Essex / Old Saybrook Tidal Reachon Connecticut River
What's working on Connecticut River
- 01Smallmouth Bass are actively feeding on crayfish and baitfish in rocky areas.
- 02Striped Bass activity is picking up as they pursue migrating baitfish in the lower river.
- 03Headwater Rainbow Trout are responding to fall Blue-Winged Olive hatches.
- 04Egg patterns are becoming effective for opportunistic trout below spawning areas.
- 05October Caddis are making an appearance, providing dry fly opportunities for trout.
What to tie on at Essex / Old Saybrook Tidal Reach
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
March Brown
March Brown mayflies are an important early spring hatch, making this a prime dry fly for rising Rainbow Trout in the headwaters.
Buy at AmazonClouser Minnow (Saltwater)
A versatile baitfish imitation effective year-round for migratory saltwater species like Striped Bass, which are active in the lower river and estuary during spring.
Buy at AmazonClouser Minnow (Bass)
An excellent baitfish imitation for Smallmouth Bass year-round, particularly effective in clear water during spring as they become more active.
Buy at AmazonElk Hair Caddis
Caddis activity begins in late spring, and this classic dry fly is highly effective for Rainbow Trout keying on adult caddis.
Buy at AmazonHendrickson
Hendrickson mayflies hatch in early spring, providing excellent dry fly opportunities for Rainbow Trout in the headwaters during the afternoon.
Buy at AmazonShad Dart
American Shad begin their spring migration upriver, and small, bright attractor flies are highly effective for these aggressive, schooling fish in spring.
Woolly Bugger (Bass)
An essential streamer for enticing aggressive strikes from Smallmouth Bass in rivers, imitating leeches and baitfish active in warming spring waters.
Buy at AmazonPheasant Tail Nymph
A versatile and essential nymph pattern effective year-round, especially in spring for Rainbow Trout feeding on active mayfly nymphs like BWOs.
Buy at AmazonGurgler (Bass)
Smallmouth Bass are actively feeding on the surface during summer, and this popper creates an enticing disturbance to trigger strikes.
Connecticut season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.