Reminder: Don't forget to go online to CTDeep.gov for your 2017 fishing license !!
River Report
River Flow 1010 CFS - Visibility Stained - AM Water Temp 33'F. - Mostly sunny, with a high near 35. Northwest wind 6 to 10 mph. - AM Air Temp 23' - Today's High 35' - Tonight's Low 14'
Catch Big Rainbows! How?
Help us to stock the Housy with some great rainbows this spring! Our annual spring stocking of the big rainbows is fast approaching. We want to put a lot of these big and strong rainbows in the river this year. For each donation of $20 or more we will issue a raffle ticket. This raffle ticket will enter you into a drawing for a number of great prizes. Prizes include, but are not limited to the following: a guided float trip for you and a friend, a complete Cortland Competition Nymph Rod and Reel setup, spey casting lessons and more. The drawing will be held on Saturday, April 8th at our annual Opening Day Pancake Breakfast. You need not be present to win.
How to donate? You can call us at the shop at 860.672.1010 and donate with a credit card, you can mail us a check or you can even stop in the store and hand deliver it. Checks can be made to OSI/Friends of the Housatonic. This is a non-profit organization and your donation would be tax deductible.
We look forward to your support of this spring stocking and of course your pictures with these big fish if they don't break you off. They do fight like steelhead!
Now for the fishing conditions. The river is at 1010 CFS. This is a fishable level for Big Streamers. If you get bumped on a streamer; nymph the same area with a size 8 Stonefly Nymph. The days are getting longer and the sun is stronger. This helps to bring up the river water temps. As the river warms the fish are going to be more active. Remember these fish have not had any real fishing pressure since November. Check our website or call the shop for daily updates on river conditions. Now is the time to start going thru your fly vest. Clean out the old leaders & tippet spools. Then replace them with fresh. Reorganize your flies into new boxes. Check to see how much floatant, lead shot, strike indicators, tippet rings are left over from last year or bring your gear into the shop and we can help you tune it up for the coming season. If your fly line is becoming stiff or cracked it's time to change it. You can bring your fly reel to the shop and we can machine wind a new fly line with free backing !! If your favorite rod has broken guides, tip tops, missing hook keeper or needs new wraps.......Bring it down to the shop for repair.
We like the following patterns: Zonkers, Woolly Buggers, Pick Yur' Pocket, 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 Yellow Stone Mop Fly, 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.