CT Freshwater Report as of 4/4/2026

CT Freshwater Report as of 4/4/2026

The Farmington

Happy Easter weekend! Pictured here is Trevor Nguyen getting it done. The West Branch Farmington in Riverton is 263 cfs with the Still at 216 cfs for a combined flow of 479, 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 drop to the 40’s but will pick up to 60 by the end of the week. Keep in mind that the Farmington River from the dam to the Rt 177 bridge is now catch and release until April 11.

Hatches for the most part are a bit behind. You can find some midges (#20-24) 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. We’ve found some success going through our boxes to old flies. Fishing has been slow so don't get discouraged. 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 softer riffles, but typically aren’t in the water you would expect this time of year. 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. Fishing has been tough with big temp swings in the river. Make lots of adjustments and try different things for fish.

Around CT

Bugs off the Farmington are about the same. I’ve seen LOTS of stones (#14-16) on my local rivers. 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 good 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 almost to the 50 degree mark 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), Willimantic river TMA, and the Scantic river. 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

Hours:

Monday                                  Closed

Tuesday                                 Closed

Wednesday                         8AM – 5PM

Thursday                               8AM – 5PM

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Sunday                                  8AM – 3PM