Evenings on the Natchaug...leaders

The current flows on the Natchaug, like many freestone streams can be tricky; back eddies, boulders, natural obstructions cause conflicting current and can create instant drag when fishing dry flies.  The majority of our guests and fly fishermen we encounter (although rarely on the sections we fish!) are improperly set up with their fly line/leader system.  Most use loop to loop which can create "hinging" during the cast and present another area to hang up the fly in windy situations.  Many are fishing with a leader too short or with too short or no tippet section.  If loop to loop works for you, fine but we suggest giving the following a try...TEAM7x believes it will improve your transition from fly line to leader and turn your fly over easily while extending your drag free drift.


We use a 5 turn nail knot with a 3 foot piece of 20 lb. test mono to the fly line tip. Maxima Chameleon is a good choice since it is a stiff, hard mono. This creates a solid butt section.

Once the nail knot is complete, cut the butt section to 24 to 30 inches and tie your leader in with a 3 turn blood knot. To a 9' leader add 24 to 36 " of tippet.  We use a 5x or 6x leader and add 5, 6, or 7x as the situation requires. If a new leader is necessary, you've still got plenty of butt section.  Use Knot Sense on the nail and blood knots if you like.  The butt section transitions the fly line to leader much better than loop to loop...IN OUR OPINION...try it and see if it doesn't result in better turn over!  A 13 to 14 foot leader system will result in better drag free drifts and in the clear and currently lower water of the Natchaug,  reduce the chance of spooking that big trout! I tie and prefer the traditional knotted up leaders from Umpqua material with Varivas flouro tippet.

Try the "fixed butt section" described above...it works for us!

A Banner Day!

Our guest, Mike F. from Seymour, CT, and Charlie Brown Campground, recently retired and celebrating his birthday joined us on the Natchaug, Saturday, June 14…and what a day!  Having recently taken up fly fishing again after a few false starts over the years, Mike hooked and landed 10 trout on a caddis pattern in clear, low water with a "triple," brookie, brown and rainbow.  Great job Mike!  His comments:  "I learned a lot and thanks so much guys."  We worked on casting earlier and drag free drifts on the water. We set up Mike's outfit after cutting off loops, with a nail-knotted 2' or so butt section to blood-knotted leader to tippet, ending up with 12+ feet of leader, a necessity in the low clear flows now.  You know by now we prefer this set-up and NO loop-to-loop.  We feel the line/leader turns over much more efficiently with this set up.  The butt section must be stiff mono in the 25 lb. test range and Maxima is a good choice.

Levels are dropping fast on the freestones and possibilities still exist for the Salmon River further into central CT.  A good rain will extend the fishing but be mindful of water temps and over stressing the trout.  We'll try and have a Farmington River report soon as conditions should be perfect!

DRAG FREE!

Special Offer for Young Fly Fishers!

During the “off season,” we set out to find the ideal outfit for young flyfishers since many of the folks at our casting lessons asked for suggestions.  We wanted to find a complete package, high quality, LIFETIME WARRANTY and at a very attractive price point. 

                                  

We are offering the Ross Journey Youth Fly Fishing Outfit through this SPECIAL OFFER to our fly fishing friends.  This is an ideal package for son, daughter, grandson or granddaughter by Ross, a Scientific Angler/3M company, designed with younger folks in mind.  The 4 piece 7’6” rod with high quality reel, spooled with a 4 weight fly line and leader, padded carrying case and DVD geared to kids is an outstanding value.  Everett has examined the entire outfit in detail; it casts wonderfully and is balanced just right for the younger angler.  Women will also appreciate the smaller cork grip and the 7’6” length; and maybe the best part...break a tip, crush a ferrule or guide, NO PROBLEM...Ross offers a LIFETIME WARRANTY on all rod/reel components!
  AVAILABLE IN LIMITED QUANTITY NOW with a free casting lesson* and 3 special hand tied flies…Everett’s “go-to” patterns! 

$179

Here's Everett's review:

I took a new outfit and did some "lawn angling" yesterday.  First, this is an eye-catching rod with a beautiful blue finish, silver accents on the ferrules and an aluminum reel seat.  Combined with a cast aluminum reel in a similar shade of blue, this combo beats beginner's gear from the big boxes in appearance especially in this price range.  I would call this a medium action rod which loads easily with the pre-rigged 5weight line.  By the way, the line to  leader connection  is a neatly tied nail knot as is that of line to backing.  I would have liked to see a double nail knot for additional security at this junction should a young angler hook into a big fish but this can easily be remedied by Team7x during the free lesson we offer with purchase.  The rod was able to deliver the fly accurately even into a strong breeze.  To sum up, this is a great little rod which will accelerate a young angler's learning curve and with a built-up grip,  it would make a great small stream travel rod for women and adults, utilizing the (included) travel case.  The kid's DVD, featuring a 12 year old fly fisherman is perfect for beginners!

* In eastern CT and RI

ON The Fly with hand tied leaders.

Tying up some tapered trout leaders using Umpqua material...9' for 5x allows a 5 or 6x tippet to be added.  I prefer hand tied leaders on weed/algae free waters, blood knotted to a 2 ' section of hard mono butt section.  This butt is nail knotted to the fly line.  NO loop to loop!  There are many formulas for different types of leaders found on-line.  I use a desktop tool for fast and smooth blood knots, available from Cabela's.

I like to use flouro for tippet material, Varivas if I can find it, or recently I've used Frog Hair.  I'm always amazed observing fly fisherman using NO tippet or a much too short leader when dry fly fishing. I like a long tippet especially in tricky current situations as found on the Farmington.  A butt section transitions the leader and fly line nicely...in my opinion much better than loop to loop.

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

Natchaug River, Eastern CT's finest

Yesterday afternoon and evening our guest took several nice rainbows on emergers and on top to a variety of patterns.  Water levels are good at this point but a shot of rain would be a big help. The clear water and slower flows now require 11-12 feet of leader when targeting rising trout; and be on 7x, of course!  Frequently we see too short leaders, short or NO tippet, or an unbalanced system which presents a problem in turning the fly over and in controlling drag.  The Natchaug presents lots of back eddies and subtle current, and can be a challenge to controlling drag on many sections.  More about how we set up our leader system later.


At dusk a blizzard of caddis, spinners, sulphurs and BWO's had trout rising in good numbers.  As usual, TEAM7x and guest were the only ones enjoying some great fishing in the areas we frequent on the Natchaug.  Our guest, a resident of Cape Cod made an interesting point; the Natchaug is the nearest trophy trout stream to the Cape...think about it; he's right!  "TEAM 7x and the Natchaug, a revelation," in a follow up email...thanks Steve!


We're hoping the great conditions hold thru the next weeks.  We'll be conducting our 2nd fly fishing intro session at Charlie Brown Campground on June 14 on the banks of the river.  If you're interested let us know as space is available on a limited basis.  We feature all new Sage rods and reels and it's a great chance to try all the Sage trout series fly rods courtesy of Sage and The Lower Forty outfitters our TEAM7x supplier.


COMING SOON!  A review of Cutthroat furled leaders and the "Snake 1" fly reel from Fly Fishing Benefactors, a great reel at a great price point!


ALSO:  The NATCHAUG dozen, 12 proven patterns we use repeatedly on the river.

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!

Natchaug River, Opening Day

OPENING DAY 2013 found a small but enthusiastic class of fly casting students taking part in our introductory session following the mornings usual frenzy! All participants had spin fishing experience but virtually no experience with a fly rod. ( In fact one young man had recently bought a fly fishing outfit and placed it on his wall at home! ) The youngest student, a 12 year old girl, enjoyed using one of Team 7x's youth outfits and made good progress in the brief time we had. Blustery conditions presented some problems but also an opportunity to practice the useful sidearm cast. Thanks to Team 7x's Jeff Rainville for assisting and sharing his fishing knowledge. And, a special thanks to Steve, Pam and Chris at Charlie Brown for hosting Team7x.

The Ross Youth packages are available at the Charlie Brown camp store. See Pam for special pricing!

Wednesday, April 24 update: Matching up to the quills, small black caddis and a few hendricksons did the trick on the sporadic risers. Lots of insects present and the fish should become more active in the days ahead. The water is LOW, not a great sign for this early in the season, but plenty of fish are present. The "Natchaug Top Twelve" black cdc emerger fished on top and in the film produced several nice browns.

Here's Team7x member Paul's recent report:

"The title of this should be " I need a bigger net " :) On Sunday, I ended up at the Natchaug as planned, second pool to the left of the road going in to the Forest area and surprisingly, there were not to many people fishing.. The flows were fast ( for me anyway ) and the water was a very cold 42 degrees. Nothing was happening on top, so I put on a # 14 Red Head nymph... Simple fly... Copper bead head, red thread, Pheasnt tail tail and a single wrap of fine copper wire on the body finished off with a two turn white hackle behind the bead.

Any way after about 5 or 6 casts I thought I had hooked into the bottom, but then felt the pure power of what turned out to be a 17" VERY healthy Brown at just over 3 pounds.. Took almost 15 minutes to coax him into what I thought was a good size C & R net, but he just barely fit.... It was an absoulte blast !!

There were a few notable events here for me... First,there were 3 more Browns, all over 15" in the next hour or so, before I got to cold and left. Second, I caught them on fly's that I tied..... Thanks Everett !!! Finally.... I do need a bigger net :) There were two other guys fishing near me, one up and one down stream, and they were getting the Browns as well.. Kind of miss the jumps of the Rainbows, but these fish were amaizingly strong and just as fun.

oh yeah... just for giggles... I was using a 9 foot, 5 WT, TFO; 7.5 Foot 4X leader and about 4 Feet of 5X Tippet."

Paul

Have a report?  Let us know and we'll post it OR we'll send a private alert to our ever-growing email list.  Sign up now!

DRAG FREE!

Team7x

Birthday or Special Occasion for the young angler?

During the “off season,” we set out to find the ideal outfit for young flyfishers since many of the folks at our casting lessons asked for suggestions.  We wanted to find a complete package, high quality, LIFETIME WARRANTY and at a very attractive price point. We have a few outfits remaining.

                                  

We are offering the Ross Journey Youth Fly Fishing Outfit through this SPECIAL OFFER to our fly fishing friends.  This is an ideal package for son, daughter, grandson or granddaughter by Ross, a Scientific Angler/3M company, now owned by Orvis, designed with younger folks in mind.  The 4 piece 7’6” rod with high quality reel, spooled with a 4 weight fly line and leader, padded carrying case and DVD geared to kids is an outstanding value.  Everett has examined the entire outfit in detail; it casts wonderfully and is balanced just right for the younger angler.  Women will also appreciate the smaller cork grip and the 7’6” length; and maybe the best part...break a tip, crush a ferrule or guide, NO PROBLEM...Ross offers a LIFETIME WARRANTY on all rod/reel components!
  AVAILABLE IN LIMITED QUANTITY NOW with a free casting lesson* and 3 special hand tied flies…Everett’s “go-to” patterns! 

$159

Click on left to purchase

*within eastern CT/RI

 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

Natchaug River update!

Our friend Paul emailed the following just a few days ago...

"Hi Guys...

Just a short note to let you know that I just left the Natchaug State Forest, and had a blast!  

The flows are back up ( wish i knew how to measure it ) and the Water temp was a refreshing 58 degrees. I picked off two very nice Rainbows and what appeared to be a young Brown, 10 to 12 "  Several other false strikes just below the surface, but it was definitely the best afternoon that I have had in quite awhile. All fish were "feisty" VERY healthy looking, and quickly blasted off after release.

9 ft, 5 wt, TFO:  7.5', 4X leader & about 3' of 4X Fluorocarbon tippet with a # 10 Green & White small streamer "looking" fly, with silver tape on the hook, fished just below the surface. All strikes and fish were had on a slow & jumpy retrieve with about 30 ft of line out to the pools and banks and within a few seconds of the fly sinking

It was an extremely encouraging afternoon !

Looking forward to the fly tying class!"

Thanks Paul for the update!
We spent Friday afternoon/evening on the river and the fish are there...although not a lot of surface activity.  Some gray caddis appeared late along with BWO spinners and some larger spinners at dark.  If we get ongoing rain, the levels and flow should be ok.  CTDEP stocked during the last 2 weeks and the trout should be spread out nicely shortly.  Be sure to check the flows at the left side of the page.
DRAG FREE!

Early Season Stoneflies!

Small early season stoneflies along with winter caddis are bringing trout to the surface on the Farmington River. As the year-round streams in eastern CT, Yantic, Moosup, Willimantic rivers receive initial stockings we should see surface activity as well.  Check the latest at CTDEEP.


NOTE:  Our email is now team7xflyfishing@gmail.com for those of you that may have our older brochure.  Thanks to everyone that visited with us at the recent CFFA show in South Windsor, CT. Great to see new faces and old friends again.

Many of you have asked us about patterns and dry fly tactics on the rivers we fish, especially the Natchaug and Shetucket and several feeder streams.  This spring we will concentrate on helping you identify the naturals; early season stones, caddis and a bit later the quills, hendricksons, march browns and of course sulphurs.  One key to success is the right leader/tippet set up.  Many of our guests join us with leaders that are too short, not properly straightened or without proper tippet.  Secondly, tricky drifts can be a problem on all streams and rivers and we'll work with you on proper presentation, controlling drifts and recognizing rise patterns, especially important when the trout are concentrating on emergers 
  
We'll use some excellent techniques from the book "Fishing the Dry Fly as a Living Insect" by Leonard M. Wright, Jr., a great read if you can find a copy in print.

We'll be booking our "evenings" from the season opener onward and can accommodate your schedule for daytimes as well.  Let us know if you'd like to refine dry fly/emerger techniques this season in on-water outings.  Everett and I work one-on-one with all on-water guests and will continue our free land casting clinics in eastern CT after the opening weekend. 

If you're connected with a scout group, veteran's group, rec. department or any group activity with an interest in learning about fly fishing, let us know!

We'll use some excellent techniques from the book "Fishing the Dry Fly as a Living Insect" by Leonard M. Wright, Jr., a great read if you can find a copy in print.


DRAG FREE!  Opening Day in CT is April 8, 2017...don't forget your license!

 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

Let it SNOW!

Hope everyone survived the latest winter blast!  The good news is that we need the snow cover to help recharge the ground water heading into the spring fly fishing season.  With that in mind, a few tips while we wait to make the season's first cast!

                      1.  CLEAN your fly lines...if you haven't done so since last fall, you'll be
                           surprised at the crud that will wipe off when using a line cleaner or small
                           amount of dish soap and damp cloth.  While you're at it, check for nicks,
                           cuts or line abrasions. Check out FFB's great deals on lines/leaders.

                      2.  CHECK your nail knot/butt section. Click to see our preferred method
                           of leader-to-line connection.

                      3.  CLEAN, pull apart and lightly lube (if recommended) your reels.            
                           A small soft brush will get rid of any grit inside the spool and housing.

                      4.  SORT out your fly boxes...a continuing exercise in futility, I know!
                           We end up using a dozen patterns or so, and carry umpteen thousands
                           in our boxes and vests...go figure!

                      5.  PLAN to interest a newbie, especially a young person, in fly fishing this
                           year.  We have a series of casting lessons planned in Eastern CT
                           this Spring and can provide the gear at no charge. (2013 dates shortly)

If you are thinking about an outfit for child or grandchild, we will shortly be announcing an unbeatable package deal designed for young fly fishers.  Email for details.

DRAG FREE!

SALMON on the Shetucket

The CT DEP stocks excess broodstock Atlantic salmon on the Shetucket and Naugatuck Rivers in October/November.  The Shetucket receives 300-400 fish stocked below the Scotland dam.  Here are the best access points.  Team 7x spent a warm afternoon on the Shetucket, before hurricane Sandy with some success!

This nice Atlantic in the 4-5 pound range showed in a fast,deep riffle and hit a 2/0 deciever when swung in front of him.  What fun on a 5 weight as he took several leaps and runs before giving in.  He was promptly released since this is a catch-and-release regulated area until November 1.

This saltwater deceiver tied on a 2/0 hook with 3x tippet on a sinking leader did the trick!  We broke several fish off on a Mickey Finn as well.  They seemed to prefer hanging in the deeper seams between fast and slow water.  Pick a nice day and get to the Shetucket for some fall salmon!  They're not easy...but they are there!

A WORD OF CAUTION:  

The Scotland dam releases water unpredictably!  Within minutes on the afternoon we were there, not far below the dam, the water level rose a good 12", forcing us to hustle off the river!

BEFORE YOU GO...Call the recorded dam info line at 860-456-4115.  If the message says BREAKER OPEN, the water will be low and wadeable.  IF the message says BREAKER CLOSED, it's not worth the trip since the water will be high.

Email us at team_7x@yahoo.com for specifics on access or see the stocking map link above if you are planning to go.

Random thoughts...

Season's ended for all practical purposes…low water conditions made for locally tough conditions throughout the summer months, and even now.  The Catskill streams remained in great shape with just the right amount of rainfall.  Definitely worth a trip with 5 top-flight streams to choose from!

Bulletin Boards/forums:  Used to be some good, timely info on these offerings but due to paranoid administrators who treat any decent info as "spot burning," they're dying a slow death…unfortunate.

CTDEEP:  Continues to shine with weekly reports, stocking info, and continuation of the Atlantic Salmon stocking program for the Shetucket.  Some reports that fish have been caught on the Shetucket, levels are ok, but a recent trip resulted in the dam releasing water within an hour of arrival.  Be sure to call the dam hotline if you go...see our earlier post on the Shetucket info.

Youth:  Still seeing very few young folks on the water.  We continue our casting and fly fishing info programs, encouraging young people to join the ranks!  AND we have a few Ross youth fly fishing outfits available...perfect for Christmas...going for $229 on Amazon and elsewhere, take a look!  Click at left for our offer

Birthday or Special Occasion for the young angler?

During the “off season,” we set out to find the ideal outfit for young flyfishers since many of the folks at our casting lessons asked for suggestions.  We wanted to find a complete package, high quality, LIFETIME WARRANTY and at a very attractive price point. We have a few outfits remaining.

                                  

We are offering the Ross Journey Youth Fly Fishing Outfit through this SPECIAL OFFER to our fly fishing friends.  This is an ideal package for son, daughter, grandson or granddaughter by Ross, a Scientific Angler/3M company, now owned by Orvis, designed with younger folks in mind.  The 4 piece 7’6” rod with high quality reel, spooled with a 4 weight fly line and leader, padded carrying case and DVD geared to kids is an outstanding value.  Everett has examined the entire outfit in detail; it casts wonderfully and is balanced just right for the younger angler.  Women will also appreciate the smaller cork grip and the 7’6” length; and maybe the best part...break a tip, crush a ferrule or guide, NO PROBLEM...Ross offers a LIFETIME WARRANTY on all rod/reel components!
  AVAILABLE IN LIMITED QUANTITY NOW with a free casting lesson* and 3 special hand tied flies…Everett’s “go-to” patterns! 

$159

Click on left to purchase

*within eastern CT/RI

UCONN basketball:  The season's upon us and last year's national champions are ready!
GO HUSKIES!

A few links of interest:

TU Youth Offer

FLY FISHING BENEFACTORS NEW RELEASE!

The new Deschutes V3 is now available from FFB.  Click here  to see why we are proud Pro Staff and supporters of Carl Craig and FFB's products and generous spirit.

This beautifully ported Deschutes 1 will accomodate 3-4 weight line with backing.  We spooled up a 4 weight line with 50 or so yds. of backing.  It takes about a minute to activate the push-button spool release, remove the screw-on gear and flip the bearing over to convert from left to right handed retrieve.
The drag, similar to previous versions is easily adjusted with the knob shown above.  The new Version 3 drag is super sensitive and a slight turn of the knob increases or decreases pressure in small but noticeable increments.  We had the opportunity to put a few nice fish on the reel recently on light drag and were solidly impressed!

Fully loaded, as described above, the Deschutes, CNC crafted from aircraft quality aluminum, weighed in at 5.5 ounces, about and ounce lighter than the earlier V2.  Full specs are available on the link above.

All in all, at the bargain price point, this is a beautiful addition to your arsenal and perfect for a dollar conscious newcomer to fly fishing.  Everett, Matt and I will be taking it out west later this month to the spring creeks in Montana and the classic cutthroat streams in Yellowstone National Park.

You'll love the Deschutes; pick up a few fly boxes or leader packs at super low pricing while you're at it and call Carl with any questions.

DRAG FREE!
TEAM7x
Pro Staff for Fly Fishing Benefactors

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

Upper Delaware...East Branch

Team 7x spent 3 days in mid July in the upper Delaware River area.  We had a cabin directly on a semi-private (limited public access) section of the East Branch, below Downsville.  Water temps were a consistent 46 degrees!  The hot, muggy air produced fog most mornings and late evenings and the flow was around 200 cfs, below normal for this time of year but very clear.  We experienced sulphur hatches beginning in mid afternoon till evenings like you can't imagine!  After a morning rain, the sulphurs, PMD's covered the water throughout the long clear pool just in front of the cabin.   Occasional isonychia's and a steady hatch of BWO's complicated matters.  We managed some beautiful wild browns on emergers in the 17" range, but the catching was difficult with the huge number of naturals on the water.  The water was slow moving and clear and this particular area was loaded with big fish clearly visible in the long pool.  Trout would occasionally take a dun from the surface but were concentrating on easy pickings; emergers, floating nymphs and stillborns just under the surface per usual.

I've witnessed a huge hatch of sulphurs (PMD's) after a rain on Depuy's  spring creek outside Livingston, MT a few years back, but this day on the East Branch topped even that!
In chatting with Craig Matthews of Blue Ribbon Flies in West Yellowstone during that trip, he confirmed that the rain will produce incredible hatches of the PMD's on most days.

A quick visit to the West Branch was unproductive.  Not much surface activity in the Gamelands area during a hot afternoon.  Team 7x has arranged exclusive access to this particular area of the East Branch by recommendation, and can help with rentals, etc.  Talk to us if you're planning a trip to the Upper Delaware.  Some speculate that the big browns have moved into the upper East Branch from the Beaverkill seeking the cooler water; the Beaverkill is just now returning to fishable levels.  Contact Dennis at Catskill Flies for updated info and daily river reports.

The upper East is a challenge; maybe that's why we had much of the water to ourselves.  With incredible numbers of wild browns and prolific hatches, casting your offering on a long leader into the parade of naturals is a crap shoot!  We love the challenge and we'll be back!!
DRAG FREE!

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.