The surface action continues on the Moosup as stoneflies and now an emergence of early season quills (Gordon and black) have begun to appear along with BWO's. The water is clear but LOW. I can't remember a season 3 weeks away from opening day when the water levels were so low in eastern Connecticut. The Natchaug River, not open until April 21 is at 2.8 feet and 64 cfs today. These are late June conditions! The Moosup water temps were 60+ during the warm spell a week ago. Cooler nights recently will help but without significant rainfall, opening day and beyond is a crapshoot at best!
While the warm early spring is welcome, the lack of water is not. Reservoirs, lakes and ponds are in dire need of water. Flows on the Farmington are at summer levels and although this is a tailwater, it remains to be seen how much water can be released as the days pass. Trout on the Moosup recently were already seeking cooler moving water as fallfish and suckers began taking up residence in the usual pools. Today's forecast shows one day with a 60% or better chance of rain in the next 10...NOT GOOD!
The Farmington may become the only game in town WAAAAYYY before usual this year. The flows on the WB and EB Delaware, Beaverkill and Willowemoc are markedly below normal for this time of season. WE shall see! In the meantime we've had an opportunity to cast and fish the new Jim Hicks Signature fly rod from Fly Fishing Benefactors, paired with the Deschutes reel and what a fine 5 weight it is! VERY well appointed featuring high modulus graphite construction and two tips, casting the fast action JH is a pleasure. The Deschutes is a lightweight, well made wide arbor again at a LOW price point, similar to the SNAKE I we reviewed here. Both will be available to cast at our Charlie Brown Campground lessons scheduled for May and June. We'll have the FFB Snake, Deschutes and Metolius reels on hand as well.
Carl Craig at FFB offers a complete JH package; rod, reel, line, leaders, fly box and a dozen flies at a ridiculous price point. Check out his site and deals by clicking on the FFB logo to the left. A good portion of his profits go to some worthwhile causes and his products are first rate!
See you on the Moosup or Yantic and if you've got a rain dance to offer...now's the time!
Drag free!
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