stream conditions
05/20/2012
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Please help us out & donate so we can stock some of our fat HRO Rainbows in May, it's expensive. The state stocked 9,000 trout from 8-18" May 1st. Flow is once again back down to 1,000cfs & steadily dropping, clarity is much better & increasing- this is a super-fishable, wadeable medium level. The fishing reports from Saturday were good to excellent. This is a great time to hit the Housy, and the hatches are cranking- we are in the beginning of what I like to call "Crazy Time". When they aren't rising, nymphs such as Stoneflies, Caddis pupa, March Browns and other assorted Mayfly nymphs have been working, and streamers too (especially in low light, early/late in day). Sulfurs are hatching well now, Caddis are still going strong, March Browns too. Check out the fish pix on our FaceBook page & please "Like" us. Don't forget to go online & purchase/print out a new license, we DO NOT have a license machine.05/19/2012
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Please help us out & donate so we can stock some of our fat HRO Rainbows in May, it's expensive. The state stocked 9,000 trout from 8-18" May 1st. Another nice water drop has put us in the low 1,000cfs range with much improved clarity, we should be under 1,000 by Sunday morning, Housy is still dropping fast & clearing steadily. This is a great time to hit the Housy, and the hatches are cranking- we are in the front end of what I like to call "Crazy Time". When they aren't rising, nymphs such as Stoneflies, Caddis pupa, March Browns and other assorted Mayfly nymphs have been working, and streamers too (especially in low light, early/late in day). Sulfurs are hatching well now, Caddis are still going strong, March Browns too. Check out the fish pix on our FaceBook page & please "Like" us. Don't forget to go online & purchase/print out a new license, we DO NOT have a license machine.05/18/2012
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Please help us out & donate so we can stock some of our fat HRO Rainbows in May, it's expensive. The state stocked 9,000 trout from 8-18" May 1st. Housy dropped about 200cfs since yesterday, look for some BIG drops today & Saturday, we should be down near 1,00c0cfs by Saturday morn, and under 1,000 by Sunday, clarity is increasing daily. Weekend weather will be sunny & 70's, nice! Should be a great weekend to hit the Housy, and the hatches are cranking, we are in the front end of what I like to call "Crazy Time". When they aren't rising, nymphs such as Stoneflies, Caddis pupa, March Browns and other assorted Mayfly nymphs have been working, and streamers too (especially in low light, early/late in day). Sulfurs are hatching well now, Caddis are still going strong, March Browns too. Check out the fish pix on our FaceBook page & please "Like" us. Don't forget to go online & purchase/print out a new license, we DO NOT have a license machine.05/17/2012
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Please help us out & donate so we can stock some of our fat HRO Rainbows in May, it's expensive. The state stocked 9,000 trout from 8-18" May 1st. Housy flowed has peaked & is starting to recede now. Look for big water drops on Friday & Saturday, I'd guess low 1,000cfs range by Saturday morning. Weather will be warm & sunny for the weekend. When they aren't rising, nymphs such as Stoneflies, Caddis pupa, March Browns and other assorted Mayfly nymphs have been working, and streamers too (especially in low light, early/late in day). Sulfurs are hatching well now. Caddis are still going strong, March Browns too. Check out the fish pix on our FaceBook page & please "Like" us. Don't forget to go online & purchase/print out a new license, we DO NOT have a license machine.05/16/2012
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Please help us out & donate so we can stock some of our fat HRO Rainbows in May, it's expensive. The state stocked 9,000 trout from 8-18" May 1st. Rain in Mass Mon night/Tues morn is bumping up the flow, it should peak later today and start dropping/clearing before the weekend- I expect good conditions for Sat/Sun, weather will be nice. When they aren't rising, nymphs such as Stoneflies, Caddis pupa, March Browns and other assorted Mayfly nymphs have been working, and streamers too (especially in low light, early/late in day). Sulfurs are hatching well now. Caddis are still going strong, March Browns too. Check out the fish pix on our FaceBook page & please "Like" us. Don't forget to go online & purchase/print out a new license, we DO NOT have a license machine.05/13/2012
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Please help us out & donate so we can stock some of our fat HRO Rainbows in May, it's expensive. The state stocked 9,000 trout from 8-18" May 1st. Housy is in much better shape & dropping nicely (under 1,200cfs), visibility is 2.5+ feet and increasing. Check out the pic on HRO FaceBook page of the 22" brown client Sarah caught on a Sulfur dry, way to go Sarah! When they aren't rising, nymphs such as Stoneflies, Caddis pupa, March Browns and other assorted Mayfly nymphs are tough to beat, and streamers too (especially in low light, early/late in day). Sulfurs are hatching well now. Caddis (green & tan) are still going strong, March Browns too. Check out the fish pix on our FaceBook page & please "Like" us. Don't forget to go online & purchase/print out a new license, we DO NOT have a license machine.05/12/2012
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Please help us out & donate so we can stock some of our fat HRO Rainbows in May, it's expensive. The state stocked 9,000 trout from 8-18" May 1st. Housy started dropping Friday, we are fishable for sure at about 1,500cfs this morning & going down steadily, should see a drop of several hundred cfs today. Visibility is 2+ feet and increasing. Today big Stonefly nymphs & Princes fished along the current edges will be tough to beat, and streamers too. Sulfurs are just starting up this week, should get heavier every day. Caddis (green & tan) are still the dominant hatch now, March Browns also. When they aren't rising, think subsurface w/ stoneflies, Princes, March Brown-type nymphs, cadddis larva/pupa & various Mayfly-type nymphs. Check out the fish pix on our FaceBook page & please "Like" us. Don't forget to go online & purchase/print out a new license, we DO NOT have a license machine.05/10/2012
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Please help us out & donate so we can stock some of our fat HRO Rainbows in May, it's expensive. The state stocked 9,000 trout from 8-18" May 1st. Flow is rising but fishable this morning, we needed that rain. Weekend weather looks great, with no rain & highs in the low/mid 70's. Sulfurs will probably be a full-blown hatch by then. Caddis (green & tan) are still the dominant hatch now, w/ some March Browns around too, and maybe a few Sulfurs- everything is early this year. When they aren't rising, think subsurface w/ stoneflies, Princes, March Brown-type nymphs, cadddis larva/pupa & various Mayfly-type nymphs. Check out the fish pix on our FaceBook page & please "Like" us. Don't forget to go online & purchase/print out a new license, we DO NOT have a license machine.05/09/2012
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Please help us out & donate so we can stock some of our fat HRO Rainbows in May, it's expensive. The state stocked 9,000 trout from 8-18" May 1st. Fishing remains above average, with good reports coming in every day. Overcast, mild weather today should be good for both hatches & fishing. Streamer fishing can be excellent on days like today. Caddis (green & tan) are still the dominant hatch, w/ some March Browns around too. We should see Sulfurs sometime soon. When they aren't rising, think subsurface w/ stoneflies, Princes, March Brown-type nymphs, cadddis larva/pupa & various Mayfly-type nymphs. Check out the fish pix on our FaceBook page & please "Like" us. Don't forget to go online & purchase/print out a new license, we DO NOT have a license machine.05/06/2012
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Please help us out & donate so we can stock some of our fat HRO Rainbows in May, it's expensive. The state stocked 9,000 trout from 8-18" May 1st. AM Clouds should give way to sun & clouds for the afternoon, fishing was good on Saturday, for both trout & other species- Will's guide trip produced a 34" Carp (see HRO FaceBook page), Pike, and lots of Smallmouth up to 18". Trout reports were mostly good to excellent as well, with lots of Caddis around. Water conditions remain great for both wading & floating. Streamers are producing nicer fish during low light conditions (clouds or early/late). Caddis are the main hatch (grn/olv & tan/brwn), a few March Browns around too. When they aren't rising, think subsurface w/ stoneflies, Princes, March Brown-type nymphs, cadddis larva/pupa & various Mayfly-type nymphs. Check out the fish pix on our FaceBook page & please "Like" us. Don't forget to go online & purchase/print out a new license, we DO NOT have a license machine.
events
05/13/2012
Spey Casting w/ Jerry Jahn & Fred Krowchenko, 9AM-2PM
Let the duo "Spey Casting- North East, LLC" of Jerry Jahn & Fred Krowchenko show you how to cast a 2-handed rod the right way, w/ 50+ years of spey casting between them, and 4+ years of intensive instructing. Spey casting is a very efficient and graceful way to make long 2-handed casts with very limited backcast room, and it's great for people with bad shoulders. Originally for salmon & steelhead, more & more trout fishermen are using spey & switch (short spey) rods, and they have saltwater applications too. All the needed rods, reels, lines & leaders will be supplied, just bring waders, hat & sunglasses (for protection). This small class limited to 4P will give you intensive instruction on the science & art of spey casting. Cost will be $150 per person (non-refundable), paid in advance. Call the shop at 860-672-1010 to reserve a spot, clinic will happen rain or shine, so bring a raincoat.05/06/2012
Davy Wotton Wet Fly & Caddis Clinic May 5th-6th, 9AM-5PM both days, $300
Learn how to effectively fish Caddis & Wet Flies from a guy who might be the best living wet fly fishermen in the world, Davy Wotton aka the "Welsh Wizard". Now residing in Arkanasas & running a successful guide business on the White River system, he will be doing yet another one of his popular 2-day clinics for us, with one full day of Caddis from top to bottom (larva, pupa & adult), and one full day of assorted wet fly/soft-hackle techniques/presentations, fly selection, leader rigging, etc. Learn deadly European style wet fly fishing methods, rigs & flies that were perfected over centuries and are unknown to most Americans. Clinic cost is $300 (+ tax), paid in advance, non-refundable, it happens rain or shine, high water or low. Call shop at 860-672-1010 to book a spot, lunch is included.05/05/2012
Davy Wotton Wet Fly & Caddis Clinic May 5th-6th, 9AM-5PM both days, $300
Learn how to effectively fish Caddis & Wet Flies from a guy who might be the best living wet fly fishermen in the world, Davy Wotton aka the "Welsh Wizard". Now residing in Arkanasas & running a successful guide business on the White River system, he will be doing yet another one of his popular 2-day clinics for us, with one full day of Caddis from top to bottom (larva, pupa & adult), and one full day of assorted wet fly/soft-hackle techniques/presentations, fly selection, leader rigging, etc. Learn deadly European style wet fly fishing methods, rigs & flies that were perfected over centuries and are unknown to most Americans. Clinic cost is $300 (+ tax), paid in advance, non-refundable, it happens rain or shine, high water or low. Call shop at 860-672-1010 to book a spot, lunch is included.04/21/2012
Opening Day Tag Sale 4/21/12, 8AM-5PM
We will be having a really big Tag Sale on Opening Day, there will be all sorts of stuff- you name it, and there will probably be some of it there. We have accumulated a lot of collections, and we have a bunch of stuff in the attic we need to clear out, so there will be bargains galore. So after you fill your belly at our Free Opening Day Pancake Breakfast from 7-11AM, check out our Tag Sale afterwards.04/21/2012
Free HRO Opening Day Pancake Breakfast, 7AM-11AM
This event has become an annual tradition for us, and all are welcome to attend. Stop by and we will feed you pancakes, bacon, sausage, coffee, orange juice & donuts before you head out fishing. If you are here in the afternoon, author Ron Merly will be doing a book signing for his new "Flyfisher's Guide to CT" from noon-4PM. He did a great job on it.04/21/2012
Book Signing- Ron Merly, "Flyfisher's Guide to CT"- noon-4PM
Come out for Opening Day of CT fishing season, attend our annual Free HRO Pancake Breakfast, and then chat with Ron & have him autograph your copy of his new book. I'm glad someone finally did a great guide for flyfisher's in our state, and nobody is more qualified than Ron Merly, the current state record-holder for sea-run brown trout.04/07/2012
Free Housatonic TMA Orientation w/ Torrey, 4/7/12 10AM-2PM
I'll be doing a 2nd driving tour of the Upper Housy TMA this Spring, covering from just above the Rt 7/Rt 4 concrete bridge all the way to Push-Em-Up. We will make multiple stops along the way, and you will be taught pool names, accesses, hatches, high water/low water spots, trout stocking/holdovers/wild trout info, seasonal changes, effective flies, history of the TMA & PCB's, etc. This is a flexible event where I encourage lots of questions. I recommend bringing or buying (I'll have here for sale) the HFFA's "Fishing the Housatonic River Trout Managment Area" guidebook. Ron Merly will be here again after the orientation to do another afternoon signing for his excellent new book "Flyfisher's Guide to CT", Ron is A Housy regular and there is a nice section on the Housy, Bring a pad & pen so you can take notes.04/07/2012
Book Signing- Ron Merly, "Flyfisher's Guide to CT"-1PM-4PM
Ron has written a brand-new, excellent & much-needed guide to the state's flyfishing opportunities, and nobody is more qualified than him. Come attend my Free Housatonic River Orientation from 10AM-2PM, then visit with Ron, get an autographed copy, and ask him all about fishing in CT. He holds the CT state record for sea-run brown trout.03/24/2012
Early Season Nymph & Streamer Clinic w/ Adam, 3/24/12 10AM-2PM- $50 per person
Adam is HRO head guide and a veteran Alaskan guide (still guides there every Summer), and has guided also in Brazil & out West. He has fished extensively in many different places, and is a recent convert to Great Lakes Steelhead. Adam is the real deal, a local guy who eats, sleeps & breathes fishing and guiding. March & April normally see challenging fishing conditions for many- cold & often high water, not too many hatches, and lethargic trout. The antidote is a well-fished streamer or nymph, that's how we get our clients into early season trout. Adam is well-versed in both techniques, and he will show you some of his specialized methods, rigs & flies that he uses to consistently get his clients into fish. Learn how to read the water and adapt to the conditions. Benefit from his years of experience guiding & fishing in diverse geographic regions, he truly is a student of the sport and loves to teach it to others. Clinic cost will be $50, paid in advance, non-refundable, rain or shine. Call the store at 860-672-1010 to book a spot.03/17/2012
Euro/Czech Nymphing Clinic w/ Torrey, 3/17/12 10AM-2PM- $75 per person
The clinic focus will be on the short line/short leader techniques developed & tweaked by the Poles & Czechs in international FF competition. With practice in Euro-style nymphing, the strike detection is extremely high, and the hook-sets are fast- much better than with indicators. Torrey will show you how to construct special leaders (one of the keys to success with this) with droppers & sighters, as well as proper fly pattern selection. Tackle, special knots, strike detection, anchor flies, sighters, reading the water & locating suitable spots, etc. will all be covered. Clinic will be part indoors, part outdoors. While there are some similarities between this and high-stick/short-line USA techniques, make no mistake, this takes it to another level, using weighted flies, no tradtional indicator , long rods, and specially constructed leaders with “sighters”. Those of us using these European methods have seen our catch rates & strike detection go way up. Open your eyes to a deadly way to catch trout in our hard-fished streams, fish that strike indicators miss. Cost is $75, paid in advance, nonrefundable, rain or shine. Bring a pad & pen to take notes and write down leader formulas. Torrey has spent the past several years working hard on perfecting these deadly methods- this is a do not miss clinic!03/10/2012
Free Housatonic Bulls Bridge TMA Orientation w/Torrey, 3/10/12 10AM-2PM
Similar to the orientation I'm doing the weekend before (3/3/12) on the Upper TMA, this one will cover the lower Housy TMA down south off Rt. 7 below Bull's Bridge (another smaller covered bridge). This 2.5 mile TMA is hugely underfished in my opinion, yet offers fishing that can rival or sometimes exceed the Upper TMA. Access is far more limited in this 2.5 mile C&R area, which is in part why it generally receives little pressure. One key thing you will learn is all of the public accesses, some of which are NOT obvious. Another valuable piece of info will be an explanation of the flows (there is a bypass canal that pulls water off right at the damn, an original streambed, and a powerhouse that dumps water back in part way down the TMA)- what the CFS means in practical terms, and how to best adapt your fishing to the flow conditions. Make no doubt about it, this TMA is well stocked and holds trophy trout (up to 24"+), some of which probably never see a fly in their lifetime, and hatches are quite similar to the Upper TMA (which is famous for it's hatches). This will be another interactive orientation where I encourage lots of questions. A fair amount of walking will be involved, so make sure you wear proper footwear/attire, bring a beverage to stay hydrated, and are capable of hiking in a mile on a relatively moderate trail. A plethora of topics will be covered, see details on 3/3 orientation for Upper TMA to learn more. Bring a notepad & pen.03/03/2012
Book Signing- Ron Merly, "Flyfisher's Guide to CT"-1PM-4PM
Ron has written a brand-new, excellent & much-needed guide to the state's flyfishing opportunities, and nobody is more qualified than him. Come attend my Free Housatonic River Orientation from 10AM-2PM, then visit with Ron, get an autographed copy, and ask him all about fishing in CT. He holds the CT state record for sea-run brown trout.03/03/2012
Free Housatonic TMA Orientation w/ Torrey, 3/3/12 10AM-2PM
Our most popular event every year, I'll once again be doing a driving tour of the Upper Housy TMA, covering from just above the Rt 7/Rt 4 concrete bridge all the way to Push-Em-Up. We will make multiple stops along the way, and you will be taught pool names, accesses, hatches, high water/low water spots, trout stocking/holdovers/wild trout info, seasonal changes, effective flies, history of the TMA & PCB's, etc. This is a flexible event where I encourage lots of questions. I recommend bringing or buying (I'll have here for sale) the HFFA's "Fishing the Housatonic River Trout Managment Area" guidebook. I'll also have Ron Merly's excellent new book "Flyfisher's Guide to CT" book also available for sale, it has a nice section on the Housy, Ron is a Housy regular and a damn good fisherman (state record holder for Sea Run Brown Trout). Bring a pad & pen so you can take notes.03/03/2012
Book Signing- Jeff Yates, "Fly Fishing Fairfield County", 1-4PM
4th generation lifelong Fairfield County resident Jeff Yates did a THOROUGH job on this book, giving you detailed info on the 20 designated trout streams in his neck of the woods. He has been fishing these streams for almost 30 years, is a part-time guide, and also president of his local Trout Unlimited chapter. The subtitle is "Secrets of Suburban Trout Streams", and he really does give out a lot of info- access, hatches, maps, hot flies, local resources, conservation issues facing these waters, tackle for small streams, wild fish, where to find bigger trout, etc. Come get an autographed copy & talk to a very nice, knowledgeable angler.02/25/2012
Free Rigging & Knot-Tying Clinic w/ Torrey 2/25/12 10AM-1PM
Knowing how to tie the proper knots for different situations & rigging your leader for different flies and techniques are both important skill sets that many people overlook. I'll teach you the 10 second knot that "changed my life", LOL. You only need to learn a few basic knots, and I'll focus on the important ones. I'll also show you different ways you can set up your leader for different flies/techniques- nymphs, dries, streamers & wets. The "X" system, tippet diameters & breaking strength are subjects that many people are misinformed & confused about, I will cut through the BS and help you clearly understand how it all works. Finally I'll touch on the different types of line (flurocarbon, standard mono & copolymer mono) and the pros & cons of each. Bring a notepad & pen.
Great Fishing!
Finally got some much-needed rain recently,the Housy should be in nice shape for the weekend with beautiful weather. Hatches include Sulfurs, March Browns, Olives and assorted Caddis. When they aren't rising, nymphing has been very effective. We are moving toward what I like to call "Crazy Time"- when multiple hatches are all going all at once. Some big trout have been hooked and landed recently, look at our HRO Facebook page to see the pix. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated to fund our private HRO rainbow stocking.
We are already offering guided float trips, join us, now!
If you need to give a special gift from our store, or even one of our guided river fishing trips, we have it here. We also have scads of special FREE & paid clinics we are offering, check them out, sign up, enjoy! Or any time you need to, click here to write to us.
Be sure to take a look in our online store and see some of the deals we are offering on rods and reels.
Check out our new local (and not so local) weather report, it is cool and a lot of fun!
And be sure to take a look at these two great new books for CT fly fishers - "Fly Fisher's Guide to CT", and "Fly Fishing Fairfield County". They are both available here.
If you happen to be in the Great Barrington area check out this great store (or click here to visit their site).
And, if you have a picture to add to our gallery, feel free to upload it, here .
