Upper Connecticut Trophy Section October 11th and 12th 2008

We made it to the Upper Connecticut for the last weekend of the 2008 season. We drove up from our place in Lincoln, stopped in Colebrook for breakfast and then continued north until the cell phones could not pick up a signal. We drove northwards in our quest for trout and eventually sound ourselves at River Road. We admired the Lopstick sign and the 4 legged butcher shop sign. The weekend was dry which was a pleasant surprise for us because every other trip was a soaker. The water level was a little lower than our last trip but the fishing was good nonetheless. The mornings were cold so we got a late start on both days. On Sunday morning we ate breakfast at Tall Timbers and the pancakes and french toast were delicious. Back Lake was as flat as a mill pond and the tourists were having a great time strolling around the shore.

After a wild ride Ethan landed this nice salmon on the Sunday. He caught two on the day. This one was around 18 inches long.

Ethan out-fished me on both days and completed the Trophy section grand slam (rainbow, brookie, brown and salmon) on the Sunday when he landed this brown trout. This was the first brown we ever caught up here. The lad is a master with a double nymph below a strike indicator. I am far from a master of this technique.

Here is one of three nice Rainbows that I caught on Saturday. I caught all of them on dry flies. I had a lot of hits on a hares ear nymph and have to admit that I missed way more than I should have. The fishing at the Upper Connecticut is great but the best thing is that you really can get away from it all.



Here is a clip of Ethan fighting a salmon. Oscar our crazy hound, decided to swim over and check out the action. I had to cut the action short because I had to scamper down stream and net the bugger.


The banks of the Upper Ct are pretty steep and you have to be prepared to bushwhack your way to the good spots.

We finally made it to the trophy section of the Upper Connecticut over the weekend of August 2nd. It rained most of the time and the with the river at flood stage on the Monday it was essentially unfishable. This picture shows the pool right below the Carr Ridge Road bridge. This has to be the most over fished stretch of the river. We had a great weekend and caught rainbows, brookies and some salmon. Ethan did much better than me and battled a big landlocked salmon for twenty minutes. After fighting the monster all over the river it bore down and glued itself to the bottom where it eventually worked it's way loose.

Oscar at Pearl Lake

Oscar decided to take a break from swimming in favor of a boat ride. I fished Pearl Lake for hours with some results. I lost two big trout to a deep trolled wooly bugger. I took a couple of perch on a gray ghost and a nice rainbow to a mayfly. As you can see from this video the trout were rising all over. I couldn't figure it out what they were rising for but I'm not complaining.

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We fished Archery Pond in Hookset and caught some smallish brookies and some hefty rainbows ... I caught the smallish brookies and Ethan got the hefty rainbows. The fishing really heated up when the sun started to fade and the mayflies drifted down from the trees and flitted across the surface to lay their eggs. The trout were going wild and we simply cast mayfly patterns toward the real flies.

We had no luck in the rivers. We tried the Swift, Saco and the Pemi without any success. We caught a few brookies at Sky pond. A sink tip line was essential although I bet you could catch them on the surface in the evening. The trout hit a chartreuse wooly bugger and an olive hares tail nymph. We saw some surface activity but nothing to write home about.

Sky Pond is close to a perfect spot to fish. The pond is isolated, lined with trees with no roads within earshot. There are herons and hawks overhead and the loudest noise comes from the resident beaver.

We had some luck at Profile. The best fish was this 14" brookie caught on a woolly bugger. We did see an 18 incher come out of the lake.


People who don't go fishing are missing out on some pretty impressive scenery. Eventually the clouds rolled through the notch and we fished until dusk in the mist under a thick blanket of low cloud.

Nissitissit revisited

We took another crack at the Niss. This time we fished above the Prescott Street bridge. The river recently had a hefty canoe stocking of browns and rainbows. This method introduces fish all along the river rather than a simple mass dumping into a couple of pools. We made our way downstream and eventually spotted some trout rising. I switched from a weighted nymph to a big elk hair caddis and immediately got a hit which I promptly missed by a country mile. I eventually lost the elk hair and decided to go with a royal wulff which produced the results below.

Lamprey River April 26th 2008

Ethan had some success today. He caught a 12 inch brookie and a 16 inch rainbow using a double nymph rig (copper john and prince) with a strike indicator. I broke my personal skunking record after missing a number of decent hits.

Lamprey sucker action!

Ethan caught this hefy sucker on woolly bugger. If you ever hook a sucker it will put up a heck of a fight. It took 20 minutes to land this bruiser after it dragged him all over the river.
If you would like to read an article about the gentle art of spearing suckers you can click on this link. The article is from the New York Times in 1890.
http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9904EED71539E033A25750C2A9629C94619ED7CF&oref=slogin

Something fishy about the Nissitissit.

The lad convinced me to schlepp to the Nissitissit River in Pepperell, Mass for the second time in three days. On the first trip we visited the "Evening Sun Fly Shop" which is an excellent place. The proprietor, Charles (Charlie) Shadan set us up with some fine new wading boots, pointed us in the right direction and gave us some solid advice on how and where to catch some of the recently stocked trout. The weather was perfect, the river was extremely pleasant and loaded with insect activity. We chatted with a number of friendly and informative local fishermen who all raved about the river, the Evening Sun, Charlie, and the joys of catching the trout that were plain to see in certain spots.
The only problem was that we could not figure out how to catch a fish and we didn't meet or see anyone else catch anything. We tried almost every trick in the book (we held off on dynamite) and got skunked twice in a row. It seems like the river has taken a bit of an early season pounding and the fish have decided to go on hunger strike. I am pretty sure that this river will produce when the hoards have left. The Nissitissit is a very nice river, we'll be back and we will figure out how to pronounce the name and how to pry a trout from it.

The Pinkham Press ad showing Max Olney Pinkham fishing the Israel River

My friend Mark Pinkham sent me this ad. In 1920 The Pinkham Press was the largest printer in Boston. This ad was created in 1945 by Mark's grandfather Max Pinkham. Max was an accomplished fly fisherman who especially liked to fish the streams and rivers in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Mark and his son Connor have recently taken to fly fishing the same waters, which is the way life should be.

The copy for this ad is refreshingly different to the ad copy we have to endure today.


" No sport holds it enthusiasts longer and with keener enjoyment than the "stalking of a rising trout." Which reminds us. Just such a thrill as this is ours when we "stalk" and "land a beauty" for one of our clients in the form of a carefully prepared and skillfully executed advertising piece. This we should like to do for you. In printing, as in fishing, experience counts. "

Profile brook trout

I caught this 17" brookie at Profile Lake on a chernobyl ant. Profile is at the foot of the Old Man of the Mountain in Franconia Notch. The action really heats up when it gets dark.

Brown trout action on the Saco River.

I never met a trout I didn't want to eat. The lad told me that I could only eat the trout I caught myself so this one went back.

This one would look especially good on a plate.

Oscar (the dog) does not seem impressed.

The lad smiling like a Cheshire cat. We think the trout went for a size 16 yellow humpy but I could be making this all up to throw you off the scent.

Upper Connecticut Trophy Section

Right below the dam. Anyone wearing a hat like this must be an expert. He just landed something hefty as we arrived.

Massive landlocked salmon. Please note that I have giant bear paw hands.

Try as I might I just cannot make this look like a whopper!

Ethan mending his line in between downpours. We were wet the entire weekend ... not surprising when you spend most of the time standing in a river.

This stretch produced a number of nice brookies and a good sized beaver. I'd like to tell you exactly where this is but I would probably end up with a trout head in my bed.

Luxury accomodations. At times we were actually fairly dry.

Lake Francis campground bathed in sunshine. Coleman grill at the ready. We grilled everything in sight ... the squirrels were nervous.

Saco River brookie

We caught most of the fish in this pool. The weapon of choice was a bead head woolly bugger. Here is a picture because I know you don't believe me. This is a top secret location only reachable by helicopter.

How about this for sight fishing .... we found a whole pod of fish milling around in this pool ... about 20 in the 12-18 inch range.

Spot the trout competition

Can you spot the brookie? I know it's in here because I eventually put down the camera and caught it on an olive bead head woolly bugger. It was an 11 inch fish but pretty skinny. My first trout of 2008.

Ethan expertly playing a brown trout

Excellent camera work by highly trained professional who managed not to slip and fall on his arse during this exciting action!

Bead head pheasant tail nymph

Ethan tied this bad boy last night. This weekend we will try it on the Lamprey either fished alone or as a dropper beneath some kind of attractor. Pretty easy to tie especially when you have someone else do it.

Fishing the Upper Connecticut

Ethan caught this nice brookie in the trophy section of the Upper Connecticut in the late summer of 2007. We camped at the Lake Francis camp site and bushwhacked our way to this spot. The key was talking with the people at the Lopstick Lodge. They helped us to figure out how to fish this fabulous river. Ethan caught this fish on a double nymph rig with weight. The river is tough to wade but you have to do it to get to the prime spots. We fished all day every day and slept like babies all night. We caught brookies, landlocked salmon and rainbows. What a great trip.

Picture of Harry indicating the size of his wallet.

Speech for my friend Harry Pass on the occasion of his birthday.

Knowing Harry can enrich your life.

(by Grant Scott)

Harry is a great guy. I really value my relationship with Harry because he has enriched my life. He can enrich your life too. Let me explain.

Let’s be honest, the reason that we all like Harry is that we get free ice cream. There is nothing better than having an “in” with the guy that owns Kel’s Cream. I tell my kids to always be nice to Harry because paying for your own ice cream is no way to live. We should all renew our vows to be nice to Harry because there are lots of other freebies to be had. Freebies, that over time, can make you rich. Harry pays for everything at Clarke’s Trading Post, Harry pays for everything at the movies, at ball games and at restaurants. Harry does free real estate closings and will even give you a free “homestead”. I don’t know what a “homestead” is but Harry gave me one. He said it was a good thing, there was a fee but he would take care of it … no big deal. Perfect, sign me up.

It is good to be short of cash when you go shopping with Harry. He always has a big wad of cabbage in denominations of no less than 20. I would recommend that you always take Harry along with you when you nip out for bagels but be sure to leave your wallet at home. You pick out the bagels, order some cream cheese, a muffin or two, go to the check out and step up to pay …. then you say the magic words … “oh darn it, I left my wallet at home” ….. everyone please repeat after me …. “OH DARN IT, I LEFT MY WALLET AT HOME”. Very good. Harry will then pull out the wad and pony up a 20 ….. “HARRY …. PLEASE HAND ME A 20. Thanks” (pockets the 20). Please notice just how easy this is. He never expects change because of the “nothing less than a 20 rule”. You should easily be able to pocket a 10 spot every time you shop for bagels with Harry. If you take Harry out on a bagel run just once per month over the next 20 years, you could trouser some serious moolah …. 10 dollars times 12 months times 20 years …. you get the idea.

In addition to shopping with Harry it is good to get in the habit of inviting him over for Chinese food. He will always offer to bring the food and he will bring so much that you should be able to feed left-overs to the family, the neighbors and the dog for at least a week. This isn’t rocket science but it all adds up.

Don’t forget vacations. I would recommend that we all go on vacation with Harry once every two years. Harry will rent you a timeshare for half of the going rate, he will buy groceries for the entire condo association and he will buy inflatable pool toys for your whole family. Follow my simple rules and going on holiday with Harry will cost you less than staying at home!

If you leverage your present relationship with Harry, get disciplined and follow my simple 4 STEP PROGRAM … “Kel’s, Bagels, Chinese, Vacations” you can have your life enriched by Harry.

Happy birthday Harrold.

This is a spoof of "Man versus Wild".

Chap versus Wild

Nigel Hedge is the English host of the “Chap versus Wild” series.

“My name is Nigel Hedge and I am going to show you how to survive the White Mountains of New Hampshire with just three items ….. a camping kit, food ….. and water.”

Dramatic music.

Camera shows Hedge on a sunny day, trudging through the woods near a brook.

NH. “As you can see, the White Mountains can be a pretty formidable place. Temperatures in the summer can get into the 80’s during the day and drop to the 50’s at night. This is a heavily forested area and the bugs can be relentless. If you don’t have insect repellent you can literally get eaten alive. Fortunately I do have insect repellent so I’m going to use it right now. (Pulls out spray can from pack and applies).”

Camera follows him forging through woods. Hedge is being overly dramatic about the terrain which is actually a pleasant woodland trail. He trips over a very small stump and has dirt and leaves all over his face.

NH sits on a log and talks directly to the camera in a hushed, exhausted voice. “I’ve been slogging through these woods for about half an hour now and I’m starting to get tired and hungry. My back is a bit sweaty and my feet are sore and achy. I have no idea where I am so I think that I will rest and take shelter.”

Camera shows NH putting up a tent in an idyllic spot next to the brook.

NH. “I do have a camping kit so I thought that I would use it. I missed breakfast this morning because I overslept and that muffin and coffee I ate mid morning just isn’t doing it for me. This is a good spot to camp so I’m going to settle in and then I’m going to do something about food.”

Camera shows NH cooking a pot of chili and toasting tortillas over an open fire.

NH. “This chili is really good and we all know that you just can’t beat cooking over an open fire. It is really important to get plenty of fluids so I am going to supplement my dinner with some Newcastle Brown Ale. I don’t have a fridge but this cool brook does the job just as well. If you find yourself lost in the White Mountains you should always remember that these cool mountain streams are an excellent way to keep your beer cold.”

Camera goes inside tent.

NH is reading the Guardian sports section and rolls to one side to fart.

NH. “People ask me all the time, what the most important piece of equipment is for surviving in the White Mountains. I think that the key is the camping kit. I always toss in a newspaper because it’s nice to stay informed if you don’t have a telly.”

Camera goes to NH studying animal tracks by the brook. He recoils when he gets a bug in his eye. (Side bar with the cameraman who is trying to help get the bug out .. NH keeps saying “no, no, no, still in there” and finally says “yep, you’ve got it”).

Camera goes back to inside of the tent in the middle of the night.

NH. “It’s about 2am and I heard something rustling around outside. I think it was a chipmunk although it could have been something much bigger like a moose or a bear. Anyway, I could not get back to sleep so I made myself a cup of cocoa and now I’m doing a crossword puzzle. (Turns to cameraman and asks … what’s the capital of Peru?) It could have been a squirrel or a venison. I know that you can eat a venison. I once heard of a couple who ate nothing but venison for two days and they survived. Pretty sure that they must have dug up some wild truffles too.”

The next day.

NH. “The weather really took a turn for the worse and the tent was getting damp. I quickly ran through my options and decided to wait out the rain.”

Camera goes to NH sitting in his car listening to the radio and cutting his nails.

NH in a very earnest tone. “If you don’t have access to your car when it rains like this, you are really in trouble. There is no real way to explain how to deal with rain in the forest so I’m just going to have to show you how to do it.”

Camera goes to NH standing outside his tent getting soaked.

NH. “The best way to avoid getting your clothes really wet is to take them off. The temperature around here at the moment is a cool 74 degrees but I’m going for it anyway.”

Camera shows NH stripping off to his union jack underwear and hanging up his clothes on a washing line inside his tent.

NH. “I hope that you now have some ideas on how to survive in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I’m heading off to town now for a cappuccino.”

Dramatic music fades out.

Grant Scott

7.15.07

Wiswal Dam, Lamprey River 1.08

February 2nd 2008.
Day 1 of my blog.

It's saturday morning and after a couple of blueberry pancakes and plenty of coffee I settled my arse on the couch for a full slate of premiership footy. I watched two fairly crappy games and rounded things out by watching the mighty Hammers losing one - nil away at Wigan on a dodgy pitch. The JJV must be the crappiest field in the league. It looked like they plowed a ten foot swath straight up the middle. Not the manicured carpet that the Hammers need to play the beautiful game.

Tonight I shall drown my sorrows with Newcy brown. Tomorrow I go fishing with Ethan and Oscar. Oscar will be the outdoor dog he was born to be and Ethan and I will catch trout and they shall be plump and feisty!