Pictured is local guide Zach St. Amand with a brute of a male brown he got to eat a small streamer recently. Fall is prime time for big browns. 

Fall/Winter Hours:

Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM, Saturday & Sunday 8AM-5PM

News:

We are LOADED with used rods & reels from trade-ins, come check out our fantastic selection. Some are listed online, but we have more in the store that are NOT listed and are for walk-in customers only. Typically we list the equipment online that is in better condition, and we have less expensive items for in store purchase only. 

Two points of note: 
We recently reveived our big Simms fall order with lots of different weight next-to-skin thermals, hoody sweatshirts, raincoats, gloves and plenty more- get ready for colder weather so you can fish comfortably. Also, we are now carrying our own line of high quality CDC, it's called UpCountry "Helium" Everfloat CDC. These beautiful feathers are specially treated in-house to float better. We put one untreated CDC fly versus one tied with Helium Everfloat CDC in a glass of water, and the untreated one sunk after 15 minutes, while our CDC fly was still floating 2 1/2 weeks later!!! We have 12 colors in 1 gram packets, retails is $11.99.

Simms has done an extremely limited one time run of $300 waders using their highest end breathable material previously used only on G3, dubbed the "Second Wind Wader". They recently arrived and are selling very fast - Our shop scored about 1/4 of the available pairs in the country, but once they are gone, that's it. The uppers sport a highly breathable 3 layer construction, while the lowers use an even more durable 5 layer fabric to combat the brambles. USA made in Bozeman, Montana using the functional design of previous Simms wader models including built-in gravel guards, interior fip-out pocket and belt. These waders represent a tremendous value, and would typically retail for double the price. Available sizes: Large (9-11), Large (12-13), Large King, XL & XXL.

The brand new highly anticipated Hardy Tactus fly rods designed by world champion Howard Croston for Euro nymphing & technical dry fly fishing are now available at UpCountry. The nymphing rods include a 10' 8" #0/2, 10' 2" #2, 11' 2" #2, and 10' 8" #3. They have a powerful butt section for fighting bigger fish, and a include two tips: one standard tubular/hollow for a traditional feel and more power, and a nano carbon solid tip for lighter work with micro leaders, light flies, and better bite detection. The new series is lighter in hand and has a noticeably crisper recovery. The dry fly rods are either 9' 2" or 9' 9", both lengths offered in #3 and #4 The shorter length has a lower swing weight and is slightly better for accuracy, while the 9' 9" models offer extra reach and better mending capabilities. While optimised for dry fly fishing, the 9' 9" lengths also function quite well as hybrid nymphing and wet fly rods.

UpCountry is looking for good used fly rods & fly reels for cash and trade. This is how we get those great items listed on our Used Gear/Specials page. Bring in your old items and we can turn them into something new. We give more for trade ins than anywhere else. Call ahead for an appointment.

Steve Culton's new book "Fly Fishing the Farmington River" is out now, and it is fantastic. It contains detailed information on the river, from the Hogback Dam in Riverton down to Tariffville Gorge. There is an updated hatch chart, new fishing locations, specific techniques and strategies for the Farmington, suggested fly patterns, plus detailed info from guides & river regulars. We have of plenty of  in stock available in the shop and in our online store here: Book

For more fish photos, store announcements and river news visit our Facebook page.

River Report:

Water conditions are improved due to water being released from Highland Lake, which ultimately flows into the Still River, and the Still dumps in a little below the Rt 20 bridge in Riverton. They lower Highland Lake every year in November. Total flow as I write this Thursday morning is about 200cfs, which I would call medium-low and very fishable. We have rain inbound for today between late morning and early afternoon mainly, and then more forecasted for Friday & Saturday. Looks like highs in the 60's through Saturday, and then in the mid 50's for Sunday. Glad to see rain in the forecast, it's been very dry and we need some precipitation. This will only help to improve the water conditions/level. 

Total flow below the Still River and in the Permanent TMA/Catch & Release (C&R) is 201cfs as I write this (134cfs in Riverton below the dam at the Rt 20 bidge, with the Still River adding in 67cfs a little below that)- this is a very wadeable & very fishable level. Morning water temp in Riverton is 55 degrees, it peaked at 57.5 degrees yesterday afternoon. They started letting water out of Otis Reservoir in MA last week to do their annual fall lake lowering, and that goes into the upper Farmington River along Old Rt. 8 and ends up in Colebrook River Lake, and by agreement that water has to be passed out of Hogback/Goodwin Dam in Riverton. Unionville USGS gauge is reading 259cfs. 

The brown trout finally started spawning last week, a bit later than usual for our river. Often the best fishing this time of year is more in the afternoons & evenings, when water temps rise and the bugs appear (mostly Tan Caddis & Blue Winged Olives). Mornings can be slow due to water temps drops after cold nights, milder nights can lead to better morning fishing. Having said that, there can be a good bite in the first hour or two on eggs or streamers. Now that the spawn is going, the early morning egg bite can be very good some days. Pair an egg fly up with a drabber nymph. 

We are about 2+ weeks past peak foliage with many leaves on the ground, there are some brown & burnt orange leaves on some of the trees, and there are still a few trees that are just starting to change color. The Burning Bush plants look like they are on fire right now. Water temps have mostly been ranging from low to high 50's, depending on the time of day and how far below the dam you are. After the cool to cold nights, morning water temps get colder as you move downstream away from the dam. Water temps from the dam will drop as the lake turns over, usually right about now. Keep your eye out for Redds! Don't walk on or below redds, and don't fish to spawning trout on redds. The entire river from Riverton to Unionville and even well below that is all in play, very wadeable and fishing well. Collinsville/Unionville and down was stocked in early October, and Riverton got a modest stocking by the MDC in early October. 

Blue Winged Olives (BWO's) #20-24 (and smaller!) and Tan/Brown Caddis #16-18 are the two most common bugs out there right now. Iso's were a very light hatch in October, they are usually much heavier, and they were great in September. You will also see some Winter/Summer Caddis in the early to mid mornings, and the occasional Giant October Caddis in the afternoon/evening. When they are not rising (a frequent occurence), nymphing has been a reliable producer. Smaller nymphs #18-22 and Junk Flies such as Eggs & Mops have all been producing at moments. Bigger Stonefly nymphs #8-10 can also be a good choice. Also an excellent choice after a flow bump. Big Stoneflies also appeal to bigger trout- many of the absolute biggest wild browns I've caught have been on large Stoneflies in the #6-10 range. You may not catch as many as on smaller nymphs, but it often sorts out the better fish. Fall also means more aggressive brown trout due to the upcoming spawn. If you like to throw some truly large streamers for bigger trout, some worth trying include: Strolis Ice Pick, Gamechanger Brown Trout, Schmidt's Viking Midge, Rio's Precious Metal, Rio's Flashdance, and the Dolly Llama. When you are streamer fishing, make sure to keep moving and cover plenty of water. You are looking for the more aggressive trout, and typically you will get them quickly or not at all. So shoot your shot and keep moving and show your fly to fresh trout. 

The browns are colored up for the spawn and look absolutely stunning. Spawning on the Farmington River usually takes place between the latter part of Ocotober and goes through mid November, with a few outliers spawning early and a few in December. After a late start, the spawn has finally kicked off last week. Keep your eyes out for redds, the oval light colored patches in the gravel where trout spawn and deposit their eggs. Redds are typically located in the gravelly tails of pools and side channels, sometime pool heads too if the gravel is suitable. Don't walk on redds, and don't step on the first 10-15 feet of water below them as many eggs wash a little downstream. Please do not fish to fish sitting or spawning on redds- it's unsporting, and you want to let the browns make more future wild browns without being disrupted. There are more wild browns in the river than most anglers realize. Be careful handling female brown trout right now, they are full of eggs. Try to keep them in the water if possible, and do not squeeze them.

Yellow in a streamer will often trigger fall trout- can be all yellow, or olive & yellow, brown & yellow, etc. Other good colors to try include olive, tan, white, and brown.  Play with retrieves- start with a fast, aggressive presentation and then adjust depending upon the trout's reaction. This is a time of year to play with big streamers in the 4-6" range. You won't catch as many trout, but it ups your odds of landing a true trophy. For catching greater numbers of trout, 3-4" can be a sweet spot- big enough to interest a larger fish, but small enough that the 12-14" fish will still try to eat it. Smaller streamers and Wooly Buggers will bring a lot of trout to the net in the coming weeks. If you favor quantity over just chasing big trout, smaller offerings will produce more fish overall and still catch the monsters, but to a lesser degree. Big trout consider them less of a threat and put up less of a chase.

One technique for catching trout on streamers is to work upstream, making long casts to the bank, followed by a rapid stripping retrieve. Look for current breaks such as rocks, and features that protect trout from birds like overhanging branches, big rocks, undercut banks, and logs to cast around. Keep moving slowly upstream on foot, making just enough casts to cover an area thoroughly. Most of your strikes will come on the first couple of presentations, so don't spend too much time in one spot. Use polarized glasses to help see your streamer underwater and to see any trout chasing them down. If a trout chases but doesn't commit, immediately follow up with another cast. If that doesn't work and the fish is big enough, consider changing your streamer to get another chance. If they won't commit to a streamer eat, try drifting a nymph to them now that you know their location.

When fishing streamers its important to cover lots of water and get your offering in front of as many trout as possible. Only a minority of the trout are willing to eat a streamer at any given moment. Use heavy tippet for this method such as 0x-2x (depending upon fly size) - the trout are looking at your fly, not at the tippet you use and you want to be able to set the hook HARD, using a hybrid of a strip-set and an angled sideways lift. 

Nymphing remains the most consistent producer. A lot of the best fishing currently is still in riffly water with a bit of current and some chop to it, whether you are fishing nymphs or dry flies- water temps are still averaging in the 50's. After a cold night, the trout may drop back into deeper, softer water. And as water temps rise and bugs get active, they will move into the current to feed. Many bugs live and hatch in faster water, and the evening egg-laying/spinner falls occurs where the riffles are. Smaller, heavy jig streamers fished slow & deep are a great fly to fish after you are done nymphing a run, often producing a bonus fish or two or three. This allows you to put your streamer right in their face, which makes it easier to eat than traditional streamer methods that force the trout to chase and move further to eat your fly. Junk Flies (Mops, Eggs, Worms) are also good "clean up batter" flies after you fish a spot and are ready to move. Don't be afraid to try some gaudy flies in the fall, due to the spawn trout often react well to funky colors. Could be a bright hot-spot, a fluorescent tag/tail, or a colorful bead. Sometimes they will prefer drab flies, so experiment. I often have one drab, natural fly paired with a gaudier one. The trout will tell you which one they prefer. 

Fall often means using smaller nymphs in the #18-22 range, even #24's, especially in low to medium flows- this can sometimes be the difference between a very slow outing and a banner day. Most nymphs are small this time of year. A good strategy at our current flows is to use a weighted #14-18 nymph at the bottom of your rig to get your flies down, and a smaller lighter pattern on a dropper 18-24" above. On your top dropper, you can even use an unweighted fly, a brass bead nymph, or a soft hackle/wet fly if your anchor fly on point is heavy enough to get your rig down.

"Some fishermen see no fish and foolishly believe that the river is empty". 
     -Henry Van Dyke

Hatches: 

Dries: 

* Tan/Brown Caddis #16-18: Still a major hatch, typically seen flying upstream in late afternoon/evening mating/egg-laying flights. You will see them sporadically thoughout the day, heaviest in the evenings.

* Blue Winged Olives/BWO’s #20-24: Afternoon hatch on cloudy days and later in the day when the sun goes off the water on days with blue skies. Usually here with us until Christmas, they get smaller as the season progresses, even down to #28's.

- Black Caddis #18-22: A Fall staple, often overlooked because of its dark color. Black Caddis hatch 12 months a year on the Farmington. 

- Giant October Caddis #8-12, Fish our BMAR October Caddis or an Orange Stimulator

-Isonychia #10-14: Hatch has been very light. Fast water bug, usually hatches mid-afternoon to dark. Even if you don't see any hatching and no trout are rising, you can often successfully blind-fish these in riffly water that you would normally nymph.

- Summer/Winter Caddis #18-24: Hatch is typically early to mid morning. Trout focus on the pupa first, and then as the morning progresses they normally switch to the winged adults when they return to egg-lay. Try both twitching & dead-drifting your fly, trout often key on movement with this bug. Hatches all year, peaking in both the summer & winter.

- Midges #20-28: 365 days a year, underrated and overlooked by many anglers. 

Nymphs:

- Caddis Pupa #16-18 (tan, olive, green)

- Baetis/BWO Nymphs #16-22

- Junk Flies (Eggs, Mops, Squirmy/San Juan Worms, Green Weenies): Often work when standard nymphs fail, especially when there aren’t many hatches. Eggs are a fall & winter staple. 

- Caddis Larva (olive, green, tan, cream) #14-16: Tons of these in the river, good all year

- Pheasant Tails/Frenchies #14-22: Imitates a wide range of Mayflies including Hebe's (Yellow Quill), Baetis/Blue Winged Olives, Isonychia, and small Stoneflies.

- Walt's Worm #14-20: Great general purpose nymph that suggests many different bugs, especially Caddis on this river. 

- Isonychia Nymph #12-14: Dead-drift, swing, twitch, and even strip them in. They are great swimmers, and some days trout prefer different presentations- you won't know until you experiment. Use true Isonychia nymphs, large Prince nymphs & Pheasant Tails to represent them. This hatch has been very light lately.

 - Large Stonefly Nymphs #8-10: Golden/yellow, brown, black, Stoneflies are a mouthful that can be hard for trout to pass up, and there are a surprising amount of them in the river. Good choice when flows are up. Some days when trout won’t move for a small nymph, it takes a bigger bite of food to get an eat. Often catches larger than average fish. Look for the empty shucks on top of rocks where they crawl out to emerge in fast water.

 - Midges #18-22 (black, olive, red): Zebra Midge, Flash Midge, Red Iris Midge, etc.

Streamers:

-Fall is Prime Time to fish medium to large streamers and take advantage of the trout's seasonal aggression. Streamers that incorporate yellow can be particularly good in the fall. Periods of higher/dirty water are a great time to fish big streamers and target big trout. Also early & late in the day during periods of low light. They are a good clean-up fly to try before right before you leave a spot. 

-Woolly Bugger #4-12: Assorted colors expecially yellow, white and tan

-Zonker / Rabbit Strip tied streamers #4-8: In white, natural, olive, and Fall colors

-Zuddler #4-6: Olive, brown, white, black, yellow

-BMAR Yellow Matuka #6: Deadly fly! 

-Articulated Streamers 4-6" long: Various patterns to target the biggest trout in the river, a good choice in the fall to catch fewer but potentially much bigger fish

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UpCountry Sportfishing is always looking for good used fly fishing gear for cash and trade. This is how we get those great items listed on our website and you see on our racks. We buy fly rods, fly reels, quality classic bamboo, and fly tying equipment etc. Bring in your old items and we can help turn them into something new. We give more for trade ins than anywhere else. Call ahead for an appointment.