Fishing Season: January 1 - December 31 (Prime: April 1 - November 1)

Farmington River - CT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

58

Orvis Avon's Tip of the Week

Careful wading in the high upcoming water levels. This rain we are about to receive is much needed. Streamer fishing will pick up this week with the high dirty water so dust off the 6and 7wt rods and get ready to huck some big flies!

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Map of Farmington River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Antoine Bissieux

5-Day Outlook as of 5/4/25

As of today (5/4) the flow coming out of the Goodwin Dam in Riverton is 156cfs and the Still River is contributing an additional 178cfs making for an average flow of around 335cfs in the TMA. Look for flows to increase heavily as the week goes on with this upcoming forecasted rain and be sure to wade safely.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/4/25

Nymphing and dry fly fishing is your best bet with afternoons being most productive for fish feeding on the surface while Hendricksons are hatching. Nymphing before the hatch with Hendrickson and Pheasant tail nymphs is very effective and swinging a #12-#14 soft hackle right as the hatch starts up can be deadly. The further upriver you go (Upper TMA and above) you will see more Hendricksons hatching.Jigging small streamers on a tight-line setup is another effective method to target fish. Regardless of where you end up on the river, you will definitely be in front of fish as they are really spread out now in both slow and fast water thanks to increased bug activity and water temps warming up.

Local Species Available January 1 - December 31 (Prime: April 1 - November 1)

  • Fish Icon

    Trout

Orvis Avon's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Light Hendrickson Tan 12-14
CDC Caddis Olive/Tan 16-18
Bead Head Hendrickson Brown 12-14
T.H. Soft Hackle Caddis Pupa Cream/Yellow 18-22
Jig Sculpin Olive 10
Croston's Micro Sculpin Tan/Olive 12
Quasimodo Pheasant Tail BROWN 16-20
Tungsten Twisted Tactical May Brown/Olive 16-20
Traditional nymphs(pheasant tails, princes) brown, olvie, white 16-22
BWO Nymphs Olive 16-20

Light Hendrickson

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Orvis Avon's Recommended Gear

Description: About Farmington River

The Farmington River is the premier trout fishery in the state. It is a bottom draw tailwater fishery that creates consistent water temperatures, water flows, and hatch activity. The river from Farmington to Riverton is the most consistent stretch. Down stream the river slows and becomes primarily a warm water fishery. The river is of moderate size. The bottom is consistently softball-sized cobble making wading fairly easy. Access is very good, many roads run along its banks through the best trout water. Encounters with large trout are most consistent within the trout management area. These fish are, however, difficult to catch due to consistent angling pressure. Accurate imitations and light tippets are typically required.

Nearest Airport:

Bradley International Airport

Hatches:

Hendricksons Caddis BWOs

Best Time to Fish:

Afternoons

Best Stretch:

Riverton - Canton

Best Access:

Beaver Pool, Hitchcock Chair, Campground pool, Church pool, Ovation,