Our annual picnic date stays the same this year, however instead of meeting on the Farmington River, we'll be meeting at Housatonic Meadows State Park (just north of the intersection of US-7 and CT-4. The Housatonic is way more fishable during early September.
This event begins at 7:00AM and runs until everyone leaves , usually around 7-8pm. Lunch will be around 1:00 AM.
This year, we will not be picnicing with the FVTU chapter. We are asking that you RSVP
HERE and tell us in an email, who you are, and how many people will be coming with you. Guests are invited - and you don't need to be a TU member to attend. We'd just like this information so we know how much food to bring.
We'll probably have a 50/50 raffle, and a prize for the largest fish caught (a photograph dated 9/9 will be acceptable proof.
In September, Trout are active mostly only in the early mornings before the sun warms the water, and when the sun goes down and the bugs come out. Bass, Fallfish, Sunfish, Carp and Northern Pike are active throughout the day, and there's nothing like an aggressive bass on a fly rod.
A 5wt rod, floating line, 4x or 5x tippet, wading gear and wading staff are all you need for a sucessful day on the Housy in September. Remember to bring insect repellent and sunscreen.
For Bass or Pike, a floating mouse pattern is always fun, as are big Olive, Brown or Black Wooley Buggers.
Fishing Report
Housatonic River
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Conditions for fishing should be very good again this weekend and the remainder of July into the beginning of September. Flows are a bit below typical levels for July, currently 456 CFS at Falls Village and are perfect for wading. Morning water temperatures remain favorable for trout and are in the middle to upper 60’s.
Hatches/patterns Hatches/patterns include Alder/Zebra Caddis (#8-10, Alder flies are very active during hot days), Sulphurs (#14-18, evening), Blue Wing Olive (#16-18, cloudy days, early morning; spinner fall in evening), Isonychia (#10-12 late afternoon & evening, just starting), Light Cahill (#12-14, evenings), Adams (#12-16, evening), March Brown (#10-12, afternoon) and Gray Foxes (#14-16). Black Caddis, and Green caddis (#16-18, early morning & evening). Streamers fishing and nymphing with big stoneflies have been very productive.
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Farmington River
At the USCG Gage, the flow remains at 269CFS, but if you're fishing below the confuence of the Still River (at East River Rd and Hwy 20), you should pick up another 20CFS or so.
Water temperatures have been in the low 50’sF below the dam to the mid 60’s F by Collinsville.
Rock Snot is “blooming”. Cymbella janischii is a close relative of Didymo and has been introduced to the West Branch Farmington River. .Janischii is native to the Pacific Northwest and not naturally found on the Eastern seaboard.
Currently this type of “Rock Snot” is very abundant and
should continue to grow through July. The primary area of the river is from New Hartford upstream to Riverton. Note: Didymo is still present primarily in the West Branch above the Still River in Riverton. To help prevent the spread to other rivers and streams, all anglers should take extra care to clean and dry waders that have been in contact with rock snot. DEEP recommends having a pair just for use only in the Farmington River.
Hatches/patterns include Isonychia (#10-12, some moving up into the year-round C & R area), Vitreus (#16-18, from 5:00 pm to dark, Riverton area), Tan Caddis (#16-18, good all day), Sulfurs, (Invaria #16-18, hatches mid-day and Dorothea #16-18) Light Cahill (#10-14), March Brown nymphs (#10-12), Gray Fox (#14, afternoon), Blue Wing Olives (#18-24, mid-late afternoon), Caddis (tan #14-18, all day; green #22-26, evening), Midges (#20-32), Blue Quill (#16-18) and Pale Evening Duns (Epeorus vitreus #16-18, afternoon and early evenings) and the ole reliable red and black ant. Hatches have been best in the evening. Streamers are also good at times (early and late, or when cloudy).