Wednesday, March 21, 2018

CT Opening Day, April 14!

A sad note to begin...Bernard V. Kreh, known as  "Lefty" to the worldwide fly fishing community has passed on at age 93. A renowned author, instructor, story teller and fly fisherman, Lefty was admired by all who had an opportunity to be in his presence.  I had that opportunity a few years ago in a lesson with Lefty...




I'll treasure his perfectly scribed autograph and the memory of a man who was a giant in our sport.

RIP "LEFTY"



A few weeks now and the CT Trout season will be in full swing.  DON'T FORGET...a trout stamp from CTDEEP is required for a $5 fee, available on-line at the CTDEEP SITE and of course, a 2018 fishing license!

Stocking has begun with reports available at the above link.  Usually by this time, we've had an opportunity to get to the Moosup and Yantic rivers for some pre-opener action.  The weather has not cooperated although the stream levels and flows are currently in good shape. The Salmon River is also open year round and has received an initial stocking as has the Willimantic River TMA. The Farmington as usual fishes well year-round.  Stop in and see Grady at Upcountry Sports in New Hartford...if he doesn't have it, you don't need it!

Early season stones should be around on warmer days and shortly thereafter we should see the quills.
Hopefully our great eastern CT freestones will hold up with the proper rain and water temps. 2017 was an unusual year for hatches...sulphurs and caddis were not in their usual abundance on the Natchaug, although we did see a decent hatch of Hendricksons in late April/May.

Soft hackles and CDC emergers fished in the film are great early season producers on the Natchaug and Shetucket rivers.  Everett has a new "killer wasp" pattern which is always a winner as the season progresses.



Everett's CDC emerger and "killer wasp"

He's working on an ISBO pattern...(IT SHOULD BE OUTLAWED) photo coming soon!

Organize those fly boxes (for the 1000th time!), tie on a new butt section, leader and tippet and stand by; bring on Spring, warm days, cool nights, solid hatches and hungry trout.


DRAG FREE!

Tom & Everett
TEAM7x