A Fly Fisher's Heaven!

TEAM 7x's Matt and Tom enjoyed the trip of a lifetime to the Patagonia region of Argentina for a week in early November…springtime in South America and the weather was perfect.  After a 9+ hour flight from Miami to Buenos Aires and a day of rest and sightseeing in BA, we left for San Martin de los Andes in the heart of the fly fishing mecca…PATAGONIA!

    Matt boarding the Citation for our 2 hour flight to San Martin…not a bad way to go at 400+MPH!

We were guests of the San Humberto Lodge after being met by Omar "Banana" Martinez our guide for the week.  This 6 generation working estancia borders 18 private miles of the Rio Malleo where we spent 3 glorious days sight fishing for slurping rainbows and browns, while enjoying the beauty of this region; the Volcan Lanin always in the background and wildlife galore.

                                                      Matt with a nice rainbow on a caddis!

The Rio Malleo is very much like a big spring creek; clear as gin, plenty of insect life and entirely wadeable…no drift boats!  In fact we never saw another soul on this portion of the river.  The fish are wild, spook easily but will rise to a well presented dry.  On only a few occasions in the always windy afternoons did we go below the surface with a floating nymph or a soft hackle fished in the film.  We both fished 5 weights the entire week with floating lines despite bringing 6 weights and assorted sinking lines along.

             I spent about 45 minutes and 5 fly changes on this sipper…he finally made the mistake!

Of the rivers and spring creeks I've fished out west, in NY state and in New England, nothing can compare with this absolutely perfect venue for fishing to rising trout!  A word about "Banana;"  no finer guide with 20 + years of experience throughout the Patagonia region.  He knew the river and got us to locations of the 18 mile stretch that would have taken days to scout out on our own.  We were on the river from 9 am to 8 pm with a break for a stream side fully prepared lunch, wine, and a "siesta" for Banana!

                                          Matt lands another one. Lanin in the background.

             Of course a Maker's Mark (or 2) back at the lodge before a superb dinner always works!

Off to Tipiliuke Lodge on the Rio Chimehuin for the next adventure!  Tipiliuke has hosted the ruler of Dubai, Tom Brokaw and many notables through the years and is a beautiful working cattle ranch with "gauchos" and all.  Again it's sprawling acerage provides access to miles of private water on the Chimmy.  This river is wider, faster flowing than the Malleo and in some ways, reminds me of the Madison.  With the spring runoff a bit more noticeable here, we concentrated on the many side channels, back eddys and seams for rising trout.  AND they were there!

               There's a whole story behind this rainbow…in a 40 mph afternoon Patagonian wind!

Again we spent full days on the river with superb meals at the lodge in the evening.  Our final evening on the Chimmy was bittersweet knowing this experience of a lifetime was drawing to a close…

                   Banana in his TEAM 7x hat!  This big brown sipped a size 18 soft hackle off the top.
                                     
                                       This memory will help speed along the winter months!

                                                           Tom and Matt…TEAM 7x

Another Great Shetucket Day!

We are greeted with a  cool fall day on the Shetucket River last Friday as our guests joined us at our favorite salmon holding water.  Steve had a solid take on one of Everett's hand tied Mickey Finns and we immediately changed up to a smaller traditional salmon fly.  A couple of casts later he was into a solid 5 pound class 24" Atlantic salmon, his first! Several jumps and runs later, Steve did a great job bringing this beauty to hand, on a 5 weight no less!  We tried to set up for a photo but as luck would have it, the fish decided to display his leaping ability and….gone!  We've managed to hook up on each trip this fall as the water levels remain down with fewer dam releases and we've keyed in on the best holding areas.

Fishing should remain excellent thru December and CTDEP plans another stocking shortly.
Here's their latest report:
http://www.ct.gov/deep/lib/deep/fishing/weekly_reports/fishreport102413.pdf 

We have openings…let us know if you'd like to visit this exciting fall fishery!

DRAG FREE!

Salmon Stocking on the Shetucket!

We were by chance at the Shetucket on Wednesday, October 3 and filmed a short video of the CTDEEP folks stocking the Atlantics.  We fished some of the holding areas, but these beauties were still figuring out what to do outside of the hatchery!  Should be good fishing in a few days! Took a few trout which are present in the runs and pools.

Remember to check the Shetucket River condition by calling 860-456-4115.  Breaker is OPEN is good...river is fishable.  Breaker is CLOSED means the river is high due to releasing water and better to avoid. Try streamers in varying colors, buggers, leeches, etc.


We stopped by the Natchaug at dusk and trout are holding in some of the deeper pools, however the flow is very low, but the water is surprisingly cool.

Fall Stocking begins...

A quick update from CTDEEP's website:

 TROUT‐ DEEP BEGINS ANNUAL FALL TROUT STOCKINGS. 

DEEP’s fall trout stockings began this week. From now through mid October, DEEP is releasing 29,000 trophy and adult sized trout into selected waters throughout the state. Approximately 12,800 are trophy size brown trout (all greater than 12 inches in length) and the remaining 16,200 adults are standard size (9‐10 inch) rainbow trout. This week DEEP stocked over 10,000 trout (7,250 brown trout and 3,200 rainbow trout). 

Rivers and streams stocked this week: The Salmon River (1,000 brown trout in the TMA, 300 brown trout below the TMA), Moosup River TMA (300 brown trout), Yantic River TMA (350 brown trout), Natchaug River (1,000 brown trout) and Willimantic River TMA (300 brown trout) in eastern CT; and the Mill River TMA (200 brown trout), Saugatuck River TMA (250 brown trout), Mianus River TMA (300 brown trout) and the Sleeping Giant TMA (Mill River‐Hamden, 200 brown trout) in western CT. 

Let's hope the levels improve for a good fall season!

DRAG FREE!

TEAM7x

Salmon On The Shetucket!!

Great news as forwarded by Jeff of Team7x!  We are offering "Salmon on the Shetucket" guided outings this fall...email for details.  If you haven't fished the Shetucket, this river can be intimidating and certain pools and runs tend to offer the best chances for hooking one of the Atlantics!  We'll put you in the right locations with the right flies!

Drag Free!

DEEP Begins Fall Atlantic Salmon Stockings

Connecticut’s Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced that it has begun the 2013 autumn stockings of broodstock Atlantic salmon.  DEEP’s Inland Fisheries Division yesterday released 300 salmon into the Naugatuck River and Mount Tom Pond.  Later this week, DEEP will release 300 salmon into the Shetucket River and Crystal Lake (Ellington).

“Atlantic salmon are renowned for their size, beauty and fighting ability,” said Peter Aarrestad, Director of DEEP’s Inland Fisheries Division.  “The Atlantic salmon recreational fishery has become quite popular, and catching one of these large leapers provides a thrilling experience for anglers”

The Atlantic salmon being stocked in Connecticut were raised in the Kensington State Fish Hatchery and are the progeny of sea-run fish that returned to the Connecticut River.  Salmon at this hatchery were raised to provide eggs for the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program that began in 1967.  Since 1992, surplus and spawned fish from this program were made available to provide a recreational fishery for Connecticut anglers.

In 2012 the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program was discontinued due to storm damage at a federal hatchery and low returns of salmon in recent years.  DEEP subsequentlydeveloped a new “Legacy Program” to maintain the popular recreational fishery for Atlantic salmon in Connecticut and also to preserve the unique and potentially important stsouthern Atlantic salmon that had been developed during the restoration effort.

“DEEP will continue to stock salmon fry, although at a much reduced rate, into a limited number of areas with the best habitat on several tributaries to the Connecticut River that were part of the restoration program,” said Aarrestad.  “Continuing to spawn salmon at the hatchery will also allow a popular educational program, Salmon-in-Schools, to continue and assist with research of Atlantic salmon in natural habitats.”

The group of Atlantic salmon being released this week for the fishery range in weight from 2-6 pounds each.  In early October, approximately 400 additional fish in the same size range will be available for stocking.  Following spawning later this fall, DEEP expects several hundred additional salmon from the Kensington Hatchery will be available for stocking in November.  These fish will range in weight from 3 to 15 pounds each.

Atlantic salmon broodstock stocked in the Shetucket and Naugatuck Rivers are typically released into three designated Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Areas:

·         Between Scotland Dam (Scotland) and Occum Dam (Norwich) on the Shetucket River

·         The “Campville Section” of the upper Naugatuck River from Route 118 downstream to the Thomaston Flood Control Dam (Litchfield-Thomaston)

·         The “Beacon Falls Section” of the lower Naugatuck from Prospect Street (Naugatuck) downstream to Pines Bridge Road (Route 42 bridge, Beacon Falls).

Anglers are allowed to fish for salmon in the Naugatuck River from the confluence of the East and West Branches (Torrington) downstream to the Housatonic River (Derby).  Anglers may also fish for Atlantic salmon in the Housatonic River downstream of Derby Dam.  On the Shetucket River, anglers can fish for salmon downstream from the Scotland Dam (Windham) to the Water Street Bridge in Norwich (the first bridge upstream of Norwich Harbor).

In the Naugatuck, Housatonic and Shetucket Rivers, the daily creel limit for Atlantic salmon is one fish per day through September 30, 2013.  From October 1 through November 30, angling for Atlantic salmon is restricted to catch-and-release only. From December 1, 2013, through March 31, 2014, the daily creel limit for Atlantic salmon will be one.  During the open season in the rivers, the legal method for taking Atlantic salmon is limited to angling using a single fly, or an artificial lure with a single free swinging hook and no additional weight can be added to the line above the fly or lure.  Also, from October 1^st through March 31^st, fishing for other species in the designated Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Areas is restricted to the gear legal for Atlantic salmon.

In 2007 DEEP began stocking selected lakes with broodstock Atlantic salmon.  This fall, Mount Tom Pond and Crystal Lake are again being stocked.  Anglers may also very occasionally catch salmon that have held over from previous stockings of Beach Pond, Long Pond (Ledyard/North Stonington), Mashapaug Lake and Nells Rock Reservoir (Shelton).

The regulations for broodstock Atlantic salmon released into lakes and ponds are different from the regulations for salmon in the Naugatuck, Housatonic and Shetucket Rivers.  In each lake, the regulations for methods, seasons and minimum lengths for salmon are the same as for trout in that specific water body but the daily creel limit is one salmon per day.  The specific regulations for salmon fishing in lakes that have been stocked with Atlantic salmon can be found in the 2013 Connecticut Angler’s Guide and are also provided at the conclusion of this news release. The regulations for broodstock Atlantic salmon stocked into lakes and ponds will also be posted at each water body. Anglers can also contact DEEP’s Inland Fisheries Division (860-424-FISH) for more information.

All other regulations, including those for broodstock salmon in the Naugatuck, Housatonic and Shetucket Rivers, can also be found in the 2013 Connecticut Angler’s Guide, found online atwww.ct.gov/deep/anglersguide.  Print versions of the guides are available from many Town Clerks and bait & tackle stores, or by contacting DEEP’s Inland Fisheries Division (860-424-FISH).

Additional fishing and fisheries related information, including the Weekly Fishing Report, can be found on the DEEP Fisheries web pages at www.ct.gov/deep/fishing and on the Fisheries and Wildlife Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CTFishandWildlife.  This fall, anglers will find updates on DEEP’s broodstock Atlantic salmon stockings and the fall trout stockings in the Weekly Fishing Report, on the Fisheries webpage and on the Fisheries and Wildlife Facebook page.

Will Conditions Improve for the Fall Season??

Levels and flows are dismal on the freestones in eastern CT and surrounding areas including the Wood River in RI as Everett reports, based on a recent outing.

The Farmington has experienced changing levels recently due to CTDEP sampling and rains.  The last few visits have been disappointing with windy conditions and sporadic hatches.  One blog that claims to be THE Farmington River authority has had little or no reports of significance in several weeks now.
Everett did visit the Swift recently with the same discouraging results for dry fly fishing to rising trout.

Let's hope for improving conditions as fall approaches...if you have any news to share, we'd be happy to post it up here...AND join our private mail list which continues to grow!

I've been fishing the DESCHUTES II reel on my 3 weight lately...perfectly balanced, high quality lightweight reel from Fly Fishing Benefactors which we proudly serve as Pro Staff.  Check out their great reels at extremely affordable prices and call Carl with any questions.

One of our fly casting clinic attendees at Timber Creek RV Resort in Westerly, RI recently purchased a ROSS JOURNEY outfit for his son's 11th birthday and reports that the youngster "loves the outfit."
We have a few remaining brand new lifetime guaranteed full outfits remaining...great for youngsters and women anglers.

We'll update as conditions and news develops and as always...
DRAG FREE!

The DOG DAYS!

They're here...those of you into astronomy know why the "dog days" occur in August...we flyfisher folk visit the only nearby game in town, the Farmington!

TEAM7x spent a cool...for a change...day on the Farmington on 7/31.  Hatches were infrequent although we managed some nice fish in the later evening as sulphurs made an appearance.  The smallish Needhami duns usually appear about now but none were present to speak of, nor were the  larger Isonychias; both part of the Mahogany Dun species.  NO caddis present as well.  All in all a slow day but great to be on the cool water (66 degrees) and in cooler temps.  Flows and levels are good and as soon as the insect activity picks up we should see more rising fish!

Earlier in the month we spent a rainy morning at Timber Creek RV Resort in Westerly, RI, continuing our series of no-charge casting lessons for an enthusiastic bunch of 10 folks, young and older and met some great newcomers to fly fishing!  Ed of Wilbraham, MA purchased a Ross youth outfit for his 10 year old son's birthday and reports that he "loves the outfit." He and several other youngsters who had never casted a fly rod picked up the skill quickly and made great strides in the 2 hour session.  All in all a fun time at a very lovely resort with a bass pond and only minutes from the Westerly beaches.  We also had a few salt water spin/cast guys try fly casting our 9 weight outfits for the first time under Everett's tutelage,  and they're ready to go!

We hope to return again next Spring and thanks to Carol and Wendy for arranging the session.  If any of you have or belong to a group, club, or organization that would like to add fly casting to your agenda, let us know.  We supply all the gear, rods, reels fully spooled, etc.  We'd especially like to fill in the Winter months doing some indoor sessions, if your group can access a proper location.

Back on the Farmington in the weeks ahead and we'll report more!

DRAG FREE!