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