CT Freshwater Report as of 7/5/2025
First off, happy 4th of July weekend! The Farmington River has got a cut in flows this week. The West Branch Farmington in Riverton is 219 cfs with an additional 90 cfs from the Still River at Robertsville, combining for 309 cfs. The rain we got this week didn’t effect the river too much and flows are still medium low. With that being said please make sure to temp the water before you fish it and try to avoid fishing water above 68 degrees(F). There are fishable temps on the Farmington but you will probably want to look upstream more. Depending on the day you could see water temps over 70 on the lower section. When fishing other rivers in CT, be mindful of temprature as well. The Farmington is a tail water and the temps stay cooler longer than most freestones will. If you don’t have a thermometer we have some in the shop and it’s a great tool to use when temps are this hot. It does seem like we will get good weather for the 4th of July weekend, finally getting a weekend with no rain! Highs will be in the 80’s with lows down to 57.
Hatch wise we are seeing mostly sulphurs (~#16) and Isonychia (#12-14). In the mornings – mid-mornings caddis have been active (#16-18), look to fish the pupas in the morning. Isos typically hatch sporadically through the day in faster water. Don’t be afraid to prospect with a dry. Big fish LOVE Isos so now is a good time to start using them. Larger stoneflies have also been on the menu, look to the banks to see some shuks and try imitate the size that are active, especially in the mornings. Pheasant tails size 12-18 will do a good job of imitating a lot of the bugs in the drift right now. I’ve had good luck with caddis pupas(#16-18). Smaller pheasant tails will be working great right now especially with something like a pat’s rubber leg. Sulphur nymphs have been killer too especially when fished a few hours before they start hatching. Iso nymphs will be working well in the faster water as well. The nymphs are active swimmers so don’t be afraid to give the nymph a little movement as well. BWO (#18-20) have also been active on cloudier/overcast days. Work a BWO nymph pattern into your drifts when fishing. Terrestrials are also in play now, mostly small ants and beetles but also throw in some bigger hoppers. Fish them under and down stream of large overhanging trees.
Like mentioned earlier, Isos are hatching on the Farmington and they’re about a size 12-14. We are all stocked up on dry’s and nymphs to imitate them. Isos are a good bug to dry-dropper with, fishing them with something smaller under it can be super effective in rifly and pocket water. Sulphurs (Invaria) that are hatching are around a size 16. Fishing sulphur patterns as nymphs as well as caddis pupas should be effective right now, especially a few hours before the hatch starts. Sulphurs don’t start hatching until later in the afternoon so don’t leave too early, stick around and wait for something to happen. Spinner falls usually happen right at dark as well. Spinners are on the larger side, around #12-16. Something to give a shot is throwing a mouse fly when you give up on trying to seeing a dry fly in the dark. Every now and again you will catch a nice brown on a mouse walking back to the car.
Bugs off the Farmington are a little different. 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. Bugs that could be active are Isos and other larger mayflies as well as assorted caddis (#14-18). Also think terrestrials. We are in that time now where trout will eat ants, beetles, caterpillars, ETC. as they fall in the river. Small streamers like woolly buggers and zonkers can be effective as well. But again, be mindful during these warm temps and make sure you are not fishing in water above 68 degrees (F). Fish become stressed out above this threshold and can die.
If you want to get away from the Farmington don’t be afraid to explore especially on this busy holiday weekend. There are a ton of rivers that are fun to fish. It looks like stockings are done for the most part, there are still trout to be found in a lot of rivers, just have to be mindful of the river temp. But don’t be afraid to try some different species. Smallmouth can be very fun to catch and are found in rivers and similar places as trout. Streamers are usually the ticket for these fish. If you want to fish ponds and lakes, now is a great time as well. Bass are very active in the shallow water. We just got some bass poppers in the store too. Catching a bass on a popper is a blast and if you’re looking for something new it’s worth giving a shot.
If you want to try for some smallies, look to fish rivers that open into the Connecticut river like the Farmington River in Windsor and Mattabesset River in Middletown. The Housatonic River above the dam in Falls Village is another popular spot to try. Beyond these there are a plethora of lakes, ponds, and rivers that hold bass. If you aren’t convinced and want to trout fish, the Farmington river is a safe bet for cold water. There are many other rivers that could have cold water as well just check before you fish.
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. Be sure to stop by the shop and pick up some cool flies! Like mentioned earlier we do have some thermometers in stock. Tight Lines!
Location:139 Center St, Bristol CT, 06010
Number: (203) 343-0775
Hours:
Monday 8AM – 5PM
Tuesday 8AM – 5PM
Wednesday 8AM – 5PM
Thursday 8AM – 5PM
Friday – Saturday 8AM – 6PM
Sunday 8AM – 3PM
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