CT wilderness gathering part II

Sounds Great Simon.

Brett sounds great, if you think of anything else I should bring let me know!
 
Hey, I was in the area this morning and stopped by to check out the location.

With all the recent rain the river’s flowing pretty good.

Behind the canoe rental shop the water was 3’ to 4’ deep and flowing swiftly, about 15’ to 20’ wide.

There is a canoe pull-out area, but the opposite bank is overgrown with heavy vegetation.

There seems to be a clearing on the opposite bank about 100’ upstream form the canoe pull-out area, and the water seems deeper in that direction.

With the depth of the water and the current, crossing will not be easy.

Are there any plans to set up some kind of ferry system to get gear across?

Are there clearings on the island suitable for camping, or will have to hack spots out of the undergrowth?
 
Good questions Mike, Simon do you have a number we can call to find out how we're getting across?
 
Didn't know that, thanks mike...This should be interesting...My cell for those who wish to have it...203-605=5435 ...See you there.....Brett
 
When you guys get there, ask for Jack (owner) or Derrick (Manager). I used to be the Director of Instructions there and they know you guys are coming early. Let them know I sent you and ask them to leave a boat that you can use to help you ferry your gear over. There are a couple open areas once you walk about 100 yds into the island. The campsite has an established ring and is pretty open for a few good sized tents. Bring plenty of bug dope and don't be shy using Bens 100% deet to keep dog ticks off.

There have been plenty of groups that have used the island for solely a drinking venue. One group in particular needed two canoes to get all their beer over. Be respectful to the site and practice leave no trace if possible. The guys will probably give you a great rental rate for the upper Farmington canoe trip. Take advantage of it. You are in the best trout fishing area in the state. For less than $50 a canoe, you'll get rental, livery and a great 10 mile plus river trip. Flow rate is nice and the rapids are up to class II+ but not class III in that area. South of the campsite is a fun whitewater run but no shop canoes are allowed through without a guide or instructor.

Due to my schedule, I'll only get a day or two there at most. I'll hang out and look forward to seeing all you guys. Stay safe and pack that bug dope!
 
By the way, PARK TO THE FAR RIGHT IN THE PARKING LOT. Leave the spots in the front and back of the shop open for the shop vans and the paying river customers.

Mainstream's shop # is (860) 693 6791
www.mainstreamcanoe.com
 
Oh yeah, if you want to laugh, click on the TV commercial I was in on the main site. Pretty funny stuff! Wish I could save it somehow and post it here.
 
Excellent news Kev!

Whats the best lure for the trout in that area this time of year? I'm bringing a few spinning outfits.
 
Best lures are 1/16 oz and 1/8 oz silver kastmasters and phoebes. Sometimes gold phoebes work fine too. If you want to dunk a worm or too, set up a carolina rig with light split shot and plenty of leader. The trout face a lot of pressure in the area but are able to be caught. Hike up to the tip of the island where the river wraps around it. There is a great rock garden up there with some nice holes.

If I show up early saturday, would anyone want to do a river trip? This would require about 4 hours of time or more and I could show you all the good spots in the area. Just let me know so I can pack my chacos, PFD and my river gear. I'll gladly take people down if there is enough interest.
 
Best lures are 1/16 oz and 1/8 oz silver kastmasters and phoebes. Sometimes gold phoebes work fine too. If you want to dunk a worm or too, set up a carolina rig with light split shot and plenty of leader. The trout face a lot of pressure in the area but are able to be caught. Hike up to the tip of the island where the river wraps around it. There is a great rock garden up there with some nice holes.

If I show up early saturday, would anyone want to do a river trip? This would require about 4 hours of time or more and I could show you all the good spots in the area. Just let me know so I can pack my chacos, PFD and my river gear. I'll gladly take people down if there is enough interest.

Thanks for the tips:thumbup:

I am definately in for that:thumbup: What time is early? I was planning on being there at 7am on Saturday, but I can easily get there earlier.
 
Make sure you guys have CT fishing licenses. The place to get one is the store Upcountry Sportfishing right up the road on Rt. 44. DEP officials are pretty ruthless in the area and you'll get snagged if you fish without a license.
 
I'll hopefully show up mid-afternoon on Saturday. I can bring some fresh veggies from my father-in-laws farm.

Sam
 
i'm up for an early morning trip, just name the hour.

looking forward to this weekend, i've invited one of my friends that runs the survival program at a local scout summer camp.
 
Brian wish you could make it bro!

For you guys that don't fish CT waters often, I am pretty sure you can purchase a day or weekend permit. Buying 1 for the whole year might not be worth it as the seasons almost over.
 
Brian wish you could make it bro!

For you guys that don't fish CT waters often, I am pretty sure you can purchase a day or weekend permit. Buying 1 for the whole year might not be worth it as the seasons almost over.

Connecticut only issues limited duration licenses to non-residents. For non-residents, it's $16 for 3/days as apposed to $40 for the year. Resident fishing is $20, for the year- no durational permits issued.
http://ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2696&q=322716&depNav_GID=1630

I intend on bringing a rod, reel, and crawlers. If anyone wants to fish, but doesn't have kit, I have a extra rod/reel I can bring as a loaner (a telescoping Shakespeare, w/ spinning reel, and maybe a spincasting too)- just let me know in advance.

Here is a link to the bait shop Kevin suggested:
http://www.farmingtonriver.com/
 
Connecticut only issues limited duration licenses to non-residents. For non-residents, it's $16 for 3/days as apposed to $40 for the year. Resident fishing is $20, for the year- no durational permits issued.
http://ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2696&q=322716&depNav_GID=1630

I intend on bringing a rod, reel, and crawlers. If anyone wants to fish, but doesn't have kit, I have a extra rod/reel I can bring as a loaner (a telescoping Shakespeare, w/ spinning reel, and maybe a spincasting too)- just let me know in advance.

Here is a link to the bait shop Kevin suggested:
http://www.farmingtonriver.com/

Good stuff bro.:thumbup:

I also plan on bringing about 3 or 4 extra rods and reels for you fellas to use.
 
I had every intention of showing up on Saturday morning with a large box of knives for show and tell, along with some trade goods.

After seeing the crossing to the island I am re-considering my plans; getting a big box of expensive knives across seems a bit risky to me.

Hopefully the water level is dropping, and the current will moderate between when I was there and Friday/Saturday.

I might just take the motorcycle up that way tomorrow evening to see what the situation looks like.

For those attending, prepare to get wet, and carry extra gear so you will have dry clothes and boots, the evenings have been getting chilly lately.
 
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