Ellis River
river in New Hampshire
The Ellis River is a beautiful freestone stream originating high in the Presidential Range. It's known for its clear, cold waters, vibrant native brook trout populations, and consistent stocking of rainbow and brown trout, making it a favorite for dry fly enthusiasts.
Ellis River is fishing well in clear
- 01Ellis River is fishing well in clear, chilly fall conditions.
- 02Active Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) and Autumn Caddis hatches expected, especially midday.
- 03Top dry flies: Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun (size 20) and Elk Hair Caddis (size 16).
- 04Effective nymphs: Flashback Baetis Nymph (size 18), Soft Hackle Wet (Partridge & Orange) (size 14), and Prince Nymph (size 14).
- 05Streamer of choice: Woolly Bugger (Olive) (size 8) for larger trout in deeper water.
- 06Focus on slower sections for BWOs, riffles for caddis, and deep pools for streamers.
Past reports week by week
9 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Pine Squirrel Leech (Olive)
Small leech patterns effectively mimic sluggish baitfish and annelids in cold water, enticing strikes from larger, lethargic trout in early fall.
Soft Hackle Wet (Partridge & Orange)
Caddis pupae and emergers are active in the fall, and this versatile wet fly is excellent for swinging through runs.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive Comparadun
Blue-Winged Olives are actively hatching in fall, especially on overcast days. This low-profile dry fly is excellent for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults.
Woolly Bugger (Olive)
A versatile streamer pattern imitating leeches and baitfish, effective year-round for various predatory species, especially larger trout in cooling fall waters.
October Caddis (Dry)
October Caddis are a significant hatch in fall, and this larger dry fly can entice aggressive strikes from trout looking for a substantial meal.
Buy at AmazonFlashback Baetis Nymph
Baetis nymphs are active subsurface before and during BWO hatches in fall, making this an effective nymph pattern.
Elk Hair Caddis
Autumn Caddis hatches are expected this month, and this pattern is a reliable imitation for adult caddis.
Buy at AmazonPrince Nymph
A classic and versatile searching nymph, effective subsurface year-round, especially in fall when fish are feeding on various aquatic insects.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Glen Ellis Falls Area
Access near the scenic Glen Ellis Falls, providing opportunities to fish upstream and downstream.
Jackson Falls
Popular spot with a series of small falls and pools, offering good access and productive water.
Route 16 Pull-offs
Numerous informal pull-offs along Route 16 offer convenient access to various runs and riffles.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Hill Country Guides
North Country Angler
Hill Country Guides
North Country Angler Fly Shop
Get Ellis River reports by email
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New Hampshire season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Winter Fly Fishing: Essential Cold Weather Tips & Tactics
Master winter fly fishing with proven cold weather strategies, gear selection, and tactics for catching trout when temperatures drop.
How to Pick the Right Fly Rod Weight for Any Situation
Master fly rod weight selection with expert guidance on matching rod power to fish species, water conditions, and fishing techniques for optimal performance.
Fly Line Types Guide: WF, DT, Running & Shooting Heads
Master fly line selection with our comprehensive guide to weight forward, double taper, running lines, and shooting heads for every fishing situation.
Fly Fishing Pack vs Vest: Which Setup Is Right for You?
Compare fly fishing packs and vests to find the perfect gear setup for your angling style and fishing conditions.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Quick answers
Common questions about Ellis River.
What flies work best on Ellis River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Ellis River right now are Pine Squirrel Leech (Olive) (80% confidence), March Brown (80% confidence), Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Ellis River?
Ellis River holds Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Ellis River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Ellis River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.