WRITING ON THE FLY
By GEORGE LISET
Hidden in the headwaters of the Connecticut River in northern New Hampshire lies the Trophy Stretch. This two and a half miles of fly fishing only water connects First Connecticut Lake and Lake Francis in Pittsburg, New Hampshire.
The bottom release dam at First Connecticut ensures cold water to support a healthy population of trout and landlocked salmon.
I have fished every inch of this river over the years, some places more than others. The river provides opportunities for all styles of fly fishing from fishers that like to throw streamers or dry flies, or for those that nymph. This stretch of the river is diverse and challenging.
In the past when I would go up to fish the Trophy Stretch we would camp at Lake Francis State Park. The park is convenient to Lake Francis Inlet and is steps away from the trail that follows the river northward. In recent years we have been making our home base at the Lopstick Lodge. It has been easier on our backs and the hot tub doesn’t hurt either.
The Lopstick is an endorsed Orvis outfitter. This came in handy a few years ago when my son blew out one of his wading boots reeling in a monster Brookie. Well, that’s his story and he’s sticking to it. We were able to replace the boots and get back on the water in just a short time. I will say that there are a number of wonderful places to stay in Pittsburg, as well as a number of great guides. We just happened to land at the Lopstick and have stuck with them.
The Trophy Stretch has a number of named pools which the regulars refer to when sharing their fishing experiences with those that fish this section of the river regularly. All hold unique challenges and encourage different styles of fishing. I enjoy the riffles and like to swing a green Hornburg through as well as a brace of bead head soft hackle flies.
This section of the Connecticut River attracts fly fishers from all around. I have met people from every New England state. This year there was a group from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Last year I met a group from Memphis, Tennessee. This stretch of river is quietly gaining an international reputation.
We primarily fished the upper section of the river from the dam to the Junction Pool. There are a number of easy access spots which helped me, coming off knee replacement surgery a few months back. While we were there, Trout Unlimited was running their youth camp. I am always encouraged to see young people embrace the sport.
I started out with a Hornburg and swung it through some riffles and immediately caught a great Salmon. My son Reed, was using a caddis with a nymph dropper and caught a nice Brookie, then a Brown and then a Rainbow. I looked over and he just laughed. I just yelled over, “I still have the biggest fish!” The rest of the day was as productive. We then headed over to the Buck Rub Pub for pizza and poutine and hit the hot tub and the Tylenol hard.
The next day I wanted to fish my Orvis Wes Jordan bamboo rod that I had picked up and Reed decided to see how many different flies he could catch fish on. I had tied on a bead head soft hackled fly and swung it through a seam and caught a beautiful Brook Trout. I thought it was appropriate that the first fish I had caught on the rod was what I consider the gems of the river.
Reed was casting dry flies and having a ball. He would start laughing every time he caught a fish because he knew I wasn’t, but I did rally later. I caught up with my friend Pat Ard who was guiding some gentlemen down the river. As usual they were getting into fish. Pat ties a number of flies that are effective on this stretch of river.
That night it was more Buck Rub, Tylenol and hot tub. I’m just hoping my editor realizes the sacrifice I make to produce this column. The next day we checked out of the lodge and hit the river for some more fishing. It was a beautiful day and we caught some beautiful fish. We kept checking our watches and stayed until the last buzzer. We knew the long ride we had ahead of us and one of us had to work the next day. Now I was the one laughing. If you have not had a chance to fish the Trophy Stretch, put it on your list. It is a gem and you will not be disappointed. And oh, bring your Tylenol.
George Liset of Dover is an award-winning outdoor writer and avid fly fisherman who shares insights of his time on the water exploring New Hampshire streams and rivers as well of those around New England. George is a graduate of Wheaton College, Illinois, and the University of New Hampshire. His column Writing on the Fly has been honored by the New England Press Association and the New Hampshire Press Association.
