CT Freshwater Report as of 3/24/2026

CT Freshwater Report as of 3/24/2026

The Farmington

Pictured here is Dom Benvenuti with a nice brown. The West Branch Farmington in Riverton is 342 cfs with the Still at 205 cfs for a combined flow of 547, a very fishy flow. The river is in good shape and it’s pretty clear. Fishing has been on the tougher side but still lots of big fish to be caught. Temps this week are going to be in the mid 50’s with lows dipping to the 20s. LOTS of rain next week, so expect a good bump. Keep in mind that the Farmington River from the dam to the Rt 177 bridge is now catch and release until April.

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, should be good this upcoming week. 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 but are creeping into the faster water. Look for the slower seams in medium-slow runs and pools. 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 these warmer days and higher flows the fish will start to move around and eat a little better.

This time of year is my favorite for small streams, the good flows get the fish moving and everything starts to wake up. If you have wanted to explore some of CT’s small streams now is the time to do it!

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 (Lower Collinsville to RT 177), Naugatuck river (lower, middle, and upper), and the Quinnipac river (Cheshire). 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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