Author Archives: Steve Culton

A wild brook trout and striped bass doubleheader

It’s been like forever since I’ve played a doubleheader. And it really wasn’t looking good to start. I’ve been suffering through a series of random back spasms over the last few weeks, and the morning — Tuesday — I was planning on going, one snuck up on me and blasted my lower back. But I decided that movement was probably a good thing, bending over and uneven terrain be damned, so I loaded my ice packs and heating pad in the truck and headed for the Litchfield hills.

I’ve hadn’t been to this stream in about a year, and in a situation like that, on the drive I’m generally obsessed with questions like, what has changed? Will it be better, or worse? What will the flows be like? Well, not much had changed. There were, as usual, some randomly-placed-by-Mother Nature branches in the water that completely cocked up a pool or run. Despite last weekend’s rain — it didn’t deluge everywhere — the water was on the low side of medium, just barely what I would call decent. But there was cloud cover, and there were fish on the hunt, along with some active hatches. I fished a dry (ARF Humpulator size 14) with a size 18 2x short BHPT dropped off the bend by a foot of 5x. They mostly wanted the dry, including the one rising fish I targeted, but I pricked several on the dropper. I would have liked more water in the system, but you take what nature gives you and do your best. Cigar? Rocky Patel 55 Robusto. It was delicious.

You can see the full video of the release if you follow me on Instagram @stevecultonflyfishing.com. I put all kinds of unique content on Instagram, from fishing experiences to instruction to tips, so following me is a worthy addition to your social media experience.

Since no backs were harmed in the making of the wild trout expedition, I got reckless and decided to go striper fishing. Surfcaster extraordinaire Toby Lapinski and I travelled to a top-secret location on LIS, and although we had favorable wind and surf — the water had cleaned up nicely from the storm — the bass didn’t get the memo. Toby took the only hit of the night, but even that was momentary. I wish I could tell you that we were bailing 20-pounders, but I don’t get to make that call. I’ll end here: in what universe can it be late September, and I have yet to catch a striper this year?!? Eight trips. Eight blanks. Not even a courtesy tap. Yeesh.

And now, I gotta go use the heating pad.

A small stream outing, a Farmington lesson, and all this rain.

Last week I snuck out for a few hours on a local small stream. The water was medium-low, crystal clear, and the fact that the sun was out meant the locals were on high alert. Holy sandbars! The bottom structure of this stream had shifted quite a bit over the summer. In some sections, it felt like I was in brand new water. I fished a bushy dry (AFR Humpulator) and a BHPT dropper, and pricked four on the dry and two on the nymph. At the end, I switched to the Jiggy Squirmy Thingy and had a few small guys bull-rush the fly, but no char were brought to hand.

On Thursday, I guided Tim for a subsurface lesson. Like the small stream, the Farmington was low and clear, but plenty cold. We fished the mid and lower river sections. Mid-river was nymphing, and I was astonished that we didn’t even get a touch. What?!? We headed downstream to try our hand at wet flies, and we managed to stick three fish, although all of them became unbuttoned. Like many new to wet fly fishing, Tim needed to wait on the hookset after the hit. You feel the hit, and you want to set, but if you do, you’ll pull the hook right out of the fish’s mouth. You feel the strike, pause, asking, “Are you still there?” And if you do, the fish will always answer yes, having hooked himself neatly in the corner of his mouth. We will absolutely get them next time, Tim. A pleasure fishing with you, sir. Oh — we had hatches. Caddisflies and tiny BWOs and especially Isonychia. I love Isos.

If you own my book, Fly Fishing Guide to the Farmington River, then you’ve seen this photo. I love swinging wets for Isos, and I’ve done very well with my Iso Soft Hackle pattern.

Finally, all this rain. It really depends on where you live — we got pounded in Durham on Saturday, while the rain barely made a dent in the Farmington flows. Today, the storm is finally manifesting — the Unionville gauge has jumped from 230cfs to 540 — but I expect the river will clear up quickly.

“Featured Tier” now added to my Int’l Fly Tying Symposium schedule, Nov 21-22!

I got some exciting news on Wednesday: I’ve been named as one of the “Featured Tiers” at the International Fly Tying Symposium on November 21-22 in Lancaster, PA. What an honor! I’m tremendously excited about this. The Featured Tier gig will be on Sunday, and it’s a nice followup to my Seminar on Saturday. In my Featured Tier slot, I’ll be demoing “Wet Flies and Soft Hackles for Northeast Streams.” I’ve yet formally decide on the specific flies, but I’ve got a pretty good idea of what will be on the vise. They’ll all be fish-catchers and proven patterns. Stay tuned for more details.

What a lineup! I’m both honored an humbled to be included with these people. When I’m not speaking, I’ll be on the show floor at a tying table.
Batting leadoff on Sunday. I’ll start the day at my tying table, do the demo, then return to my table. This is going to be good!

It was a “Fly Fishing Guide to the Farmington River” week as Thames Valley TU & Main Line Fly-Tyers are awarded the Legion of the Cheeseburger with IPA Clusters — and the Ask About Fly Fishing Podcast link

I’m in a bit of a reflective mood this morning. Without an audience, a speaker is just talking to himself. Of course, I do this frequently throughout the day, or when I’m fishing, and naturally, when I’m rehearsing, which I’m proud to say I still do before every speaking engagement. So I don’t take these thank-you messages lightly. Last week was a busy one, three gigs in three nights. On Tuesday, I presented Fly Fishing Guide to the Farmington River, my all-new, upgraded talk based on the book, to Thames Valley TU. While I was unable to take advantage of their generous offer for a pre-game dinner, I made up for it with a stop at Five Guys on the way home. TVTU is a dedicated group, and it was a treat to see so many old friends.

Thursday, I ventured down to Philadelphia where I visited the Main Line Fly-Tyers. I’d spoken to them once before, via Zoom during Covid, so this was my first in-person talk. I was thrilled to have over 50 attendees! This time, I was able to take advantage of their pre-talk hospitality at Phil’s Tavern. Excellent cheeseburger (the patty melt if you must know). Really, really enjoyable. Thank you so much to both groups for being so welcoming, for your interest in the book, and for asking so many good questions.

Coming soon to a fly fishing club near you. My next gig is October 15 with the Croton Watershed TU.

Speaking of questions, in between it all was the Ask About Fly Fishing podcast. It’s recorded live, but you can listen to it any time you like with this link. I’m so grateful to Roger, the host, for giving me the opportunity to talk about the river and promote the book.

I’m going to try like hell to get some more fishing-specific posts up this week. (I know you’re rooting for me.) But to do that, I gotta attend to a lot of other things on my list. Which is what I’m going to do right now.

Appearances near and far, Ask About Fly Fishing podcast — and perhaps some fishing?

I now, I know, I’ve got a little broken-record syndrome with these posts, but I don’t want you to miss out. (It seems like every week, I get an email that says something like, “I wish I knew you were going to be there…”) So let’s get to it.

Tuesday night. 9/15, I’m at Thames Valley TU. Doors open at 6pm. I go on around 7:15pm. All are welcome. The subject will be the Fly Fishing Guide to the Farmington River, and I will have books for purchase and signing. Of course, you want to know where it is: the North Franklin Fire Dept., 5 Tyler Drive, North Franklin CT. This is an all-new Farmington River presentation, so unless you were at the SEMass TU meeting last week, you haven’t seen it!

Wednesday night is the much anticipated Ask About Fly Fishing Podcast. It goes live at 9pm ET. Here’s their promo description: “On our upcoming broadcast “Fly Fishing the Farmington River: Trout, Hatches & Tactics” with Steve Culton we will give away a one-year membership to Fly Fishers International, a one-year membership to Trout Unlimited, and a copy of his latest book Fly Fishing Guide to the Farmington River (you have to be listening to the live show to win this). To qualify for the drawings, you need to register. Use this link to visit our registration page, complete the form, then send us your information, and you’ll be included in the drawing.” I hope you get a chance to listen in, and please ask lots of questions!

Last but not least, I’m road tripping to Philadelphia to speak to the Main Line Fly Tyers on Thursday night, 9/17. It will be held at the Greater Plymouth Community Center in Plymouth Meeting, PA. Doors open at 6:30pm. As with the TVTU gig, the subject will be the Fly Fishing Guide to the Farmington River, and I will have books for purchase and signing.

And maybe…just maybe…I’ll get out to do some fishing at some point. Stripers beckon. Wild brook trout beckon. The Farmington River beckons…

Another year, another late announcement: Time to tie up some September Nights!

I fell in love with Ken Abrames’ September Night the moment I saw it. That love deepened when I tied it, and it became a forever love once I fished it. The pattern is intended to imitate finger mullet, and it’s one of Ken’s heavier fly dressings. You can tie it short (3″-4″), long (6″-8″), play around with colors (one year I tied it with a ginger marabou color, and the stripers said yes!) — it’s a supremely versatile fly. I have fond memories of, ironically, and October night in Weekapaug breachway on an outgoing tide when I took bass after bass on the September Night using a greased line swing. I know, you’re heading to your vise right now — so here’s the September Night recipe.

Ooh. Ahh. Ohh. Love this fly and its color accents (black, purple, blue, black). Stripers love it, too.

Kicking off a very busy fall, Ask About Fly Fishing Podcast Sept 16 at 9pmET

Happy day-after-Labor Day. I actually fished this weekend, on the Cape no less, and was rewarded with two hours of blissful solitude under the stars, an outstanding cigar (Olmec Grande Maduro), and…not a touch. Can you believe that it’s September 8th and I still haven’t caught a striper this year? Only 7 outings, but hey, come on now. Not to worry. It’s going to happen soon.

Also happening soon is my speaking engagement with SE Mass TU — tonight, in fact — in Middleborough, MA. It’s the first of many gigs this fall that center around the book, Fly Fishing Guide to the Farmington River. The meeting starts at 7pm at the Mitchell Memorial Club, and walk-ins are welcome. I’ll have books for sale and signing. Next week, Sept. 15, 7pm, I’m at Thames Valley TU in CT. Thursday, Sept. 17, I visit the Main Line Fly Tyers in Philadelphia. Ditto ditto books for sale and signing.

If you can’t make any of those dates, you can catch me from the comfort of your home on Wednesday, Sept 16. I’m honored to be the guest of the Ask About Fly Fishing Podcast, which will be broadcast live at 9pm ET. If you can’t make it, you can still listen to it at a later date. You can ask questions, and I’ll answer them live on the air — or is it ether? They also do a free drawing — I’m not sure what the prize is — which you need to register for. It’s going to be fun, and I’m really looking forward to it. See you around!

Stuff I Use: iLIVE WeatherX Bluetooth Lantern and Powerbank

When the PR people came to me with the idea that I should test a battery-powered lantern that doubles as a phone charger — with the target being people who go camping — I thought I’d pass. No camping for me, at least not in a very long time.

But I did a little ruminating and decided: this would be great in the truck for fishing after dark. Who the hell cares if I don’t camp? They sent me the lantern, and I’ve used it on every evening fishing trip since. I hang it in the truck while I’m gearing down in the dark; if the truck’s dome light shuts off, I’m still illuminated. What’s more, the top of the device is magnetic, so you can attach it to the magnetic metal exterior of your vehicle. Cool beans!

The iLIVE WeatherX Bluetooth Lantern and Powerbank in action! Find a hook, slip the handle over it, and you’re illuminated.
From the PR Company: The iLIVE WeatherX Bluetooth Lantern and Powerbank’s rugged design can handle drops, rain, and mud. It has a carabineer for hanging that doubles as a carry handle, and magnets so it can even be attached to the side of a vehicle. The light has low, medium, high, strobe, and SOS modes, a 70-hour battery life, and 5,000 mAh battery that can be used to charge cell phones and other devices. It’s available from retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods online for $24.99.

Thank you, Compleat Angler, a very busy fall, and other odds & ends

Happy Monday! Despite the weather — Saturday was one of the ten best weather days of the summer — we had a strong turnout at the book signing event at The Compleat Angler in Darien. We had one customer buy three books, and three more buy two books. I love it! As I did with UpCountry Sportfishing, I signed dozens of copies for them to have on hand, so it’s not too late for you to get a signed copy at either location. If you’re looking to order a signed, dedicated-to-you book directly from me, you can still do that, too.

Or, you can see me at one of the many stops I’ll be making this fall and winter at shows and club meetings throughout the northeast. I’ll be bringing a box o’ books, and you can get a signed copy from me at any of the clubs. (You should plan on buying at the bookstore at the Symposium and Fly Fishing Shows.) There will be more dates added as they come in!

I’m truly grateful for all the positive feedback I’m getting from you about the book. What a thrill to know that you’re liking what you’re reading.

A reminder that the DEEP will be drawing down the Farmington River in early September for their annual fish census and broodstock collection for the Survivor Strain program. I don’t have the date yet, but I suspect it will come after Labor Day.

I hate to see summer go, but I’m looking forward to some serious fall fishing. Brook trout, stripers, Farmington River trout, steelhead…man, I’m just about salivating.

The Roundhouse Ultimate Campout Kit — emergency meals when you need them

We all gotta eat. In an emergency situation, you might have to make do with what you have on hand — or, if you’re prepared, stashed away for just such a situation. Enter the Roundhouse Ultimate Campout Kit. Whether you’re camping in the wilderness or sheltering at home due to a disaster, this kit will help you stay nourished. (It has a shelf life of over two decades.)

The kit, as its website says, is “packed with nutrient-rich emergency ration bars, a refreshing hydration drink, convenient drink travel packs, and a 3-day emergency meal kit.” I don’t do any camping, but I thought this was worthy of review. I do a lot of on-the-go-eating, and I am an avid user of nutritional supplements. So I had one sent to me to try out on myself and the family, which includes #2 Son Cam, a 2nd Lt. in the USMC. If anyone should know from MRE-style food, it’s Cam! I suppose you can’t be picky about what you eat in an emergency, but the food should — hopefully — taste good. Or at least good enough. So, let’s eat!

The 3-Day Emergency Meal Kit offers you breakfast (oatmeal with brown sugar), lunch (cheesy broccoli rice) and dinner (creamy chicken flavored rice). I wasn’t crazy about the fact that each of these meals comes in one large pouch; once you open the pouch, though, you’re not getting twenty years of freshness between servings. It would have been better if each meal came in smaller, more manageable sizes. You also need to add boiling water to rehydrate these meals, so if portable water is in short supply, you’re out of luck. But let’s dig in. How does it taste? We opened the oatmeal and the family consensus was that yes, it’s good. I’m an oatmeal snob, and I thought it smelled better than it tasted, but we finished the entire pouch over the course of a few days, so that’s a thumbs up. Nutritionally, it’s right in line with most other instant oatmeals.

The Hydration Punch is loaded with electrolytes. While it wasn’t my cup of tea taste-wise, Cam loved it. In fact, he took the remainder of the tub off to his first duty station. The Morning Kick drink contains fiber, a greens blend, and a probiotic blend. I had this twice before a fasting morning cardio workout; I didn’t notice any difference in my workout, but it certainly did me no harm. Cam was also a big fan, and made off with my remaining supply.

Finally, we have the Survival Mode Emergency Ration Bar. I’m a big bar fan. I take bars all the time on fishing trips. Most of the bars I use are protein-heavy, very low carbs, and half the 410 calories packed in this bar. But when you’re hungry and you need protein, fat, and carbs, you get 410 calories. I was dubious about the taste. In the packaging, these are more brick than bar. And “buttery lemon shortbread cookie flavor”? I’m a chocolate kind of guy. Not to worry. These bars deliver in the flavor department, and the taste profile is spot on with the packaging description. Dense and delicious.

At $189.80 ($146.80 if you create an online account) the kit is not cheap. But, you’re paying for peace-of-mind. It’s insurance, right? And if, like me, you get really grouchy when you’re hungry, this is one of those items that you’re going to rejoice over when disaster strikes and you gotta eat.