contoocook in henniker

[NECflyfisher]

I am new to the forum and a college student at New England College in Henniker.
I was wondering if anyone had some good information pertaining to the Contoocook River. I do fish it when I can with moderate success, but was wondering if anyone had some more insight that may help this season.
As the spring goes on I will keep those interested updated on my fishing in the Contoocook.
Thanks and I have really enjoyed the other posts!

~ E

[fessiewig]

I fished the Contoocook for years and loved it. I'm not sure if removing the dam has effected the river between the "wires", but I'm sure it's still very good. If you know the dirt road on the back side of the river, I believe that is the best side to access the river from. When I fished the river last there were still small mayfly hatches. Watch for the Hendrickson in a few weeks and I expect the Quill Gordon's will be hatching soon. Caddis are probably your best bet to bring to the river and I would carry an ample supply of your favorite patterns. If you need some suggestions look at our "Tying" link. Actually, I think I'll let those who have fished the river recently pick it up from here. Best wishes in school and on stream.

[MJ]

I haven't fished the Contoocook but only once myself last year, and at that, it was only for a short time. However, I am very interested in returning to Henniker to give it another go around or two...or three. Anyway, I will be looking forward to reading more from you regards what you have to share about the river. Welcome to the forum!

Mark

[Nelly761]

I fished the contoocook for 2 seasons while living in Southern NH. It was quite a change from the Section of the Connecticut river I was used to up north. I had most luck fishing buggers and streamers. While I was fishing I saw a few nice hatches of brown stones, some tan caddis. I also caught some decent smallmouth on streamers too.

[NECflyfisher]

Thanks everyone for the information!

I have also had a lot better luck with smallies in late spring and late fall (beginning of the school year) then I have had with trout.

With today’s warm weather there were a lot of bugs coming off the river.

The river is still really high from last weekend’s rain; hopefully I will be able to make it out this weekend to wet a line for the first time!

Thanks again!

[Solid]

NECFlyFisher, I'm curious where was it you got into the smallies? and what were you using?

[NECflyfisher]

I have caught smallies around the center of Henniker (to the left of the stone bridge heading south on 114) and by the New England College Athletic fields off of Western Ave. The river slows down there and later on in the season, into summer it warms up a bit.
I have used streamers and occasionally a top-water bass fly with rubber legs.
If you would like some more information just "pm" me.

[NECflyfisher]

I went out for a drive alone the Contoocook this morning. Still pretty high, this site shows current flow conditions, as you can see still moving quickly.

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nh/nwis/uv?01085000

I only saw one guy out who reported no luck and difficult to wade.

Hopefully early next week (keeping my fingers crossed).

More to come soon...