What nice weather we have on tap this week! Near 80' today and tomorrow and then more seasonable temps later in the week (50's - 60's). While the river is still high today it has been dropping and should continue to drop with no real threat of rain this week. Saturday was opening day of trout season, so how did you do? Need some pointers or tips to get off to a great start? Swing by or give us a call. Also get stocked up with the gear, tackle, and flies you need. We've got you covered. Also Pike Fly Tying Course coming in April! Aaron Jasper will be back in May too! Details drop today on the events page! Don't forget the Opening Day Pancake Breakfast has been postponed until Saturday, April 15th.
River Report
River Flow 3780 CFS and on the drop - Visibility Stained - AM Water Temp 33'F. - Sunny with a southwest wind 6 to 11 mph. Today will see a high temp of 77'. - AM Air Temp 49' - Tonight's Low 47' and another sunny day tomorrow and high of 80'!
Catch Big Rainbows! How?
Help us to stock the Housy with some great rainbows this spring! Our annual spring stocking of the big rainbows is fast approaching. We want to put a lot of these big and strong rainbows in the river this year. For each donation of $20 or more we will issue a raffle ticket. This raffle ticket will enter you into a drawing for a number of great prizes. Prizes include, but are not limited to the following: a guided float trip for you and a friend, a complete Cortland Competition Nymph Rod and Reel setup, spey casting lessons and more. The drawing will be held on Saturday, April 8th at our annual Opening Day Pancake Breakfast. You need not be present to win.
How to donate? You can call us at the shop at 860.672.1010 and donate with a credit card, you can mail us a check or you can even stop in the store and hand deliver it. Checks can be made to OSI/Friends of the Housatonic. This is a non-profit organization and your donation would be tax deductible. We look forward to your support of this spring stocking and of course your pictures with these big fish if they don't break you off. They do fight like steelhead!
Now for the fishing conditions. The river is at 2910 CFS. This is the Housy's Spring Runoff ! As the snow melts and the days are getting longer; the sun is stronger. This will all help to slowly bring up the river water temps. As the river warms the fish are going to be more active. There is a Pike bite going on in the shallows of the TMA. Check our website or call the shop for daily updates on river conditions. Now is the time to start going thru your fly vest. Clean out the old leaders & tippet spools. Then replace them with fresh. Reorganize your flies into new boxes. Check to see how much floatant, lead shot, strike indicators, tippet rings are left over from last year or bring your gear into the shop and we can help you tune it up for the coming season. If your fly line is becoming stiff or cracked it's time to change it. You can bring your fly reel to the shop and we can machine wind a new fly line with free backing !! If your favorite rod has broken guides, tip tops, missing hook keeper or needs new wraps.......Bring it down to the shop for repair.
We like the following patterns: Zonkers, Woolly Buggers, Pick Yur' Pocket, Hares Ear (12-16), BH Princes (10-16), BH Pheasant Tails (12-18), Rubber Legs (all colors), 20 Incher's (8-16) & Euro Bead Head Princes. Don't forget to try a San Juan or Yellow Stone Mop Fly, too. We recommend a drop rig for maximum effectiveness and use an indicator to make sure you don't miss any takes. Try the AirLock indicators if you haven't already. They are the best!
Since you're reading our river report, please consider purchasing your gear from us. We are happy to have the opportunity to match any deals out there you may come upon. Give us a call first and let us have the first chance. Thanks!
Our Guides are Ready to Take You Trout Fishing!!! - Don't forget we offer a FULL ROD REPAIR SERVICE Bamboo, Graphite and Glass. - Reel Seat Replacement, Cork Grip Repairs, Guide Replacement, Rod Wrapping and Rod Finishing. - Repair your old favorite rods and fish them again!!
Start thinking about spring and book your guided fishing trips now! The best time to get out in the spring is Late April to Mid June and these dates always fill up fast so don't wait!
Don't forget we buy, sell or trade used and antique fishing equipment rods, reels, lines, duck and fish decoys, fishing lures, books, artwork, collectibles and tying materials/tools. If you are looking to trade in, sell, or are just scaling down as they say, bring your items in or take pictures and email them to us and we will happily purchase or offer a trade up. I have been purchasing and selling used and collectible items for over 25 years and our fishing/hunting library in the store is the finest and largest probably in the country. We will happily show you the value of your items and then offer trade-in or purchase prices. So give us a call (860-672-1010) or send and email (hflyshop@aol.com). We also purchase estates and will gladly come over to your house to assess the value of your collection and purchase the entire collection.