CT Freshwater Report as of 3/24/2026

CT Freshwater Report as of 3/24/2026

The Farmington

Pictured here is Kole Rostkowski with a nice brown. The West Branch Farmington in Riverton is 354 cfs with the Still at 444 cfs for a combined flow of 798, a high but fishable flow. The river is stabilizing for the most part with no rain expected for the rest of the week. Temps this week are going to be in the mid 50’s with lows dipping to the 20s. Spring is really showing itself and things are starting to warm up around the river. Keep in mind that the Farmington River from the dam to the Rt 177 bridge is now catch and release until April.

Still some Capnia (small stones) hatching. They are small (#14-16) and can be represented by thin black flies, trout love these. Midges (#20-24) have been hatching mid day along with small winter caddis(#18-20). Some BWO’s (#18-20) have also been popping up around the river on the cloudier days so keep your eyes peeled. Mayfly imitations (#12-14) are another thing to work into your rigs, stuff like PT nymphs and frenchies are a great option. Bigger flies to use would be stoneflies or other junky type flies especially with the high flows. Streamers have been deadly as of late with the higher flows, they are still responding better to the slower retrieves, however.

Fish can be found in some slow deep runs. Look for the slower seams in medium-slow runs and pools. While the weather is getting warm the fish won’t be in the very fast water just yet.  With fish looking for big meals don’t forget larger buggy flies like mops, squirmies, and flashy stuff. Bite windows are a real thing and don’t usually last for too long. Stay out there are fish hard until something happens.

Around CT

Bugs off the Farmington are about the same. 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. With cold water, small stream fish tend to stack up in the deeper pools and at times can be tricky to find. However, with these warmer days and higher flows the fish will start to move around and eat a little better.

Some of our smallmouth rivers are getting into the low 40’s and fishing will start to pick up in the coming weeks but will be slow until weather really warms up.

CT Stocking

The state has started its annual stocking! Some rivers stocked recently are the Farmington River (Rt. 219 to Rt. 177), Salmon River TMA in Colchester, and Pequabuck River (Rockwell Park – Blvd). Stocked trout are a great way to get into some fish and get some reps early in the season.

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. As always, tight lines!

 

Location:139 Center St, Bristol CT, 06010

Number: (203) 343-0775

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