Fishing Report 3/31/22

Paulinskill River: 217 CFS
Flat Brook: 125 CFS, 40°F

The recent cold snap we have had in the northeast has definitely slowed down the hatches, but not the fishing. Focus on the nymph forms of the bugs that are about to hatch. Many of these insects are just waiting for a warm few days to hatch. Below the surface, however, is a zoo. There should be a ton of Hendricksons, Brown Caddis, small stones and assorted midges with the occasional BWO. Focus on the bottom for now, hopefully we will start seeing more surface action as the air warms back up.

Euro-nymphers will be rewarded this week before opening day on these chilly mornings. Today’s rain should heat up the bite as well. In the days following the rain, fish small streamers on the swing or dead drifted. The falling water levels post-rain are always great streamer days.

With that said, the wild trout do not seem affected by the cold weather. The smaller mountain freestones are seeing minor Mayfly hatches as well as caddis. Fish bulky dries with micro-midges off the back for the brookies. We have been catching them on Parachute Adams with a midge emerger hung off the back.

Bottom line: We are going to have to wait a bit longer for the dry bite to turn on. Hammer your best nymphing holes, turn over rocks, and fish slow. With the weather warming, we are lining up to have a great opening day.

Tight lines!