CT Freshwater Report as of 4/11/2026

CT Freshwater Report as of 4/11/2026

The Farmington

Pictured here is Jim DeCesare with a real nice brown. The West Branch Farmington in Riverton was cut and is now 88 cfs with the Still at 108 cfs for a combined flow of 196 cfs, a pretty low but fishy flow. I do suspect that flows will bump up after the fishing derby. The river is in good shape and it’s pretty clear. Fishing has still been on the tougher side but still lots of big fish to be caught, just work through different flies and techniques. Temps this week are going to be the highest we’ve seen this year! Although it will be cloudy most of the week we will see temps into the 80’s.

More and more reports of BWO’s (#16-18) especially on the cloudy days so keep your eyes peeled this upcoming week. You can find some midges (#20-24) hatching mid day along with small winter caddis(#18-20). 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. Bigger flies to use would be stoneflies or other junky type flies especially with the addition of stockies.

Fish can be found in softer riffles, but typically aren’t in the water you would expect this time of year but are starting to move into those areas. 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. 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 Salmon river TMA, Macedonia brook (State park), and the Farmington River (Rt. 219 to Rt. 177). 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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