stream conditions
02/03/2012
Click for full report
I (Torrey) am doing a Free Steelhead Fly Tying Clinic this Saturday 2/4 from 10AM-2PM, see events for details. Brand new- Flyfisher's Guide to CT, by Ron Merly, finally a well-done detailed guide on the entire state- he is doing Book Signings at our store on 3/3 & 4/21 (Opening Day). I posted up a bunch of clinics/events (mostly free, some paid) for upcoming weekends, check out our "Events" (bottom rt. corner on Home Page)- Davy Wotton is coming back on May 5th-6th and his clinic is already filling, so sign up ASAP if you are interested (call 860-672-1010). Housy is about the same level as yesterday. I see several days in the forescast with high in the 40's, and with the nights back below freezing, you should see the water level drop some more (snowmelt up North was adding to the flow). Flow is above normal but definitely fishable, clarity is good. Area smaller streams are all fishable too if you like smaller waters. The small number of fishermen heading out this Winter have done well overall. After cold snaps, you may find the river slushed up, so pick your day (ideally sunny & mild) and focus on the afternoons, sunshine usually (but not always) melts off the AM slush.. Lots of cool DVD's & books in stock, come on in & stock up on your fly tying materials too. Don't forget to go online & purchase/print out a new license, all 2011 licenses have expired, and we DO NOT have a license machine. No need to start early in the Winter, late morn thru late afternoon is prime time now, as well as the most comfortable. -Torrey02/02/2012
Click for full report
I'm doing a Free Steelhead Fly Tying Clinic this Saturday 2/4 from 10AM-2PM, see events for details. Brand new- Flyfisher's Guide to CT, by Ron Merly, finally a well-done detailed guide on the entire state. I posted up a bunch of clinics/events (mostly free, some paid) for upcoming weekends, check out our "Events" (bottom rt. corner on Home Page)- Davy Wotton is coming back on May 5th-6th. The mild weather stalled the water drop due to snowmelt up North, Housy is fishable but just slightly lower than yesterday. Look for her to continue dropping now as nights go back below freezing. Fishing should pick up a bit as the flow recedes. The small number of fishermen heading out this Winter have done well overall. After cold snaps, you may find the river slushed up, so pick your day (ideally sunny & mild) and focus on the afternoons, sunshine usually (but not always) melts off the AM slush.. Lots of cool DVD's & books in stock, come on in & stock up on your fly tying materials too. Don't forget to go online & purchase/print out a new license, all 2011 licenses have expired, and we DO NOT have a license machine. No need to start early in the Winter, late morn thru late afternoon is prime time now, as well as the most comfortable. -Torrey02/01/2012
Click for full report
Hot off the press- Flyfisher's Guide to CT, by Ron Merly, finally a well-done detailed guide on the entire state. I posted up a bunch of clinics/events (mostly free, some paid) for upcoming weekends, check out our "Events" (bottom rt. corner on Home Page)- Davy Wotton is coming back on May 5th-6th. Housy has dropped/cleared & is once again fishable, high today will crack 50 degrees, and Thurs/Fri will be 40'ish. These are very nice early February temps, take advanatage of them and catch some Housy trout. Overall the small number of fishermen heading out this Winter have done well. After cold snaps (not an issue of late!), you may find the river slushed up, so pick your day (ideally sunny & mild) and focus on the afternoons, sunshine usually (but not always) melts off the AM slush.. Lots of cool DVD's & books in stock, come on in & stock up on your fly tying materials too. Don't forget to go online & purchase/print out a new license, all 2011 licenses have expired, and we DO NOT have a license machine here. No need to start early in the Winter, late morn thru late afternoon is prime time now, as well as the most comfortable. -Torrey01/29/2012
Click for full report
Hot off the press- Flyfisher's Guide to CT, by Ron Merly, finally a well-done detailed guide on the entire state. I posted up a bunch of clinics/events (mostly free, some paid) for upcoming weekends, check out our "Events" (bottom rt. corner on Home Page). Housy made a modest drop in flow, you should see some much bigger drops for the next few days- look for flows under 2,000cfs. Local small streams/brooks are mostly in nice shape & are still open to fishing thru the end of February. Tuesday thru Friday will see highs from 40-50 degrees, so think about playing hooky & fishing the Housy, she should be in much better shape. Overall the small number of fishermen heading out this Winter have done well. After cold snaps, you may find the river slushed up, so pick your day (ideally sunny & mild) and focus on the afternoons, sunshine usually (but not always) melts off the AM slush.. Lots of cool DVD's & books in stock, come on in & stock up on your fly tying materials too. Don't forget to go online & purchase/print out a new license, all 2011 licenses have expired, and we DO NOT have a license machine here. No need to start early in the Winter, late morn thru late afternoon is prime time now, as well as the most comfortable. -Torrey01/28/2012
Click for full report
Hot off the press- Flyfisher's Guide to CT, by Ron Merly, finally a well-done detailed guide on the entire state. I posted up a bunch of clinics/events (mostly free, some paid) for upcoming weekends, check out our "Events" (bottom rt. corner on Home Page). The rain is done, sunshine will predominate and highs will average around 40 this weekend. Housy came up from the rain, but smaller streams/brooks are fishable for you diehards, I'd give the Housy a few days to drop & clear. Long range highs are in the 30's-40's. Overall the small number of fishermen heading out this Winter have done well. After cold snaps, you may find the river slushed up, so pick your day (ideally sunny & mild) and focus on the afternoons, sunshine usually (but not always) melts off the AM slush.. Lots of cool DVD's & books in stock, come on in & stock up on your fly tying materials too. Don't forget to go online & purchase/print out a new license, all 2011 licenses have expired, and we DO NOT have a license machine here. No need to start early in the Winter, late morn thru late afternoon is prime time now, as well as the most comfortable. -Torrey01/27/2012
Click for full report
Hot off the press- Flyfisher's Guide to CT, by Ron Merly, finally a well-done detailed guide on the entire state. I posted up a bunch of clinics/events (mostly free, some paid) for upcoming weekends, check out our "Events" (bottom rt. corner on Home Page). A steady light rain since mid-afternoon yesterday has pretty much wiped out the last of the snow, and is now slowly pushing water levels up. The light rain should end sometime this afternoon. Predicted high of 52 today, is it really late January??? Long range highs in the 30's-40's. Overall the small number of fishermen heading out this Winter have done well. After cold snaps, you may find the river slushed up, so pick your day (ideally sunny & mild) and focus on the afternoons, sunshine usually (but not always) melts off the AM slush.. Lots of cool DVD's & books in stock, come on in & stock up on your fly tying materials too. Don't forget to go online & purchase/print out a new license, all 2011 licenses have expired, and we DO NOT have a license machine here. No need to start early in the Winter, late morn thru late afternoon is prime time now, as well as the most comfortable. -Torrey01/26/2012
Click for full report
Hot off the press- Flyfisher's Guide to CT, by Ron Merly, finally a well-done detailed guide on the entire state. I posted up a bunch of free & paid clinics/events for upcoming weekends, check out our "Events" (bottom rt. corner on Home Page). A few patches of snow here & there, but for the most part it's gone. Housy is 1,340cfs & dropping this morning, but rain in the forecast for after 3PM & overnight may bump it up. Highs 40-47 degrees for Friday thru Sunday, hard to believe it's late January, above average temps straight thru the 10 Day Forecast. Although reports from Wednesday were slow (prob due to snowmelt chilling water temps), overall the small number of fishermen heading out this Winter have done well. After cold snaps, you may find the river slushed up, so pick your day (ideally sunny & mild) and focus on the afternoons, sunshine usually (but not always) melts off the AM slush.. Lots of cool DVD's & books in stock, come on in & stock up on your fly tying materials too. Don't forget to go online & purchase/print out a new license, all 2011 licenses have expired, and we DO NOT have a license machine here. No need to start early in the Winter, late morn thru late afternoon is prime time now, as well as the most comfortable. -Torrey01/25/2012
Click for full report
Hot off the press- Flyfisher's Guide to CT, by Ron Merly, finally a well-done detailed guide on the entire state. I posted up a bunch of free & paid clinics/events for upcoming weekends, check out our "Events" (bottom rt. corner on Home Page). We had several inches of snow when I left the store on Sunday, now we are mostly down to grass with a little snow still here & there. Highs in the upper 30's to low 40's for the next few days. Housy came up, but at 1,500cfs is still definitely fishable. Long range forecast sees highs mostly in the upper 30's, doable for fishing if you need to scratch that itch. After cold snaps, you may find the river slushed up, so pick your day (ideally sunny & mild) and focus on the afternoons, sunshine usually (but not always) melts off the AM slush.. Lots of cool DVD's & books in stock, come on in & stock up on your fly tying materials too. Don't forget to go online & purchase/print out a new license, all 2011 licenses have expired, and we DO NOT have a license machine here. No need to start early in the Winter, late morn thru late afternoon is prime time now, as well as the most comfortable. -Torrey01/22/2012
Click for full report
Hot off the press- Flyfisher's Guide to CT, by Ron Merly, finally a well-done detailed guide on the entire state. I posted up a bunch of free clinics/events for upcoming weekends, check out our "Store Events". Decent snow base on the ground finally, although we didn't get as much as some places did. Sunny with high around 30 today, looks like a nice one to snowshoe or ski. Well into the 40's for Mon/Tues for those of you who want to fish, could be good! Long range forecast sees all highs above freezing with quite a few 40+ degree days, good fishing weather- take advantage of the window of opportunity. After cold snaps, you may find the river slushed up, so pick your day (ideally sunny & mild) and focus on the afternoons, sunshine usually (but not always) melts off the AM slush.. Lots of cool DVD's & books in stock, come on in & stock up on your fly tying materials too. Don't forget to go online & purchase/print out a new license, all 2011 licenses have expired, and we DO NOT have a license machine here. No need to start early in the Winter, late morn thru late afternoon is prime time now. -Torrey01/21/2012
Click for full report
Hot off the press- Flyfisher's Guide to CT, by Ron Merly, finally a well-done detailed guide on the entire state. There is about an inch of snow on the ground, with 3-5" on the way for today, it finally looks like Winter- remember we both rent & sell snowshoes. Sunday will be 32 degrees w/ sun & clouds, the rest of the week looks pretty good with highs in the 30's-40's- that's fishin' weather in my books, take advantage of the window of opportunity. After cold snaps, you may find the river slushed up, so pick your day (ideally sunny & mild) and focus on the afternoons, sunshine usually (but not always) melts off the AM slush.. Lots of cool DVD's & books in stock, come on in & stock up on your fly tying materials too. Don't forget to go online & purchase/print out a new license, all 2011 licenses have expired, and we DO NOT have a license machine here. Winter nymphs to try include Egg Flies, Midge Larva & Pupa, Stones, Princes, Hare's Ears & San Juan Worms. Target the pools & softer water off the current edges. No need to start early in the Winter, late morn thru late afternoon is prime time now. -Torrey
events
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
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.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.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.02/18/2012
Free Streamer Tying Clinic with Jim Plante
Class will be on Saturday, February 18th, running from about 10AM to 2PM or so. This is a clinic for somewhat experienced tyers, although novices/low intermediates are welcome to participate too. Jim will go over how to tie single hook and articulated (jointed) flies. He will also show how to tie his original signature streamer patterns which are all proven big fish getters. There will probably be 3-4 patterns covered during the clinic, depending upon class size. Materials will be provided, but please bring vise, tools, and threads.02/11/2012
Free Winter Fishing Clinic w/Torrey, 2/11/12 10AM-noonish
Winter is one of my favorite times of year, mainly due to the solitude you can often find on our often heavily-fished Northeastern trout streams. If you learn how to adapt to the conditions, you can have some surprisingly productive fishing. I'll cover things such as how to dress to be comfortable (VERY important), dealing w/ ice-up guides, effective Winter patterns, productive techniques, where fish migrate to in cold water, etc. I'll try to keep this clinic on the briefer side (ending noonish), that way you can try the techniques out right after the clinic (Mother Nature permitting). Bring a notepad & your fishing gear (if you intend to fish afterwards), this clinic will be strictly indoors.02/04/2012
Free Steelhead Fly Tying Clinic w/ Torrey, 2/4/12 10AM-2PM
I've been fishing & tying flies for the Great Lakes Steelhead fishery for 25+ years now, it just might be my favorite fishing of all. I did a stint as a guide in the Salmon River, NY area when I got out of college. Come to this free clinic and I'll show you some of my most productive patterns, the majority of which are quick & easy to tie, as you tend to lose a lot of flies. Whether you are planning your first trip up there, or are a veteran Great Lakes Steelheader, you should pick up some good flies & fishing advice. Please have at least basic tying skills, and bring your own vice, tools & assorted threads- I'll provide the hooks & tying materials. Class will start at 10AM and run until about 2PM, give or take.12/17/2011
HRO Store Christmas Pary 12/17/11
HRO store Christmas Party will be Saturday, December 17th. Not sure on exact start time yet, probably around noonish or 1PM. All are wecome to attend, there will be plenty of tasty free food & drink, and of course, lots of holiday cheer. Come socialize & do a little holiday shopping.12/03/2011
Free Great Lakes Steelhead Clinic w/ Torrey
12/3/11 from 9AM-12 noon- I (Torrey) have guided & fished for Great Lakes Steelhead for 25+ years, they are truly one of the greatest and most accessible trophy trout fisheries in the world. I'll you get started with the basics you need to be successful there: equipment, flies, rigging, best techniques, leaders, tippet, Switch & Spey rods, fighting big fish, etc. I'll even open my own personal fly boxes and show you some of my pet fly patterns. If you've always been curious, now is the time to get started correctly. The Salmon River in NY, where I primarily guided & where I mostly fish, is only 4 hours away from here. Come pick my brain about that fishery and then give it a go. What you will learn is also applicable to lake-run Browns & Salmon. Please call if you plan to attend, so we have an idea of how many people to expect.
Heart shaped Flies?
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 clinics we are offering, check them out, sign up, enjoy!
Or if you need to, click here to write to us.
We are always working on our private trout stockings, and are always collecting donations to help to fund them.
If you happen to be in the Great Barrington area check out this great store (or click here to visit their site).
Be sure to take a look in our online store and see some of the deals we are offering on rods and reels.
And, if you have a picture to add to our gallery, feel free to upload it, here .
