BEST BET FOR SEPTEMBER

September 1, 2005 - The ushering in of September always brings back fond memories of pursuing the inhabitants of the upper Connecticut River near Colebrook, New Hampshire. What's not to like? A majestic New England river, plenty of wild and willing trout, the distinct lack of biting insects, cool crisp air, great company and a twinge of color in the hardwoods lends itself to an almost religious experience.

Our favorite piece of water is located approximately 10 miles south of the hamlet of Colebrook, which can be easily accessed via Rt. 102 on the Vermont side of the river. This can be achieved by crossing Columbia Bridge and traveling north on Rt. 102, a country road that offers plenty of tempting pool-riffle-pool scenarios throughout it's northerly journey. Due to the fact that the system is controlled by the state of New Hampshire you will be required to possess only a current NH license, as long as you are beyond the low water mark (in other words wading) on the Vermont side of the watershed.

Some of our favorite subsurface pre-fall patterns are: weighted black and brown stones 6-8, olive and black beaded wooly buggers 6-8, red squirrel hair nymphs 10-12 and muddler minnows 6-8.

Early September hatches you are likely to encounter are darker caddis 14-16, BWO's 20 and trico spinners 20-22. Round out your box with a few attractors, stimulator 6-8, Dave's hopper 6-8, Ausable Wulff 8-10 and black ant 14-16 and you should be good to go.

You are also approaching prime time for the annual landlock salmon-spawning run, which is evident between Lake Francis and First Lake and First Lake and Second Lake near the town of Pittsburg. While dams control the water, the river here takes on a more approachable characteristic offering fly anglers easily wadable pools, riffle and runs. The ghost series 6-8, Colonel Bates streamer 6-8 and Joe's Smelt 6-8 are among our favorite patterns while just about any traditional Maine smelt imitation could draw some attention.

KUDOS TO MAM
The Worcester Telegram & Gazette has appointed Mary Anne Magiera to scribe their two weekly outdoor columns. The columns will appear in the T&G's Tuesday and Friday editions. An avid outdoorswomen in her own right we look forward to reading enlightening articles derived from a woman's point of view. Look for her initial offerings to appear sometime in early September.

TU RE-LAUNCH
The Central Mass Chapter of Trout Unlimited has recently re-launched their web site. Look for news on meeting times, chapter events and other pertinent information at www.centralmasstu.com.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB