Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Conneticut River - below Indian Stream - New Hampshire

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Midge Afternoon 18-22 Griffith's Gnat, Midge Pupa
Winter Stoneflies Mid morning 16-20 BH Pheasant Tail, Olive Caddis
February Winter Stoneflies Mid morning 16-20 BH Pheasant Tail, Olive Caddis
March Blue Wing Olives Mid afternoon 16-22 Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph
April Mayflies Mid morning 14-20 BWO Sparkle Dun, Rusty Spinner
May Caddisflies Evening 12-16 X-Caddis, Spent Caddis
June Mayflies Mid-morning and Evening 14-18 Hackle Stacker PMD, Unce Pete's Brown Drake Spinner
July Terrestrials All day 8-12 Parachute Adams, Griffith's Gnat
August Terrestrials All day 8-12 Humpy, Dave's Hopper
September Blue Wing Olives Afternoon 16-22 BWO CDC R Dun, Parachute Adams
October Isonychia Afternoon 10-14 Isonychia Parachute, Hen Wing Spinner
November Midges Afternoon 18-22 Midge Larva, Griffith's Gnat
December Winter Stoneflies Mid morning 16-20 Olive Caddis, BH Pheasant Tail

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

The Connecticut River, below Indian Stream, offers perfect spots for fly fishing. Notable for its trout, salmon and varied river conditions, here are top spots to consider:

  • Upper Dam Pool: Renowned for large brook trout, it provides a wild, beautiful spot perfect for wade-fly fishing.
  • Columbia Bridge: Easily accessible from Route 3, this section has strong, consistent runs for rainbow trout.
  • Trophy Stretch, Pittsburg: A 2.5-mile special regulation area, offers optimal wet fly and nymph fishing.
  • Northumberland Dam and Groveton Bridge: Both locations are prime areas for salmon fishing during early fall.
  • Pools in Lancaster and Guildhall: These provide excellent opportunities for rainbow trout fishing.

Note: Parts of the Connecticut River are private property. Always seek permission to access and obey catch and release regulations to maintain the fish population.

Best Access Points

The Connecticut River, particularly below Indian Stream, offers many excellent access points for fly fishing. Here are some of the best spots:

  • Pittsburg: A town in Coos County renowned for its excellent trout fishing. The stretch of the river between Lake Francis and First Connecticut Lake features innumerable shallow riffles ideal for fly fishing.
  • Connecticut Lakes State Forest: Provides easy river access and a high density of cold-water fish species.
  • Colebrook: This area offers long riffle sections and deep holes that are home to large trout and other species. There are numerous access points along Route 3.
  • North Stratford: Look for fishable water downstream of Groveton. Fly fishers may want to explore the section upstream of the Maidstone Bridge.
  • Bloomfield: Some of the river’s best fly fishing spots can be found below the Comerford Dam to Gilman Dam.

Local Fish

  • Atlantic Salmon: Once nearly extinct in this area, efforts have helped the Atlantic salmon population recover.
  • Brown Trout: The Connecticut River is known for its prolific brown trout fishery, especially below Indian Stream.
  • Rainbow Trout: Rainbow trout are stocked annually in the Connecticut River, offering a great target for fly fishermen.
  • Brook Trout: As the state fish of New Hampshire, it’s no surprise that brook trout are targeted here.
  • American Shad: A spring run of American Shad can offer exciting fly fishing opportunities on the Connecticut River.
  • Stripped Bass: These hard-fighting fish make a seasonal appearance in the Connecticut River system.
  • Smallmouth Bass: While not a traditional target for fly fishing, Smallmouth Bass can offer a fun challenge.
  • Northern Pike: Though less common, the Connecticut River below Indian Stream also houses Northern Pike.

About The River

The Connecticut River is a true gem, rich with history and natural beauty. Below Indian Stream, it carves a stunning pathway through New England’s scenic landscapes. Interesting to note is the river’s longstanding significance: Native American tribes, such as the Abenaki and Pequot, utilized it for transportation and sustenance long before European settlers arrived.

The river witnessed monumental moments in American history, including the industrial revolution. It played a crucial part in the 1800s, and 1900s, powering mills and factories that produced everything from paper to precision tools.

  • The 410-mile-long river starts from the Connecticut Lakes in New Hampshire, flows through the states of Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
  • It hosts some of the most diverse wildlife, housing over 70 species of fish, a variety of reptiles, birds, and mammals.
  • It’s the longest river in New England and a significant recreation center for fishing, boating, and canoeing enthusiasts.

So, a trip down the Connecticut River is not just a journey through serene nature, it’s also travelling across centuries of fascinating human history.

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