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Between the Housatonic and Farmington Rivers, and their many tributaries, there is almost always productive fishing. When conditions are poor on one river, opportunities open up on another. |
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River Flow
HOUSATONIC RIVER AT FALLS VILLAGE, CT. WEST BRANCH FARMINGTON RIVER AND THE STILL RIVER
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River Report
Friday Sept 3rd. I think we are out of the woods in terms of trout mortality on the Housatonic but this beautiful, hot, sunny weather is not what we need right now. The Housy is
flowing at around 100 CFS this morning which is crazy low. This will delay the DEP's restocking of the river so pray for more rain! It has been a tough summer for the Housy trout but with
over 10,000 trout being stocked in early to mid Sept., plus many big holdover trout, the fishing should be excellent this fall. The Farmington is still the best option but the fishing there has been
difficult because of low water (90 CFS this morning) and because it is simply that time of year.....the summer doldrums! I AM BOOKING TRIPS DAILY FOR SEPT & OCT AND HAVE THE FOLLOWING DAYS
AVAILABLE: Sept 6,8,12,14,15,17,20,21,22,23,27,29 & 30 AND Oct 1,3,4,5,6,7,9,12,13,17,19-30. Book soon, especially if you are limited to the weekends!!!
I STILL HAVE ROOM AT CHUCAO LODGE IN CHILE FROM JAN 29TH-FEB 5. We will be fishing out of two lodges on this trip and the owner wrote the book "Fly fishing in Chilean Patagonia," so
rest assured that you will be in the good hands of an experienced outfitter. Some of the rivers we will be floating offer realistic chances at browns and rainbows over 10 pounds. The standard
rate for this exceptional trip is $4200 per person but for those with deposits in by August 1st the rate has been reduced to $3600. Call me and I will give you all the details.
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HOW TO INTEPRET RIVER FLOWS
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Housatonic Flow
Reading flows and trying to determine whether the Housatonic is fishing well is a tricky business. An angler who states that the "The fishing on the Housatonic is best between 400 and 800 CFS (Cubic Feet per Second)" is making too many assumptions. This statement is by and large true for wade anglers, but how is the fishing when it is at1500 CFS? The answer to this question varies greatly. Look at the graph. If the river has been at 1500 CFS for a period of several days then the fishing is likely to be good, especially for the streamer and nymph fisherman. On the other hand, if the river has been at a consistent 500 CFS and then jumps up to 1000CFS in one day, chances are the fishing will be poor. What is most important is water clarity and flow consistency. If the river has been flowing at a consistent CFS or is falling, then the clarity is likely to be good and the fishing good .... regardless of the CFS. I have enjoyed excellent fishing at 2000CFS from my drift boat. Water temperature is the most critical factor in terms of trying to determine whether trout will be active or not. As a general rule, the trout on the Housatonic will be most active when the temps are between 55 & 70 degrees. Once the river hits 70 degrees or more look for the bass fishing to improve. |
Farmington Flow
My stance on the Farmington is very different from most anglers. In my opinion, there is no bad time to fish the Farmington, unless the river is in excess 1500 CFS. Even after several inches of rain, I have enjoyed superb fishing when the river was up to 1200CFS. The Farm stays reasonably clear even after heavy rains, and in many cases when the water comes up and discolors the big boys turn on and can be caught with streamers. To generalize, the Farmington is best to wade at 600CFS or less and it is at these flows you are likely to have the best dry fly fishing. Water temperature is rarely an issue on the Farmington, the more you move upstream towards Riverton and towards the dam the colder she gets. In order to understand what the flow is you must add the flow of both the Still River and the West Branch. |
For reservations or information please call or write to:
(860) 672-4457 - Cell: 860-387-3300
Housatonic Anglers
26 Bolton Hill Road
Cornwall, CT 06753
E-mail: housangler@yahoo.com
Winter Trout Fising in Chile