West R/Conn R in Bratt.

[yakosaurus]

I've never fished the Connecticut R. from a kayak, and was wondering if anyone could give me some info? I'll likely put in near the West R. in Brattleboro. Years ago I remember parking under a bridge and wading into the West R to fish, but I don't remember exactly where. I see a fishing access near Old Ferry Rd on the Conn, but nothing on the West.

Also, how strong is the current in the Conn? Can I paddle upstream and float back down to my car, or vice versa, without too much problem? When fishing a lake, I can easily paddle 10 miles, but I have no clue in a river.

Any advice would be great. Thanks.

[barrebobber]

this time of the year the connecticut river is pretty stable. you should be able to fish and paddle with out any problems. I don't know what kind of fish you are targeting but the river has just about everything

[yakosaurus]

Thanks for your reply. From reading your blog posts, I'll give crappie fishing a try, but will also look for bass. I haven't fished for crappie since 1978, when I was working in Alabama. Once the tourneys are over on Champlain, I'll get on them there too.

[barrebobber]

Let us know if you wanna plan a day trip. Thanks for reading the blog.

[Strafford]

Id put in at the Retreat Meadows there is a nice place where you can launch a small boat and its only a short paddle to the main river. There is also the fingers in Hinsdale that you could carry your kayak into. The only thing about Hinsdale is you just have to refrain from casting until your in your boat unless you have a NH license.

[yakosaurus]

Thanks Strattford. On Google maps, I see the Bratt Retreat, and Retreat Farm. I'm not familiar with the area, so I'm not sure about your term Retreat Meadows. I do see what might be a small launch site next to the road near Retreat Farm. I'll give that a try, and if it doesn't look good, I'll go up the road the the fishing access. I'd like to try fishing that small bay where the West joins the Conn, so Retreat Farms would be a perfect spot to launch. Looks like I'll try it out on Monday.

[dylan8351]

Worth trying sooner than later. I fished the river yesterday but north of where you will be. I found lots of fish... Many of which are still guarding nests. Good luck!