Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Merrimack River - Franklin Junction - 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 Merrimack River – Franklin Junction is a fly fisher’s paradise offering scenic beauty and plenty of fish. Here are the best spots:

  • Franklin Falls Dam: This dam area is filled with a variety of species, making it an excellent spot for fly fishing. Anglers often catch trout and bass in these waters.
  • Sewall’s Falls: The fast flowing water here attracts huge numbers of salmon and shad, making it an excellent fly fishing destination.
  • Concord River Confluence: This spot is teeming with trout, bass and salmon. The river’s slower pace here is great for beginners.
  • Contoocook River Mouth: The spot where the Contoocook meets the Merrimack is another excellent place for fly fishing.

Whether you are a novice or an experienced angler, the Merrimack River in Franklin Junction is an excellent destination for fly fishing.

Best Access Points

The Merrimack River at Franklin Junction offers an enthralling experience for fly fishing lovers. Here are some of the best access points:
  • The Public Boat Ramp is near the Franklin Junction and is an excellent starting point. With easy public access and expansive water, it provides a high chance of catching good fish.
  • The area near the Trestle View Park is another good spot. It offers a nice shore casting spot for those without boats.
  • Furthermore, the stretch around the City Hall in downtown Franklin is worth exploring. It’s a hidden gem where you would often spot schools of shad, bass, and salmon.
  • The Profile Falls section along the Smith River which feeds into the Merrimack is also popular among local fly fishing folk. Quiet and serene, it’s perfect for trout fishing.
Remember that the right access point can differ based on the season and the type of fish you’re after.

Local Fish

  • Smallmouth Bass: This fish species is a favorite for fly fishing due to its fighting spirit and acrobatic techniques when hooked. Smallmouth Bass can be found in rock structures in the river.
  • Largemouth Bass: They usually bite during early mornings or late evenings. Largemouth Bass are attracted to a variety of flies.
  • Brook Trout: These species are native to the waters of the Merrimack River and are particularly favored by fly fishermen for their beautiful colors.
  • Bluegill: A very common fish species in the Merrimack River. Fly fishers love them because they bite easily and put up a good fight, even though they are small in size.
  • Pumpkinseeds: They are similar to Bluegill in size and behavior, making them another favorite target for fly fishermen in the area.
  • American Shad: Fly fishing for American Shad is seasonal. They can be found in abundance in the Merrimack River during the spring season.
  • Atlantic Salmon: These species are notorious for their strength and fighting ability when hooked, making them a challenging catch but a favorite for fly fishermen.
  • Chain Pickerel: This fish species is aggressive and will attack virtually any fly that comes near, making them an exciting catch for fly fishing enthusiasts.

About The River

Flowing majestically through the gorgeous landscapes of New England is the Merrimack River. This historic river holds a special place as it passes through the quaint town of Franklin, forming a junction fondly known as the Merrimack River- Franklin Junction.

The river has held historical significance since the time of Native Americans, who considered it a key source of food and transportation. Later, during the Industrial Revolution, the river was a vital artery for powering mills and transporting goods.

  • The Merrimack River is a 117-mile-long rivulet that runs from the heart of New Hampshire to the northeastern coast of Massachusetts.
  • Franklin Junction, known for its enchanting beauty, is the point where the Pemigewasset and Winnipesaukee rivers meet to form the Merrimack.
  • This junction has miraculously preserved its charm and importance, appealing to locals and tourists alike for its abundant fishing opportunities and picturesque scenery.

The beauty of Merrimack River- Franklin Junction is nothing short of hypnotic, a testament to the power of nature and history intertwined.

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