Nutmeg Bronzebacks -- Smallmouth Bass Fly Fishing in Connecticut

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Ranked #3,542 in Sports, #82,664 overall

Introduction

Connecticut is blessed with so many good and even great trout rivers - the Housatonic, the Farmington, the Salmon, the Shepaug... but these same streams offer fantastic smallmouth bass fishing during the dog days of summer when trout ought to be left alone - just steer clear of the thermal refuges.

I love running water - I am drawn to it.

Fly fishing allows me to profoundly enjoy and appreciate nature: I can catch fish and release them unharmed (as fish _very_ rarely swallow flies,) I can learn about what fish eat, I can try to create something that will imitate it (fly tying is, to me, almost as good as the fishing itself, and fooling a fish using a fly I tied myself is great), I can drive through stunning rural areas to reach rivers that look like they've been pulled from the pages of a fairy tale, and I can fish by myself miles of rivers, streams and brooks, many with sunnies, some with wild smallmouths and wild brown trout, others (fewer every year) with wild, native brook trout. Fly fishing has something artistic about it. And it has so many facets, that it could take a lifetime to master just one of its aspects. That's what makes it fun. (If you are giving fly fishing a try, please don't give up, as the learning curve can be steep initially if you're by yourself).

The Nutmeg State is home to wonderful smallmouth bass fisheries, offering non-stop fun during the summer and fall in the form of the feisty bronzeback, which has been described as "pound per pound the fightingest fish" of all.

P.S. Please remember to "Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers:" prevent the transport and spread of nuisance species.  ....And don't be a "bucket biologist," either: don't introduce smallmouths or other plant/animal species.

Connecticut Smallmouth Hotspots 

Please be advised that the addresses are used simply because that's how Google Maps works.

PLEASE DOUBLE-CHECK THE CT DEP ANGLER'S GUIDE FOR CHANGES AND FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION.
http://www.ct.gov/dep

PLEASE RESPECT THE LAW AND DON'T ANNOY NEIGHBORS BY PARKING WHERE YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO. Thanks.

Have class -- don't trash. Leave it cleaner than it was before.

Wear bug repellent and a wading belt. If fishing alone, tell others where you'll be, how to reach you, and when to expect you home.

In the fall, make noise as you walk around wooded areas to alert bears (more and more common in Connecticut) -- they just want to avoid you; also, wear a bright orange hat.

Again, these are just suggestions -- refer to the DEP's guide.

~~~

I have focused on smallmouth bass in rivers, as that's what I am more comfortable writing about, but will soon add a list of stillwater smallmouth hot spots.

When fly fishing for smallmouth, use surface flies (bugs, dries) during the morning and evening hours of summer (when light isn't too intense and there is most insect activity), but switch to larger streamers (flies imitating smaller fish) or nymphs during the fall. If the water is uncomfortably deep (that is, if the water is above your waist or lower chest), switch to a sink-tip line, or buy a weighted leader to connect to your floating line.

You can fish crayfish (crawfish) year round, unless the water is very shallow. These crustaceans are relished by bronzebacks, and in the same stretch of river you'll find some as small as crickets and some that look like little lobsters. My recommendation: don't buy/tie crayfish flies that are on the larger side, nor flies that have large claws, as smallmouths will pick smaller crayfish, as they are more abundant, easier to subdue, and less likely to give them a nasty pinch. (There's no need to tie anything very elaborate. My favorite crayfish fly is "Henry's Crawfish" -- http://www.flyanglersonline.com/flytying/fotw2/112700fotw.php -- which I tie with lead-free barbell and cheap, non-dyed spinning deer hair).

As to spring fishing, leave smallmouth bass alone, as the fight to breed and protect their nests is very demanding on them. It's not true sportsmanship to target them, for fish protecting their nest will aggressively strike anything that's too close to them, and nests are quickly raided by other fish (smallmouth caviar) while the smallmouth is away or recuperating from its struggle. Focus on trout instead!

 

New fly angler? Don't despair...

I have found a great website with info about choosing a rod and fly line, knots, flies, etc.:
Smallmouths.com: Tacticts, Trips, Tackle and tales

just cut and paste: http://www.smallmouths.com/category/fly-fishing

Stanley Works area Bass Management Area 

Housatonic River

When you approach the (mostly unpaved) River Road from the south, don't expect the road to be marked with a street sign. Instead, look for a sign that states that the "road" is part of the Appalachian Mountain Trail, and closes at sunset. Drive very carefully, as there are many potholes, and during the weekend it is used by hikers, families with their children, and bicyclists.

Familiarize yourself (as with any other stream) with the river. A good time to do so is the summer when waters are usually lower and you can see its structure, figure out which spots look more promising, and learn where the deep holes are (they may hold many fish, but they can also be dangerous: any river can be dangerous and potentially deadly).

I used to think that Housatonic smallmouth bass were all a little on the small size, but I was wrong! "Icepeep", a member of RiverSmallies.com, gave me (in response to a post on the website's forum) the following advice: "The Housatonic has some big fish. You should throw some bigger flies. When they are on the surface I use big poppers and Dahlberg Divers fished fast and loud. Also that river is perfect for Red and White Hackles in a 1/0 or 2/0. I would also try some big nymphs dead-sticked or stripped and large Muddler Minnows". Thanks Icepeep! Will do!

Catch & Release only (due to high PCBs).

Wear orange: hunting during fall & winter.
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Bull's Bridge BMA/TMA 

Housatonic River

From Bull's Bridge Impoundment Dam (Kent) to Gaylordsville Bridge (RT 7, New Milford)

Area also includes a Trout Management Area. AREAS WITHIN 100' OF TRIBUTARIES ARE CLOSED 6/15 TO 8/31.

Catch & Release only (due to high PCBs).

A beautiful area, both historically and biologically. Look for a large "Bulls Bridge" metal sign. There will be two bridges, one right after the other: a modern one and then a classic covered bridge. Don't miss the spectacular waterfalls to be seen both from the road (just before the parking lot), and just further down (requiring a short hike through the woods.)

Unfortunately this area of "the Hous" isn't kept as clean as other areas (beer cans, foam worm boxes, etc.) -- perhaps because it's so easily accessible to people, slobs included. It's a pity that a few bad apples can spoil a place (and others' experience) and give anglers a bad name that confirms some people's prejudices. Also, a place that has some trash lying around is more likely to be trashed again. I encourage you to carry a small bag and actually pick up, and dispose of properly, trash that isn't yours (I assume you take care of your own!)

Nevertheless, do stop by, take a look at the spectacle of water running down steep rocky banks. The rocks themselves have been eroded by the water and are often very interestingly shaped. The faster water holds some nice trout, and the slower waters at the bottom of the waterfall have trout, very eager to bite smallmouths, and... fallfish! These large native minnows (the largest minnow in New England, up to 1.5' long) are quite neat looking (they have large, silvery scales) and fight well, too. Please release them unharmed. They like clear, cold water in streams and mountain lakes -- don't confuse them with non-native carp.
~~~
Read more about this area at http://www.berkshirehiking.com/hikes/bulls_bridge.html
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more Housatonic (this time in MA) 

From Lenox to Woods Pond, MA

OK, this is cheating -- kind of -- as we're out of state. But I've heard so much good stuff about the Housatonic in Massachusetts that I had to include this.

An article from the wonderful and very valuable On the Water magazine (onthewater.com) states: the "Housatonic River has been reborn into a tremendous fishery. The Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife has said they consider the area from New Lenox Road in Lenox to Woods Pond in Lenoxdale to be the second-best warm-water fishery in the Commonwealth. The area below the dam in Lenoxdale has since been made catch-and-release only, and it is now stocked with trout. People from all over New England are utilizing it and learning about its world-class fishing. Right below the dam at Woods Pond, I have caught brown trout, rainbow trout, tiger muskie, northern pike, perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, rock bass, and carp. " (http://www.onthewater.com/HousatonicRiver.html)

Check out hot fishing spots in Mass as well as licensing info at http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/fishing/best_bets/best_bets_home.htm
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Kings Island & neighboring flats 

Connecticut River

Difficult to access and often dangerous, this hotspot is recognized in Tim Holschlag's book "Smallmouth Fly Fishing" as being the river in Connecticut most likely to yield large ones (ulike the smaller bronzebacks of the Housatonic, whose cold waters slow down their growth).

Located south of the Enfield Dam and north of Windsor Locks (near Hartford).

I must admit I've never been there as access for waders is difficult and the water's current is very powerful. Contact a local fishing shop and find out how the conditions are before you go; only try to wade when the water is very low, wear a personal flotation device, and stick to the most protected spots.
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Lower Farmington River 

Tariffville area

This area isn't too far from Windsor, where the Farmington River joins the Connecticut River -- another good fishing spot (Windsor is just south of Kings Island).

I'd like to tell you more, but I haven't been there. However, the DEP tells me it's an excellent spot. So, if you live in or near Hartford, give it a try and write me a line.
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An introduction to the joys of smallmouth bass fly fishing 

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Purchase DVD at http://www.amazon.com http://www.FishFever.com Search for "FishFever DVD" Chris is fishing the mighty Mississippi River and shows you how to take advantage topwater-style, the mayfly "blizzard" hatches occurring in summer. Fans of smallmouth and topwater will appreciate this cool clip from our "Smallmouth Bass On The Fly" DVD.

Runtime: 301
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46 Comments:

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Minnesota bronzebacks 

Fly fishing smallmouth bass St. Louis River Minnesota

Fly fishing for smallmouth bass on the St. Louis River fly fishing with Venture North, PBS Ch.8. http://www.arrowheadflyangler.com http://www.greatlakesflycompany.com

Runtime: 458
92844 views
35 Comments:

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Recommended fly fishing books & videos 

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Poppers and other surface flies 

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Tieing the Clouser Deep Minnow 

Part 1

How to tie a clouser part 1

Bob clouser shows how to make the basic clouser

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Part 2

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How to tie a Wooly Bugger 

the Lego men show you how, in this hilarious video!

Lego My Fly

Fly tying lego stop motion with a painted lady bugger

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Reader Feedback 

Corrections or praise welcome! Also, let me know if there's a smallmouth hotspot in Connecticut (or close by) that you'd like to share. Thanks : )

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  • Reply
    webmann webmann Apr 17, 2007 @ 9:28 am
    Hey NaturLovr, love your fly fishing lens. I have been tying fly fishing flies from more than 30 years now and love out fishing my fly fishing buddies.

    Keep up the good work, and add some profile info. :)
  • Reply
    AnglerUniversity AnglerUniversity Feb 23, 2007 @ 9:00 am
    I love this lens! It is very professional, informative, and most of all - alerts folks to the fact that fly fishing isn't just for trout anymore! (although I love to trout fish as well) Good luck with your lens and thanks for being part of the Fly Fishing Group on Squidoo.
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by NaturLovr

Hello world. This is my bio. I can edit it later! (more)

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