Hello again everyone... We haven't gone away!  2025 was a year of some challenges so we fell behind on email updates.  A Happy and Healthy 2026 to all our followers! HOWEVER the trout and salmon fly fishing in Eastern Connecticut was strong.  The Natchaug produced some nice holdovers and nice sized rainbows throughout the Spring until water temps increased and flows diminished in late May/early June. Early season Stoneflies followed by Blue Quills some Quill Gordons and sparse Hendricksons were prevalent and of course BWO's 18 to 20 always seem to be present.  What we did not see in any quantity this year were caddis.   Years past featured heavy black and tan caddis hatches at dusk. Again between hatches, the tried and true soft hackle fished in the film is a winner! In October and beyond even with lower levels on the Shetucket fishing was solid for some nice sized Atlantic Salmon.  For those braving the cold thru December the tagged salmon continued taking the fly in the key areas on the Shetucket. CTDEEP's tagging results from 2024-25 are extremely helpful in understanding the movement of these beauties with some surprising results! You can view the interesting report if you drop me an email...cannot attach a PDF here,  which I will send along. In the meantime back to the Shetucket, our Steve the Shetucket Specialist continued to rack up large numbers throughout the season even on the colder days. This is a great fall fishery as you can see from above. Need a casting tune up?  Questions about the Natchaug or Shetucket or other Eastern CT locales?  Need a personalized outing?  Check out team7x.com  and our archives for some pre-season reading. Especially check out the line, butt section, leader, tippet article...I think it will improve your dry fly presentation dramatically!  Recent snow and a wet February bodes well for March water levels as the trout season, now open year around, swings into action. DRAG FREE everyone...it won't be long!

Thanks to all who visited with us at the recent CFFA Expo!

TIME TO PREPARE FOR SPRING TROUT SEASON

WITH YEAR ROUND TROUT SEASON IN CT,  FALL HOLDOVERS IN THE NATCHAUG RIVER ARE NOT UNCOMMON

We hope you find the following info useful! 

TEAM 7x Top tips and patterns for the Natchaug

    

Brown (with a bit of orange) and black CDC emergers are excellent all

around choices when caddis are present. Fished on top with dry flotant

(NO paste!) or swung in front of trout rolling on emergers just under the

surface make these patterns highly effective especially in early season

when the quills emerge. Later, when the black caddis start to show at

dusk, this is a go-to fly as trout chase the fast rising emergers to the

surface. TIP: Study the rise form…rolling rise, no visible head, tie on

an emerger.

Tan and grey caddis are prevalent on the Natchaug and surrounding rivers and streams throughout the season.  This deer hair crystal caddis in size 16 is one of our favorites when trout are taking the adult caddis on top. TIP:  If you’re refused on a size 14, drop down to a 16.  With low, clear water, be sure your tippet is long enough…  6x or below

 The Griffith gnat, size 18 is a must for any stream with lots of 

      midge activity.  The Natchaug is no exception and this time-tested 

      pattern imitates a cluster of midge.  TIP:  If you are unsuccessful 

      raising a feeding trout to caddis or other larger visible duns, tie on a 

      G. gnat and remember to position yourself to get a drag free drift  

      from up or side stream especially in skinny water.  Line slap and  

      leader will almost always spook a trout feeding on the surface.                                     

Sulphur hatches can vary from season to season. There are

many patterns and the trout can be picky as to size, color and style

of the dun. They provide some spectacular dry fly

action in May and June, especially in the evenings.

TIP: Look closely at the water when sulphurs are on; larger trout

may be keying on the emerger or spinner stage as the duns float by

undisturbed.

 The sulphur emerger  is very effective when sulphur duns are first

  visible.  We have seen evenings where duns cover the water,   

  getting a free downstream ride, while the trout feed on  

  the emerging insect.  Again this can be a difficult pattern to imitate   

  but we find this soft hackle pattern works well in the 

  surface film if fished down and into the feeding trout. 

And finally, the TEAM7x favorite, the grey soft hackle.

Our soft hackles are tied to float, and when the wings are greased up

and lie flat, this pattern represents a cripple or stillborn. We use

the softie as a general searching pattern or especially at the start

of a caddis hatch. Ungreased and fished in the surface film, or

just below the surface, the softie is a very effective emerger for a

variety of mayflies and caddis. TIP: Can’t seem to “match the

hatch?” Tie on a soft hackle. If we had only ONE fly to take to

the river, this is it! Also, when early season small stoneflies are

present, this is a VERY effective pattern for the sipping risers!

                                Earlier season patterns of note: Little black stoneflies, blue quill, hendricksons, (season to season) march browns. BWO’s are always handy in your fly box, and of course rusty spinners.                    

 

Evenings on the Natchaug have been GOOD!

We've had some solid afternoon and evenings up to now as the levels and flow remain solid with the sporadic rainfall.

Early on the Blue Quills were to go-to mayfly followed by some Hendricksons (not a prolific hatch by any means!) a few March Browns and the usual caddis.  The caddis were not as active as we've seen in past years and a few sulphur are beginning to show.

Blue Quills were the go-to early on

Takes some effort to find rising trout on some days,  but there are solid holdovers from the fall stocking in selected areas. We've taken a number of 14" to 16" browns that based on energy and size may very well be holdovers in some of the lightly pressured areas we fish.  Some BIG browns 18" and up are there and evenings are naturally the best time.  Spinner patterns can always be counted on!

Team7x's Steve took this nice brown on a soft hackle, a solid choice fished in the surface film.

Early June looks good as long as we get a normal dose of rain and no extreme temps.

Most all to the gear listed on our previous post has been sold on behalf of a long time Team7x member.   A Sage 8' DS2 5 wt., 2 piece  remains.

If anyone is interested in Renzetti or Dyna-King vises, let us know.  We also have a huge assortment of fly tying materials in a FishPond travel bag including a number of Whiting hackle.

Annual Catskills trip is just around the corner!

DRAG FREE!

Team7x.com

 The Natchaug River Eastern CT's Finest

Wonderful opportunities currently on the Natchaug for dry fly fishermen and women!

The CTDEEP has fully stocked the river with largely rainbow trout and some fall holdovers are in the mix.  They've done a great job in providing some large rainbows this year and of course the browns are still in the mix with an occasional tiger and brookies!

We've seen Blue quills/Mahogany duns, Hendricksons, and Stone flies earlier.  Hatches start typically around 1:00pm until 4 and again from 6 pm to dark.  LOTS of spinners present during these times...be sure to have a size 14 spinner pattern in your arsenal!  Caddis show up through the day.  Emergers fished just below the surface as well have brought many trout to hand since late March...as the CT trout season is now a year round opportunity.  Long leaders and tippet will be best in some of the tricker currents.

Recent rains and more forecasted have put water levels and flows in perfect shape.  As regulars know this great stream is totally dependent on rainfall to extend the season as long as possible.

Here's Steve with a fine rainbow, one of many we brought to hand on this recent day.

If you haven't experienced the Natchaug or are unfamiliar with the river and access points, we can plan and afternoon or evening with you.  Once you've experienced this wonderful early season gem, you'll be back!

DRAG FREE!

Team7x

SHETUCKET SALMON 

Reports from the Shetucket River remain good for the Atlantic Salmon season.  Those braving the cold have been rewarded with some nice fish as CTDEEP has now fully stocked the river for the season.

Most recently the larger fish up to 20 lbs. completed the seasonal stocking. Anglers braving the cold and the ups and downs of the water levels are having success from Baltic upstream to Merrick Brook.

Don't forget the upcoming CFFA exhibition and banquet on February 4.  More info here:

   https://www.ctflyfish.org/

This is a great annual event with lots of bargains, fly tying and demonstrations throughout the day...SEE YOU THERE!

Here are 3 tips from TU, especially for newcomers:

.

https://www.tu.org/magazine/fishing/trout-talk/three-of-my-favorite-fly-casting-tips/

We teach the "thumb in your peripheral vision" as the first step in improving your cast and tightening your loop.  For most trout fishing scenarios the rod only needs to move a few feet from the side of your head forward with the thumb on top and in your vision both on the back and forward casts.

Mastering this simple rod movement is the beginning step for newcomers that tell us; "I tried fly fishing but it's too hard, etc."  Need help?  We simplify the process with you...LESS IS MORE.  Contact us for a Spring tuneup as the trout season gets fully underway.  All CT streams have been late fall stocked and the season is now open year round!

 The Good ole' SUMMERTIME !

GREAT for the beach, challenging for the trout fly fisher. A lack of rain has reservoirs at low levels and tail waters at some of the lowest levels in a very long time.  Case in point, the Farmington...lowest we've seen in some years, exposing rocks, boulders, runs and holes we are not used to seeing.

The cold water from the minimal releases are keeping the trout active, easier to locate rising fish, and the insects continuing to hatch.  X-caddis patterns worked on a recent visit, along with a sulphur here and there, as that hatch is now only in the uppermost stretches...Canal pool and above. Most all areas of the Farmington are now easily wadeable, so take notes for the future when normal conditions resume!  HINT:  You had better be on 7x if fishing to risers in the low and very clear conditions and if your leader/tippet is not pushing 14 feet...good luck!!

On an annual trip to the Catskills in mid June, conditions could't have been better on the East and West Branches of the Delaware.  The Beaverkill was a bit low and warm, but fishable.

Here's a 20" West Branch wild Brown that fell for a size 20 BWO one nice morning.

On the East Branch, conditions were much the same, nice flows and water temps in the 50's to low 60's.

Here's Matt, my fishing partner and chef (steak au poivre after a long day on the branches)   
along with the requisite rye Manhattan (or 2)...who can beat that!!

Daytime on the East Branch was an earlier morning deal and the beauty above took a sunken caddis in the AM.

We had a great 5 days lodged at the DREAMCATCHER on the banks of the WB.  Caught and released nice Browns during the WB "golden hour" 7-9pm rising to sulphurs, Iso's, BWO's.

Arguably the best in the East, the Upper Delaware, certainly for wild trout!

Stay safe everyone, temps will fall, waters will rise and Connecticut's fall Atlantic Salmon season will be here!

DRAG FREE!

Team 7x

 Sulphurs?  Pale Evening Duns? Vitreus?

Call them what you will...they are hatching on the Natchaug.  It's been a few years since we've seen a substantial hatch of these yellow beauties, and conditions this week were perfect for their appearance.

An emerger size 16, lightly greased,  did the job in a short window between 7:00 and 7:30 PM in one of our favored locations...2 -17" Rainbows and 2 smaller versions, 12" to 14".  Beautiful coloration and gill plates led us to believe they are fall holdovers. Healthy solid and full of energy, they just didn't seem like routine recent stockers.

Warm weather ahead with water temps pushing 70 degrees may limit the chances.  The flow is below 100 cfs and we sure could use some rain to extend the short season.

Enjoyed a nice evening with our guests, Tom and Kathy.  Tom took several nice rainbows on a caddis pattern and Kathy worked on improving her casting as a newcomer.  It was their first time on the Natchaug...and we visited a few different locations for their future reference.

Also ran into a long time ago guest, Ralph who travels from Mass a few times a year to fish the Natchaug. he and his crew are heading to the Dream Catcher Lodge on the WB Delaware shortly.

We'll be there in mid June, can't wait to search for those big Browns!

We had blue quills and caddis for the most part following the early stones.  NO Hendricksons or March Browns to speak of so the sulfurs are a welcome sight.  Most small size 16, although a few larger did appear sporadically during the evening. Not a lot of Browns around, but plenty of Rainbows!

Let's hope we can get a few more weeks on this fine trout stream.  The trout are there and so should you be!  If we can help, give us a shout.

DRAG FREE

TEAM7x

 OPENING DAY...CANCELLED!

Many of our loyal fly fishing followers know that as of March 4, 2022, TROUT SEASON IS OPEN on all rivers, streams, lakes and ponds.  As in 2021 this "soft" opening is scheduled to become a permanent yearly condition, pending some regulation work by CTDEEP.

Certainly this benefits smaller stream fly fishers; no trout massacre on the former traditional opening date; less crowded conditions in light of the ongoing COVID concerns.  Other than adding a few weeks in March to our normal Spring fishing plans not much changes.  Our freestones are largely done for the season around mid-June as flows drop and water heats up and insects disappear.

Certainly the biggest benefit,  in our opinion is the end of the one-day onslaught with trash barrels full with stringers of  discarded trout that the opening day crowd had no intention of keeping. Perhaps great sport for kids for one day but not for dedicated fly fishers who enjoy exploring the freestones.

With a season limited by water conditions anyway, fly fishers have more opportunity to find open space and willing trout during the peak insect hatches.  All in all probably a good strategy by the folks at CTDEEP who do an admirable job in supporting our freestone trout fishery.  Of course year round fly fishing  continues on the Farmington with regulations that certainly benefit fly fishers.

Our TEAM7xer Steve is at it again!  Neither cold air temps or freezing water could keep him from his recent quest to take a pike on the fly!  Fishing a spot on the CT River, known for pike cruising close to shore, he scored!

Great Job Steve, we have now dubbed you the PIKE GURU!

See you on the water!

DRAG FREE!

TEAM7x

A NEW YEAR...NEW CHALLENGES

 Hello everyone and a HAPPY NEW YEAR to all our loyal followers.  It's been a while for an update and challenges to our wellbeing remain ahead.  Please stay safe and careful until we can get on-water ASAP in the Spring!

Well, when most of us are shut down for the typical winter cold weather conditions, there are exceptions.

Our diehard TEAM7x member, Steve continues to subject himself to 30+ degree water in search of SALMON ON THE SHETUCKET.  With the albie season behind him, Steve just can't put the rod away!

He's first to admit, a hour in the frigid water is about enough.  Looks like that's all the time it takes.

A recent Shetucket Atlantic Salmon beauty!

A couple of Steve's successful patterns.

Anyone else been braving the winter conditions?  Let us know at team7xflyfishing@gmail.com and we'll post your pics and info.

Meanwhile it's a good time for bargains as many on line retailers are offering specials on all kinds of gear, lines, rods (like we need more right?) reels etc.  We highly recommend you try Chris Fave's hand tied leaders this Spring, especially if you're a dry fly guy or gal.  He has a solid SALE going on now!

You might want to review some of our archive posts on butt sections, leaders, etc as you enjoy your coffee or adult beverage of choice by the fireside while waiting for the first shot at Spring!  Likely the CTDEEP will soft open the trout season again in 2022 and licenses are available on line.

Sadly once again the CFFA, CT Fly Fisherman's Assoc., has cancelled, in an abundance of caution for health concerns, its annual event and show, always a welcome outing in the winter months.

We highly recommend joining this fine organization.

Stay warm, stay safe, be careful and as always...

DRAG FREE!

TEAM7x

 REACHING...and then some

The Spring trout season on CT's Eastern streams ended as usual in early June as temps rose and levels dropped, leaving the Farmington the closest and best choice for the dedicated trout fly fishers.  

The Natchaug, Yantic, Salmon and Shetucket provided some steady Spring action; the Natchaug in particular held some nice fall holdovers.  Hatchwise, an unusual Spring; very sparse Hendricksons, March Browns and Sulphurs.  Even the usually reliable black and tan caddis were sparse.  Olives were on most of the time and finding steadily rising fish was a challenge.  Patient casting over "one timers" with a soft hackle in the film was a winner.

In late June the TEAM headed to the Upper Delaware for a week's stay at the Dream Catcher just outside of Deposit , NY on the Upper West branch, the finest west branch accommodations with a mile of private wade access water. It's a short trip to the Upper East or Beaverkill and Willowemoc as well. Some evenings 10-12 anglers lined up in front of the property mostly blind casting away during the sulphur hatch.  However, exploring above and below the property finds few anglers, a wide expanse for the drift boats and some BIG sipping browns!  Patience and sometimes casting over a fish many times with sulphurs, spinners, olives brought success.  Browns between 16" and 20" are common in our "special" areas and we took some beauties during the short window between 7:30 and 9:00PM.

Daytimes we fished the East Branch,with limited success as it was low and unusually warm with daytimes air temps in the 90's that week.  We scouted out some other West Branch access points that were not crowded at all and took big browns on afternoon spinners and olives.  Unfortunately the Beaverkill was way to low and warm to fish.

DREAM CATCHER directly on the WB Delaware

DREAM CATCHER CABINS

Back to the title of this blog...the MOST important cast to have in your arsenal on the tricky-current WB is the REACH cast.  Our typical set up is a Chris Fave tied up 10" leader with and additional 3 or more feet of 6x.  Long flouro tippets are a must to get the extended drifts necessary.  Of course we're using a stiff 2' or so butt section nail-knotted to the fly line to insure smooth transition.

You don't necessarily need to haul or double haul since your chances of getting a proper drift and hook set at long distances are limited in the WB current flow, normally between 500-600 or more CFS.  For wading anglers, most of the WB big trout can be found in easily wadeable areas with patience,  making short drag-free casts the ticket.  The reach cast is essential on ALL moving waters but is a must on the  the WB for these all-wild wary browns.

There are many videos on fly casting but here's a good one on the reach cast...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14njsZy47qg

We're heading back to the WB and the Dream Catcher for a few days in early October as the browns fatten up before the spawning period

Won't be long and we'll head for the SALMON ON THE SHETUCKET a great fall opportunity to catch Atlantic Salmon on the fly.  Have you tried it?  Give us a call and we'll set it up!

DRAG FREE!

TEAM7x

Trout Season Continues in Eastern Connecticut

 Thanks to solid rainstorms thru Memorial Day Weekend the rivers are full once again!  The Natchaug and Shetucket, and others received a welcoming shot which along with cooler temps, should extend the season for a few more weeks.  While the beachgoers were disappointed, we fly fishers rejoice!

Take a moment to thank our fallen heroes on this Memorial Day.  Because of their devotion to duty and country and their heroism, we are able to enjoy the freedoms we treasure.

Hatches have been sparse on the Natchaug throughout the Spring but there's no shortage of trout willing to take an emerger.  We saw very few Hendricksons; same with caddis and sulphurs...so far.  March Browns...NO. The Shetucket is holding very nice size trout and a better hatch of caddis and sulphurs just this past week.  An ant is always a good pattern when trout are visible but difficult to determine what they might be taking at or just under the surface.

Wading will be difficult for the next few days; Natchaug at 4.87 feet, Shetucket at 6.74 and raging.  This is great news for the days ahead!

Team 7x'er Steve reports good hatches of sulphurs on the Salmon River a bit further West in CT.  Finding space in the normally crowded fly fishing only area can be a challenge on this fine trout stream.

We're always eager to hear your reports on local waters at team7xflyfishing@gmail.com  

TEAM7x will be off to the Catskills and the Dream Catcher Lodge later in June to fish the East and West branches of the Delaware, the Beaverkill and Willowemoc, with the birthplace of American fly fishing, the Neversink always a possibility! 

If you haven't tried hand tied leaders yet, check out Chris Fave's offerings. You won't go back to single tapers, trust me, once you see how these turn your fly over...a must for 6x and above and fussy risers!

DRAG FREE!

TEAM7x

Hatches galore on the Natchaug River...Eastern CT's finest!

 As the water temps hit 50 degrees and beyond this past week the dry fly trout fisher's game was truly on!  Levels, flow and water temps on the Natchaug River in Ashford, Eastford and Chaplin, CT prompted multiple early afternoon rising trout to a wide array of insects.

Early stones and little black caddis took many a rising trout at or just under the surface film. Notice the similarity between the stones and the black caddis.  Easy to tell with the stone in flight...double wings.

Patterns for each worked well and took a number of eager trout, stockies and some fatter November 2020 holdovers.

                                                                    Little Black Stonefly

                                                                       Little Black Caddis

As the afternoon progressed the Quill Gordon's made their first appearance with the Blue Quills and BWO's chiming in.

                                                                        Blue Quill Dun

                                                                Quill Gordon Spinner

The Blue Quill (aka Mahogany Dun) has 3 tails while the QG has two and is typically larger in the 12 to 14 artificial range. Late in the afternoon the spinners appeared.

We had rising trout throughout; Rainbows, Browns and even a beautiful Brookie.  This week's rain has already increased the flow and level so perfect conditions are ahead.  Rare to see other anglers in the areas we fish and with easy river access and the willingness to walk, the Natchaug proved again last week that it remains Eastern CT's finest trout stream!

If you haven't experienced a fine afternoon or evening on the Natchaug...talk to us!!

Don't forget two smaller feeder streams that form the Natchaug; the Still River and Bigelow Brook which form the Natchaug at Charlie Brown Campground. Smaller gems in their own right!!

CTDEEP publishes topo maps of all stocked streams, a great resource for exploring new areas.

PS:  Try a Chris Fave hand tied leader for a perfect dry fly turnover and PLEASE add tippet; don't be a newbie with a curly leader and no tippet!!😄😄

DRAG FREE!

TEAM7x

Tom, Everett, Matt, Steve...and all those that fish with us!

 28 DAYS 'TILL SPRING!

The year 'round streams that we fish in Eastern CT are due for early stocking anytime now; Moosup River, Willimantic River, Yantic River are all good choices for finding trout prior to official opening day.  Be sure to check the maps at CTDEEP to be sure you're in the right section since the entire river lengths are not ALL designated as year 'round.

The cold early winter and high flows put a damper on Shetucket River Atlantic Salmon fishing after a good late fall start.  We witnessed one angler take 3 nice fish in rapid succession from one of our favorite runs; CTDEEP stocked approximately 420 salmon including the second stocking of larger fish.  There are some great sections on the Shetucket and we hope to explore more of the trout opportunities this spring before it warms.

Some recent great finds on the web as the long winter, not to mention the L-O-N-G year (2020 and onward)  rolls on:

CJ's Fly Box:  Very nice site for hand-tied flies with a presence on ETSY as well.  Check out                                    his sparkle patterns!

Fish Fishing Flies:  Want to fish traditional English wet flies this spring?  Here's the site for you...reasonable and a great selection.  Been wanting to fish the classic Greenwell's Glory?  Several patterns here.  Give the jolly chaps, Tom and Rob a look.

Rigs Fly Shop:  Spencer will set you up with some fine deals and solid selection. We bit the bullet and ponied up for this Abel Vaya with engraving.  Can't wait to put it on the 4 weight!

CrossCurrents Fly Shop:  Another full service fly shop with some great specials on fly line, etc.  Talk to Ben if you're heading to the Missouri this year.

Classic Flyfisherman:  Looking for a classic?  Robert offers a great selection of classic rods, reels and equipment.  Easy to work with, answers all questions promptly.  That classic Hardy Perfect one you always wanted??  Talk to Bob!

Troutfinder:  Great ETSY site for sparkle dun patterns.  Perfect selection for our trout streams.

Of course don't forget our friends with links along side the post...Grady at Upcountry, Chris at Christopher Fave hand-tied leaders, the folks at Discount Flies Online and if Montana's in your future, Craig Matthews at Blue Ribbon Flies is the man!

Stay healthy and safe everyone, 2021 can only be better as we anticipate Spring, clear days, clear rivers and streams and rising trout!

DRAG FREE!

Team7x

Shetucket River Atlantic Salmon...QUESTIONABLE???

 In 2019, CTDEEP stocked 460 adult broodstock Atlantic Salmon in eastern Connecticut's Shetucket River.  In this 2020 year of drought, water levels are off the charts...LOW!  Our favorite eastern CT freestones have been virtually unfishable since early June with no recovery in sight.  ALL EASTERN CT RIVERS ARE "PENDING" FOR FALL STOCKING as of today.  Even the Farmington flow rates are at significant lows.  In the Catskills, NYC's mayor is threatening to cut off ALL flow to the Delaware system from its upstream reservoirs due to low water, jeopardizing fall wild brown trout spawning.

What's it all mean?  Despite CTDEEP's Brian Eltz's  email to us in July indicating that the fall stocking of AS would be similar to 2019, it would seem impossible with current water levels.  The first fall stocking usually takes place in mid October.

In a year like no other, in MANY respects, the fall Atlantic Salmon fly fishing season that we look forward to is very much in doubt.

A quick recap of the early season on the Natchaug; more than 16,000 trout stocked, fall holdover rainbows provided some good dry fly action with a return of sulfurs that hadn't showed much in recent years.  Hendricksons and March Browns were very sparse.  Caddis were not out in usual numbers, especially the usually reliable Black Caddis.

The most reliable hatch was the early stones and Blue Quills/Mahogany Duns in March and April.

The Yantic had good numbers of Caddis at times and the Salmon River was very productive for a period of time before low water and rising temps.  The season on these lovely freestones gets shorter and shorter each year without steady periods of rain.

If you haven't seen this outstanding documentary...DO IT! Available on Amazon Prime.

On a brighter note, long time fly fisherman and Team7x'r Steve turns to the salt water in his chase for False Albacore as fall begins.  He makes the trek from central CT  to the Rhode Island shore several times a week. Here's a beauty taken off the west wall in East Matunuck!

Stay safe everyone.  We will keep you advised via email (if you haven't joined our email list, please do!)  with the latest updates on Atlantic Salmon prospects.

DRAG FREE!

TEAM7x.com

FREE STONE SLOWDOWN

Eastern CT freestones have peaked for the Spring trout fishing season.  After April and May successes on the Natchaug, Yantic and Shetucket, conditions have slowed to a crawl.  The Salmon River closer to central CT provided some great evening hatches and eager trout!  Most of what we were seeing this Spring were rainbows; some on the Natchaug appearing to be fall holdovers, feisty and well colored in excess of the usual 12" stockies.

As to hatches, we saw a return of sulphurs to the Natchaug, not prolific by any means.  Caddis hatches were sparse with the usual black caddis missing in action.  Hendricksons and March Browns were few and far between.  Not really sure what's going on, but a river that normally produced steady progressive spring hatches over the years, did not in 2020.  Climate? Flows up and down?  Really the Blue Quills were the only solid early hatch.  Not much mayfly action on the Yantic, but the tan caddis were solid.  Too late in the Spring season by the time the Shetucket became wadeable and safely fishable.  Temps are approaching 70 degrees in all freestones as the trout will seek cooler areas.

A FEW KUDOS...

Chris Fave sent along some of his hand-tied leaders, 10 footers in 5 and 6x.  As we've stressed before, these leader turn your fly over like no other. We've handed out several to friends, guests and "team mates" and the verdict is in!  Outstanding performance far exceeding usual mono tapered one piece leader.

Give 'em a try and tell us what you think!

A special thanks to the folks at AQUAMIRA.  The filtered water bottle below is 15 years old, the filter worn out and following an email to the company, a new filter appeared in a few days, NO CHARGE!

Great customer service An obviously we highly recommend this company and their products!

The Patagonia sling pack you see in the photo is their vest front sling model, now several years old. I was able to obtain a new one (just in case Patagonia discontinues)  although I don't know why they would!  The folks at FlyFishers Fly Shop offered a limited time 50% off! Another great on-line shop!

If you're considering a water repellent, adjustable sling pack, this one may be for you...

A quick inventory... Up front 4 fly boxes, patch, flotant, nippers and drying chamois, zippered  3 spool tippet pocket, forceps holder. Inside...zippered pocket for extra Chris Fave leaders.

Rear small pocket...thermometer, fly paste, eyeglass cleaner.

Large pocket...4  (or 5) additional fly boxes, rain jacket, TP, first aid kit, headlamp. waterproof pocket for licenses and of course the AQUAMIRA bottle fits perfectly in the lower mesh pouch.

As always we look forward to hearing from you.  Before long the fall Atlantic Salmon season on the Shetucket will be here...talk to us about a booking!  In the meantime, enjoy the Farmington, the Catskills and wherever the trout fishing remains solid...

and as always especially now, STAY SAFE and

DRAG FREE!

From all of us at TEAM7x

Eastern CT Fly Fishing Update

River conditions in eastern CT remain very fishable after last weeks deluge.  These freestones drop quickly after a heavy rain and allow us to get back to ideal conditions. 

We've taken a number of nice Rainbows in recent days on the Natchaug.  These well-colored, energetic trout seem to be fall holdovers based on size and activity level.  The blue quill/mahogany dun patterns have worked well as that species is about done for now.  We've seen a few Hendricksons but not in abundance.  BWO's are in the mix as well.  Tan caddis were just starting on the Natchaug and veteran angler Steve took this nice rainbow on an elk hair tan pattern.  The coloration suggests this fish has been in the system since last fall. He's tried the custom tied 10' leader from Chris Fave on the Farmington recently and reports that it straightens and turns over beautifully.  Give his leaders a try; you won't be disappointed!

ON SALE NOW!

                                

THE YANTIC

Another fine eastern CT trout stream offers 2 Trout Management areas, a fly fishing only section and some good access.  From Lebanon, CT thru Bozrah, CT and on into Norwich, CT the Yantic features a solid caddis hatch which we experienced just a week ago.  Tan caddis were abundant in the late afternoon and provided some solid action. THIS LINK give give you all you need to fish this fine stream.  As with all eastern CT freestones, now thru June are the ideal weeks before low water and high water temps shut things down.

HATCHES and RANDOM THOUGHTS

The early season hatches have been sporadic on the Natchaug River.  If you're a dry fly/emerger fly fisherman, you will find rising trout, but it's a waiting game right now.  Our success rate on taking a rising trout either with a solid raise or with a sipping, softer showing has been high.  It's not uncommon, at least for now, to wait and search the water for clues for blocks of time.  BUT, isn't that what those of us who choose this method are accustomed to??  Nothing against blind casting to likely spots, it's all good.

The caddis hatch on the Yantic recently was very prolific, cloud like in spots.  Yet we're just seeing the tans on the Natchaug.  Ups and downs with flows maybe?  It was encouraging to see them dancing off the riffles and trout moving on them just in the last few days.  Hendricksons?  Who knows, we've seen years where this is a solid hatch following the Blue Quills and Quill Gordons.  Maybe in the next week or so?  Then the sulfurs?  Again in years past this was a wonderful hatch on the Natchaug; not so recently.  Conditions change, the trout are there, be patient and stay safe!  In that regard we've seen virtually no one in the areas we fish.  If you're willing to walk and explore, you'll find solitude and safety.  Again, IF YOU FREQUENT THE STATE TROUT PARK AREA, you will NOT be alone.  Be cautious!  The Farmington River is wonderful but crowded...be cautious.

Many of us have booked late spring/summer trips to the Catskills, the West and other areas.  Most if not all operators, accommodation people, etc. are flexible with deposits as we move forward in this unknown area of lockdowns, social distancing and the like.  In the meantime, we hope you will find some enjoyment on a local stream.  There are plenty of choices and the CT DEEP website has all the info.

DRAG FREE!

TEAM7x.com