The Farmington River, and a Old Glass Friend

It's been hot and dry the past few weeks and the small streams have been hit pretty hard. While most are holding a cool temp, the lack of water is becoming a problem. Most wild fish have experienced this in summers past and can deal with it if left alone for a time, but rain is sorely needed. Here in Connecticut we are very fortunate to have a river that is fed cold water releases, and this creates a fine tail water fishery. The Farmington River is now the place to seek salmonids, and this is where I fished this week. I had also agreed to take with me an old time friend, I introduce you to him. He's a 1975 vintage Cortland fly rod...my first fly rod. He's a 7ft 5wt and has caught a fair share of trout in those years when that is all I had to fish with. Somewhere along in time I bought a graphite rod and the glass Cortland retired to the rod rack. Several times a year I would take it out and wipe it down, remember a fish or place we were and put it in the case and back it went.

Well this day he was outfitted with a Battenkill reel, a new 5wt line, and an attitude that old can be "good" too. We were off to fish the river where he started.

The Cortland FR 2000 7ft 5wt. The cork shows the time spent on the rivers.

The Farmington was in almost perfect shape. The weather was how I like it, some sun some clouds and a breeze.

The flies used this day would be what is shown here. They are soft hackles with various body dressings. They are all size 14 and have partridge feather wings.

The action was slow for a spell, and soon heated up. The first fish was a wild brook trout. The fish could not resist the tempting pulse of the spider.

The best action took place on the seams of fast water, like places as such.

A beautiful rainbow, looks like it was in the river for some time. The fish was strong and had gorgeous markings.

Lots of flora stream side. I had to use the rod to steady the plant in the breeze.

I had a couple of browns but they were to have no part of picture taking. The Cortland performed beautifully, like the day I bought it.

I think this was the last fish of the day. A sweetheart of a female brook trout. This may be the first year of a spawn for her. I hope it's successful and her offspring will continue to enhance this fishery with wild fish.