This is what keeps us coming back- Andy Lyon's hand cradling a flawless November Farmington River Brown Trout.Well we finally got a good soaker of a rain, at 2+ inches, seems like November/December is the end of this interminably long drought. Flows are greatly improved from the Still River and below it, with 289cfs & dropping in the permanent Catch & Release/TMA in Pleasant Valley/New Hartford as of this morning (66cfs at USGS gauge at Riverton Rt 20 bridge, plus 223cfs from the Still River). This is a normal late fall flow, we've been well below average water levels since August. Still River is receding, so get up this weekend while the flows are still medium. This should get the trout moving & feeding, nymphs & streamers would be high percentage right now to connect with an above average fish. Winter Caddis sz 18-24 in the AM & Blue Winged Olives sz 24-28 in the afternoon remain the main hatches, with tiny Midges sz 24-32 in the mix also. Water temps will range from mid 30's to low 40's, depending upon weather, time of day, and distance from dam.
Streamers remain very effective at moments, espeically during low-light conditions- experiment with colors & retrieves to find what's "hot" at any given moment (it changes!). FYI a nymph or soft-hackle trailed off the hook bend 18" behind a weighted streamer is still a great fish catching rig. Typically the smaller trailing fly catches the majority of the trout, but some days the streamer does most of the business. See down 3 paragraphs below for our Holiday specials.
Effective nymphs include: smaller nymphs sz 16-22 (Midges, Baetis, Quasimodo Pheasant Tails, Hot Spot Attractors, Rainbow Warriors, etc.) and Caddis Pupa sz 16-18 (tan, brown) and Larva sz 14-16 (olive/green). Egg patterns are very effective, so make sure to have some egg flies (small Glo Bugs/Sucker Spawn/Otter Eggs) in your arsenal. Although smaller nymphs have been more consistent than bigger ones, don't rule out Stonefly Nymphs sz 8-14 (brown, golden/yellow, black), sometimes they will pull bigger fish, especially now the flow is temporarily back to normal.
The MDC did their fall trout stocking in early November. This batch was stocked in the upper river from the Goodwin/Hogback Dam in Riverton downstream to Whittemore Pool.
The Holidays are now upon us. This season please think of the small businesses that you frequent and support them. UpCountry values your business and has some holiday specials to share with you. Simms Headwater Waders are now $249.99.... $100 off. Hardy Lightweight series reels are now $120.00.....reg price was $249.99. Simms Tee Shirts size large are buy one get one free. Korkers Whitehorse Wading Boots $120.....reg priced $179.99. We have a limited selection of Simms & Umpqua Packs and Vests 40% off. In addition to these items, UpCountry will price match just about any sale or deal you can find on the internet.... we appreciate your business and recognize that sometimes a deal will pop up online that you can't resist.... just bring it to our attention.
UpCountry has recently acquired a ton of Simms closeouts that are on sale. There is a yuuuge selection of Mens & Womens: Gore-tex jackets, packs, slings, shirts, pants, tee shirts, and a few shoes/wading boots/waders. Sizes are limited (the Men's is mostly in Large, and the Women's is all in Medium) and there are only a couple of each item so when they are gone they are gone.
We are always looking for good trade-in fly rods and reels to sell on our website. If you are looking for some new equipment we will gladly put the value of your used gear toward new items in our store. Give us a call to make an appointment.... our prices on trade ins are typically higher than found anywhere else.
If you like our fishing report, please consider buying your gear from us. We generally ship the same day, for free anywhere in the country on all but the smallest orders. Our shop can only exist with your patronage.