strong gusty winds that usually precede an upcoming storm. Forecast is 1-2″ of rain, so this was my only day to fish. Yes, I know you can fish in the rain, but downpours are not my strong suit.

I stopped in a section of the river that has been productive all year. Three casts later I felt a nice tug on the line and proceeded to bring in this rainbow.

I laughed that a simple and gaudy creation brought in such a nice fish. It reminded me that it doesn’t hurt to experiment, and that sometimes fish just want something different.

The next few casts brought nothing, so I switched to a double nymph rig with the same autumn theme. One tan, the other bright orange. Both had a sparkle collar and dark tail. The tan nymph attracted this brown, which spooled my line several times before unwillingly coming to the net.

While my catch numbers are not as high as they are in the summer, fall is one of the most beautiful times to fish, especially in New England. The colors are spectacular and the air is crisp. Feels great to breathe it in.

I also want to thank Mianus TU for letting us join their barbeque. I’ve been to some of their other events and they are always great hosts.

If you do nothing else after reading this post, go to Instagram and type #spookystreamer. You will see some amazing (and spooky) creations. There are some very talented tyers out there.

Hope you’re enjoying the hungry trout and scenery that autumn has to offer. There is more to this season than pumpkin spice. Enjoy!

Something Different for Fall

October 3, 2019 by Leigh Leave a Comment

It seems like the Connecticut DEEP has stocked more trout in the Farmington River than the human population of some western states. The Housatonic smallmouth action has been nothing less than exceptional. So why am I sitting here in a kayak throwing poppers to hungry bream and rock bass? Simple. I wanted something different.

Instead of standing shoulder to shoulder with other anglers, driving an hour to get to good water, worrying about water temps or reading flow levels, I threw the kayak on the car and was floating within 15 minutes.

This end of the Housatonic is known more for pleasure boats and water skis, yet the inlet leading to the public launch is relatively quiet. Only an occasional boater, returning from a day on the water, asks me how I’m doing.

And I am doing great. Bream and rock bass are hitting the balsa poppers so hard that two of them were reduced to hook and rubber legs. The water is calm, relatively clear, and the takes are easy to spot. I paddle almost effortlessly into small coves, cast, and wait for strikes.

Just like upstream, where the trout are waiting, the fall scenery is part of the experience.

Regardless of where you are and what you’re fishing for, hope you can get out and enjoy some fall fishing.

Enjoy!

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 2 Comments

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!