Route 16 Pull-offson Ellis River
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.
What to tie on at Route 16 Pull-offs
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
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.
March Brown
Actively hatching in early spring, this dry fly is a primary choice for rising trout keying into these larger mayflies.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive Comparadun
Blue-Winged Olives are actively hatching in early spring, especially on overcast days, making this low-profile dry fly excellent for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults.
Mother's Day Caddis
The prolific Mother's Day Caddis hatch is expected in late April through May, making this dry fly a perfect imitation for adult caddis.
Hendrickson Nymph
Hendricksons are a key early spring hatch; nymphs are active subsurface and a primary food source for trout before and during the hatch.
Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph
An excellent general searching nymph for early spring, mimicking various mayfly nymphs that are active year-round and particularly as BWOs begin to emerge.
Prince Nymph
A versatile attractor/stonefly nymph that is effective year-round in all water types, including the freestone conditions of the Ellis River, for actively feeding trout.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
A reliable year-round streamer, effective for imitating leeches and baitfish, especially in the colder spring flows, enticing aggressive strikes from larger trout.
Trico Spinner
Mimics active Trico hatches in the morning, targeting rising fish in slower water.
Buy at AmazonNew 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.