Don't forget to purchase your 2017 Fishing License!
Today's Forecast: Chilly start 25' (although seasonable) and warming up to 51' and sunny skies for early part of day. Clouds will be filtering in as the day goes on. Tonight will drop back down to 32'.
Now for the fishing conditions. Snowmelt here and up north have the river up from yesterday, 4140 CFS. The water levels should drop back into fishable levels as the week goes on and should be in good shape by the weekend. The warmer air and warmer water temps have both the fish and insect activity on the rise. The river hasn't seen any real pressure since November so once the levels get back in the zone you will want to be here. In the meantime, swing by and stock up on leaders, tippet, floatant and even tying materials to get your gear ready. Also check your fly lines to see if they need cleaning or even replacing. Need a new line? Come in and we will get you setup with a new line and backing (backing is free with any line purchase currently).
General fishing techniques this time of the year: Look for the deeper pools and channels as the fish are located in these spots. In general, this time of the year you do well to wait until the sun gets on the water for a bit to help warm it up some. We suggest starting later in the morning with some big streamers and search the water. You can get a little more aggressive with this warmer weather. All colors of streamers are effective at times, so swap out and modify your retrieve if you don't get any takes. We are seeing early black stoneflies starting to show up so make sure you have some of these in your boxes (size 14-18). Egg patterns dropped behind a big stonefly (8-12) are also very effective this time of the year. Trail the egg about 18" behind the stonefly so it gently rolls through the water. Early black stones are here so you'll want to have a few of these (size 14-18).
In addition to the stoneflies mentioned above, we like the following patterns: Hares Ear (12-16), BH Princes (10-16), BH Pheasant Tails (12-18), Rubber Legs (all colors), 20 Incher's (8-16) & Euro Bead Head Princes. Don't forget to try a San Juan or Squirmy Worm too. We recommend a drop rig for maximum effectiveness and use an indicator to make sure you don't miss any takes. Try the AirLock indicators if you haven't already. They are the best!
We've got upcoming fly tying events for March, so check our events page.
We are going to have Aaron Jasper back in May for another Euro Nymping Clinic !! Call the shop to sign up as space is limited.
Since you're reading our river report, please consider purchasing your gear from us. We are happy to have the opportunity to match any deals out there you may come upon. Give us a call first and let us have the first chance. Thanks!
Our Guides are Ready to Take You Trout Fishing!!! - Don't forget we offer a FULL ROD REPAIR SERVICE Bamboo, Graphite and Glass. - Reel Seat Replacement, Cork Grip Repairs, Guide Replacement, Rod Wrapping and Rod Finishing. - Repair your old favorite rods and fish them again!!
Start thinking about spring and book your guided fishing trips now! The best time to get out in the spring is Late April to Mid May and these dates always fill up fast so don't wait! We want to thank all of you for a great season this year and look forward to providing you with a great fishing experience again in the new year. A BIG THANK YOU from all of our guides!
Don't forget we buy, sell or trade used and antique fishing equipment rods, reels, lines, duck and fish decoys, fishing lures, books, artwork, collectibles and tying materials/tools. If you are looking to trade in, sell, or are just scaling down as they say, bring your items in or take pictures and email them to us and we will happily purchase or offer a trade up. I have been purchasing and selling used and collectible items for over 25 years and our fishing/hunting library in the store is the finest and largest probably in the country. We will happily show you the value of your items and then offer trade-in or purchase prices. So give us a call (860-672-1010) or send and email (hflyshop@aol.com). We also purchase estates and will gladly come over to your house to assess the value of your collection and purchase the entire collection.