CT Freshwater Report as of 6/7/25

CT Freshwater Report as of 6/7/2025

The Farmington River has been high recently due to the dam release in Riverton. As I am writing this it looks like they are bumping up flows again, most likely in anticipation of the rain this weekend.  While it could continue to rise, right now the flow out of the West Branch Farmington in Riverton is 603cfs with and additional 161 cfs from the Still River at Robertsville. Additionally, we do have some rain coming this weekend, about an inch from Friday – Sunday. Looks like a little rain next week as well but not too much. However, flows will rise even more so expect the Farmington to be high. Most other rivers in CT right now are at very good flows however and the expected rain should not blow anything out. It will be nice out besides from the rain with temps in the high 70’s to low 80’s into next week. Wind isn’t too crazy as well, with gusts peaking for the week at around 12 mph.

Fishing has been good, Sulphurs are hatching stronger and have made their way up the river. Still seeing caddis, Vitreus, and March Browns as well and the trout are eating them. Larger stoneflies have also been on the menu. Pheasant tails size 12-18 will do a good job of imitating a lot of the bugs in the drift right now. I’ve also had good luck with March Brown nymphs (#12-14) as well as caddis pupas(#16-18). With the rain and already high flows on the Farmington, heavier, junk flies will be a good options right now. Something with some flash and/or size to grab the fish's attention is a good idea. (Mops, Squirmies, Pats rubber legs, ETC.) Streamers will also be fishing good with the higher flows. Working the edges and slower seams can be deadly with streamers in higher flows. If the water is stained try darker patterns (black, brown, olive) but play around with color, shape, and size.

Like mentioned earlier, Vitreus are hatching on the Farmington and they’re about a size 14-16 and look like Sulphurs except they have a little orange or pink in their bodies. We have a cool dry fly pattern in the shop to imitate them. Sulphurs (Invaria) are hatching strong and are arond a size 16. March Browns are still going as well and are around size 12-14. Look to fish their nymphs in the faster water. I have been seeing lots of spinners at night size 12-14, look up to see if they are falling right before dark on clear, less windy nights.

Bugs off the Farmington are looking pretty similar. Lots of caddis with some larger mayflies mixed in. On smaller freestone rivers there aren’t as many bugs as there are on the Farmington so fish feed more opportunistically. Don’t be afraid to go a little bigger in fly choice on the smaller rivers. Also think terrestrials. While still a little early, trout will eat ants, beetles, caterpillars, ETC. as they fall in the river.

If you want to get away from the Farmington don’t be afraid to explore. There are a ton of rivers that are fun to fish. Some recently stocked rivers are Salmon River TMA in Colchester, Leadmine Brook in Harwinton and Hop Brook in Middlebury. Exploring new rivers can be fun and a change of scenery away from the crowds is refreshing. You may also stumble into some very nice scenery. It’s beautiful out right now and exploring a new river in the woods is very peaceful.  

Some other TMA’s to check out are the Pequabuck TMA (110 cfs and right by the shop and recently stocked), Housatonic River (Upper TMA) (1510 cfs at falls village), and the Naugatuck TMA (177 cfs at Thomaston). When fishing a TMA make sure you have purchased a trout and salmon stamp in addition to your fishing license.

If you go out and have any questions feel free to stop by the shop, we are more than happy to help you with whatever you need. If you get out this weekend on the Farmington, be safe with the high flows and try to avoid any hard to wade in areas. Tight Lines!

Location:139 Center St, Bristol CT, 06010

Number: (203) 343-0775

Hours:

Monday – Tuesday           8AM – 5PM

Wednesday                         8AM – 8PM

Thursday                               8AM – 5PM

Friday – Saturday              7AM – 6PM

Sunday                                  7AM – 5PM