September has started off unusually warm, offering us an extra week of summer-like conditions. While not entirely undesirable, the hot and rainless days have given us lower river flows and water temperatures that may not be safe for trout fishing.
With 6 wt in hand, I headed to the Housatonic for a morning smallie session.
I found a 60′ run with good flow and depth, perfect for drifting and stripping streamers. I stuck with a #8 Orange Blossom Special conehead, a western pattern that has proven to be reliable in recent weeks.
There were a number of fish landed. This was the first. He spooled off quite a bit of line and then shot out of the water like a torpedo. I let him work against the current for a couple of minutes, then swung him to the slower water for netting.
This was probably the biggest of the day. He ran for the rocks and kept a good bend in the rod for a few minutes. Even when I thought I had him heading to the net, he slid between my legs and tried to tangle the line. Almost succeeded.
They weren’t all big. This one gets the award for ambition.
While the water temperatures are keeping some of us away from the trout, take the opportunity to find some bass, panfish or other warmwater species. They do a fine job of putting a bend in the rod. Enjoy!
