The Nissitissit River, a sister stream to the nearby Squannacook, flows along the Massachusetts and New Hampshire border and holds a cherished population of wild brown trout. It is small, delicate, and managed in part as catch-and-release, exactly the kind of water that turns anglers into small-stream devotees.
The water
Intimate freestone character with a protected section, cool, clear and shaded. The wild fish here are wary, and the tight quarters demand accurate, delicate casting.
How to fish it
Light gear, fine tippet, and a stealthy approach. A small dry or nymph drifted cleanly through pockets and pools is all it takes, and a light fly setup (or even lighter) is ideal.
Tip Short, accurate casts beat long ones on tight small streams. Get close by moving quietly, keep your casts precise under the branches, and let a drag-free drift do the rest.