CT Freshwater Fishing Report as of 5/6/2025

CT Freshwater Report as of 5/6/2025 Picture Credit- Guide Ben Canino(@rivervalleyflyfish) put his sports on this beauty.

Most rivers right now are high with all the rain we have received this week so far. More rain is in the forecast and flows will only continue to rise. Weather temps should stay around mid 50’s to mid 60’s for the remainder of the week. West Branch Farmington river out of the dam is 423 cfs and dropping while the Still river is just under 2000 cfs at 1920 cfs. Overall, flows around the state are high, they should drop a bit with a break of rain tomorrow but spike with rain forecasted for Thursday – Saturday. Water temps seem to be peaking around 2-3. With the high water please remember to stay safe. Wading conditions can be hazardous with high flows, and it is better to play it safe.

If you decide to get out, look to the edges, trout will hold along the banks in the slower water in the high water. Try to find the soft water and focus on getting down. Heavier, junk flies are good options right now. Something with some flash to grab the fish's attention is a good idea. (Mops, Squirmies, Pats rubber legs, ETC.) Streamers should 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. With high flows having split shot isn't a bad idea either

Hendrickson's should still be hatching on the Farmington and can be found more upstream. Caddis can be found hatching mid-morning and are active in the drift.

Lots of rivers around the state have been recently stocked so don't be afraid to check out some new water and beat the crowds on the more popular rivers. Some recently stocked rivers are the Mill River (Sleeping Giant SP), the Pomperaug River, and the Salmon River TMA (1040 cfs near East Hampton). Those are some fun rivers to fish if you want to beat the crowds and catch some fish. 

Some other TMA’s to check out are the Pequabuck TMA (1270 cfs and right by the shop), Housatonic River (Upper TMA) (3390 cfs at falls village), and the Naugatuck TMA (979 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. We have a good selection of streamers right now that could help you with these higher flows. Just remember to stay safe when wading this week until flows normalize. Tight Lines!