Guest post by Rich Strolis
Farmington River Tailwater
Well June came and went and the fishing was nothing short of spectacular. The Farmington River has been holding steady at a flow between 240-350 cfs with temperatures in the 50's, perfect for trout. With releases a bit lower than last season and a reservoir with an abundance of water we should see sustained cold water into mid-August or later before we get any sort of flip effect.
Yellow Mayflies Abound
The sulfurs are here in full force and have been providing some great surface activity from anytime in the afternoon. With 3-4 different sizes and colors emerging at any given time, it pays to have a few of the same patterns in sizes ranging from 14-20 in pale yellow, bright yellow, orange and pale olive to cover your bases.
A sulfur parachute, or snowshoe emerger in those color ranges usually gets the job done, but don't neglect fishing the nymphal stage, as it can be the most productive stage to imitate. This can usually be imitated with a pheasant tail or hare's ear in a dark to rusty brown color, but a variety of other smaller mayfly nymphs out there will be the ticket.
Isonychia, Blue-Winged Olives and Needhami
The first brood of Isonychia are here, and they can emerge sporadically at any time, most likely in the later part of the day. A larger comparadun or snowshoe emerger fished blind in the riffles can bring even the largest of fish to the surface, and the takes are usually violent.
Various olives from small to minute are also a daily occurrence as of late, and like the sulfur, are in a variety of colors as well. Light olive to dark olive, pale grey to apple green, in sizes 28+ to as large as a 16.
Needhami (Little Dark Hendrickson) are hatching in good numbers a well with spinner falls occurring at the same time as new insects emerge, so be sure to have imitations of both.
Summer Caddis and Terrestrials
Summer caddis are hatching most mornings, and dark blue sedges, tan, grey and black caddis hatching sporadically on any given day. Larger yellow craneflies are still emerging in good numbers and lastly, little yellow sallies are just starting to come into the picture, so I guess it is safe to say, there is quite a wide range of food choices out there trout to choose from.
Throw in the fact that terrestrials are a key part of mid day fishing and you have a wide range of options. A well placed ant, beetle or inch worm can be the ticket in keeping a bend in the rod on hotter sunny days, and don't be bashful at going large either.
Rubber Hatch Starting
As usual, this time of year the river receives a great deal of use from watercraft, so adjust your fishing mindset accordingly. If you happen to be on the water during a high watercraft traffic day, seek out areas of lesser traffic and you should strike gold.
And lastly, on high hot sunny days, target the shaded riffles and seams and you will find some success. Should be another great month of fishing ahead. Good luck!
Rich Strolis
Catching Shadows Guide Service
Rich Strolis is an independent guide on the Farmington and Housatonic rivers in Connecticut. A fisherman of 25 + years and fly tyer of 20. Aside from guiding clients on his home waters frequently, Rich is a passionate and innovative fly tyer who showcases several of his creations in his monthly fly tying videos.
***Visit our Farmington River Fly Fishing Guide for additional information and current stream conditions.***
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