The Housatonic...

The Housi', as so many avid fly fisherman affectionately call the Housatonic, is one of my favorite local rivers from mid September to late May. It is only 32 miles from home and some of the largest browns that I have witnessed reside in its waters.

Although the river is stocked annually, there are immense amounts of hold over fish present so 3X and 4X tippet on streamers is quite common. What's more, a prolific group of hatches such as Hendrickson, Caddis, Blue Wing, and Stonefly, in addition to so many others, all provide a varied menu for the trout. For example, the autumn small olive hatches on cool misty days produce some of the most satisfying dimples. As they begin to metamorphose, they stay in their middle stage upon reaching the surface and get caught in the water's film. This makes it that much easier for the trout to sip and that much more apparent to the observing fisherman.

In the summer months when the Housi's water warms, I generally head back to the Delaware but if the temperatures are in the low sixties, there I will stay. Fishing for trout when the water is above 65 degrees is not advisable and a rule that I try to maintain; Smallmouth bass are indeed a plentiful breed within the river, but too often you may catch a trout instead. In doing so, you will notice the warmth of its body. This means that the fish is already in uncomfortable water conditions; therefore more stress can prove to be fatal.

Accessibility to many holes is quite possible but realize that they can become rather busy during the weekends. Regardless, the Housi is a fantastic river at the right water flows and throwing streamers on 200/400 grain sinking lines produces generous rewards. As a nymph river it is full of rocks and crevices. Under each rock, an assortment of aquatic insects lingers and behind each crevice the possibility of a hungry trout exists. Due to these conditions, a wading staff is highly advisable. Regardless, check the flows prior and know your limitations in order to insure a safer and more enjoyable experience.