Kirk and I spent some time on the Farmington yesterday afternoon-early evening. We both received an education, or perhaps a reeducation on how to fish this wonderful river. There were fish rising often enough for one to assume there was a good hatch going on, but there wasn't. I noticed various insects about but no more than a few of any one type. There were small and big flies about, and the birds were working also. But we were not able to determine what is was they were eating. I fished a variety of flies from B.A. streamers to wets, soft hackles to dries and I even went to the dark side and tossed a nymph out. Well I managed some hookups, and a couple to hand.
I might add that there was a chill to the air. The need for a heavier shirt was called on, and at one point we required a hot coffee to ward off the chill, said coffee left so much to be desired. I few hours that I enjoyed very much.
There are some beautiful colors along the Farmington's banks.
A wonderful resource this Farmington River.
A wild brown that took a pretty big mayfly.
And this handsome wild jewel. I tricked him into taking a small soft hackle....a fly so small I don't know how it got into my box.
On the way home, still chilled I stopped at a small store and picked up a can of Progresso Chicken Soup. That was supper along with some crackers.
CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE
Great pics. You clearly had more to cheer about than I did. I just found my limited collection of midges which I will try next time.
ReplyDeleteRKM,
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So you think they were gorging themselves on those tiny bugs....perhaps.
gorgeous area!
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl,
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You really don't have to fish to enjoy it.
The Farmington, a true jewel of a river that seems to handle fishing pressure fairly well.
ReplyDeleteI've been tossing the idea around of getting my non resident Ct. fishing license & try somewhere new such as the Farmington and/or the Ct end of the Housi.
I already fish the Mass end of the Housi from Stockbridge heading north.
The old Housi has been good to me, though expansion is always a thought.
Again, great post............Phil
DRYFLYGUY,
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That is true Phil. I don't know what the cost is, but if you are able to fish it it would be well worth it. As far as the Housy, I'm not to familiar with it. Saw some reports of nice smallies being taken.
Alan
ReplyDeleteThe Farmington is one beautiful river, and the plants along its banks add to the scenery. I have found that trout fishing can be somewhat trail and error, especially when trying to solve the hatch puzzle. Glad you guys were able to connect. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
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It's a lovely place to spend some time.
I gave up trying to match hatches. I try to get size and color as best I can and have some fun. Bill I hope your vacation is going well.
BT,
ReplyDeleteWhat size bombers are you using these days?
thanks,
Cliff
cphaneuf,
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Cliff I have been using size 14's for the most part, at times a 16.
But after the last outing I may tie a few 20's
I've developed a trick for when the trout are rising but there is no apparent hatch going on. I take a small, light colored nymph and cast cross current or slightly diagonal down stream. Strip it back to you so that the nymph is swimming just under the surface of the water at a fairly quick pace. It's surprisingly effective.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photo's as always!
Bill,
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Sounds like that may work. I'll give it a shot next time out.
Great looking fish country there Brk Trt. In my travels thru your home state I've often wondered about the fishing possibilities there. Beautiful trout..
ReplyDeletepenbayman,
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That river is awesome, and frustrating at times.
Nicely done Alan, matching the hatch can be frustrating or very rewarding in your case!
ReplyDeleteLQN,
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That's an understatement. None the less enjoyable.
Sometimes matching isn't in the cards... and guess what? Second thing you do is go to your smallest fly in the box... lol. Works for me. = )
ReplyDeleteThe River Damsel,
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That's good advice. I don't think I had one small enough. But you know what, I will soon.