Orford Flatson Connecticut River
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Trout are becoming more aggressive
- 01Trout are becoming more aggressive, feeding on eggs and larger baitfish in anticipation of spawning and colder water.
- 02Smallmouth bass are still active, concentrating in deeper pockets and targeting crayfish and baitfish as they feed heavily.
- 03Intermittent hatches of Blue-Winged Olives can provide sporadic dry fly opportunities, especially on overcast afternoons.
- 04Subsurface presentations with nymphs and streamers are generally productive as fish seek out protein-rich meals.
What to tie on at Orford Flats
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Clouser Minnow (Bass) (Chartreuse/White) #6
This pattern effectively imitates baitfish, a primary food source for smallmouth bass in warmer summer water.
Little Black Stonefly nymph
Early season stoneflies begin to move in the substrate this time of year; they are one of the few larger insects active in late winter.
Black Woolly Bugger
A slow-stripped or dead-drifted black streamer imitates leeches and provides a high-calorie target for predatory brown trout in cold water.
Hare's Ear Nymph
A versatile and essential nymph pattern that imitates various aquatic insects, effective year-round and particularly in summer as a searching pattern.
Buy at AmazonPheasant Tail Nymph
This nymph effectively mimics various small mayfly nymphs, a consistent food source for trout throughout the year, including summer.
Buy at AmazonOlive Woolly Bugger
A versatile streamer pattern imitating leeches and baitfish, effective year-round for predatory trout and smallmouth bass.
Gurgler (Bass) (Chartreuse/White)
As water temperatures warm in summer, topwater action for smallmouth bass intensifies, and this popper creates an enticing disturbance.
Zebra Midge
Midges are the most consistent forage available in New Hampshire during February. Size 18-24 in black or red is a winter staple.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Black/Olive)
A versatile streamer that imitates leeches and baitfish, effective for enticing aggressive strikes from trout and smallmouth bass in colder spring flows.
New Hampshire 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.