CT Freshwater Report as of 6/8/2026

CT Freshwater Report as of 6/8/2026

The Farmington

Pictured here is Jonah Tibbals with a nice brown! The West Branch Farmington in Riverton is at 232 cfs with the Still at 45 cfs for a combined flow of 287 cfs, a pretty good fishy flow. Some rain later in the week but it will be very light.

The sulphur hatch has moved its way across most of the river now and is fishing pretty good (#14-16). Lots of caddis all around the river, large tan caddis #16-18, and black caddis #18-22, we are seeing these at their best toward the evening with the egg layers. March browns are also sporadic (#8-12) and can be fished blind in the faster water. Also be prepared for a few light cahils (#12-14) New Harford and down river). For nymphs think sulphur imitations (#14-16), and caddis pupa (#14-20).

Fish are currently in the faster water, as long as you have some relative depth you will find fish. Lots of takes on either a swung fly or as it is lifting out of the water. Try either one of those or both at the end of your drifts. Fish have moved into pretty summery water so start fishing the faster lies and runs. Prospecting with March brown spinners in a good thing to try in the evenings. Dry dropper is another really solid technique this time of year. Either a March Brown or caddis dry are great options. Lighten up your nymphs too, we have low flows.

Around CT

Bugs off the Farmington are about the same. I’ve seen lots of sulphurs on my local rivers. On smaller freestone rivers there aren’t as many bugs (typically) 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. Dry dropper has been a great technique for the small stream as of late. Saty stealthy and try your best to approach from behind the fish.

Warm Water

Small mouth are in full swing. They are eating poppers but still seem to prefer small streamers. Mix in the “wigglies” which are just the insect like imitation’s, fish them slow with light movements. They will eat those pretty well. They seem to be out of their post spawn funk and are eating big swim flies which is a ton of fun. We have some big flies from hooksetters in the shop. If you are fishing tributaries to the CT river be prepared to run into a few stripers as there have been some big ones caught.

Carp are also a hot fish right now to target. We have a good selection of some carpy flies as well as the materials you need to tie some up for yourself!

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: 37 Greenwoods Rd, New Hartford, CT

Number: (203) 343-0775

Hours:

Monday - Thursday                    8AM – 6PM

Friday – Saturday                        6:30AM – 6PM

Sunday                                            6:30AM – 5PM