The Connecticut River in northern New Hampshire is an incredible destination for novice and experienced fly fishermen alike. It offers dry, nymph and streamer fly fishing opportunities from its headwaters at the 4th Connecticut Lake, near Canada, down to the town of Colebrook, New Hampshire.

One of the reasons this river is such a great fishery is that it has two tail water, bottom released dams. One at First Connecticut Lake, the other at Second. These provide cold water even during the summer months.

The fishing experience on these waters is divided into three seasons. In early spring (mid-May to mid-June) the quarry is Land Locked Salmon as they come out of the lakes and follow the smelt into the river. Streamer patterns work best during this run. From mid-June to about the 3rd week of September both trout and salmon can be fished for and caught with dries and nymphs. Finally towards the end of September and until the end of the fishing season (October 15th), the salmon return to the river to spawn and can be caught with streamers and nymphs.

For the early season, the inlets to 1st Connecticut and 2nd Connecticut Lake are prime spots for casting streamers to aggressive salmon heading up-river. Patterns include Grey Ghost, Black Ghost, Joe’s Smelt, White or Gray Marabou Streamers, Olive and Grey Woolly Buggers and any pattern that has action and color similar to the smelt. Sparsely tied flies work better then heavier patterns.

For the middle (or summer) season, trout and salmon fishing is great on dries and nymphs. Many fishermen use a dry fly on top with a nymph dropper down below. Flies to try include Elk Hair Caddis, CDC Caddis, Parachute Adams, Stimulators, Olive or Cream emergers. For nymphs try using Olive Serendipities, Bead Head Pheasant Tail, Bead Head Hare’s Ear, Bead Head Prince, Copper Johns, Olive Woolly buggers and San Juan Worms.