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

Farmington River - CT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

65

Orvis Avon's Tip of the Week

Before you step foot in the river be sure to take a water temp. If you get a reading above 68 degrees you should either move upriver to find colder water or stop fishing all together. The mortality rate is very high if trout are caught and released in warm water temps so be mindful of where you are fishing. Nymphing early mornings is a great way to catch fish before most of the other anglers get out on the water. Tricos have been hatching consistently throughout the river and the spinner falls have been bringing some nice trout up to the surface. Look for Trico spinners to fall when air temps reach about 68 degrees on mornings/evenings with minimal wind. The terrestrial fishing has also been productive mid-day when not much else is going on. When fishing with ants/terrestrials target shady banks mid-day and you will likely get some fish to rise to the larger bugs.

Directions open in app

Map of Farmington River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Antoine Bissieux

5-Day Outlook as of 8/10/25

As of today (8/2) the flow coming out of the Goodwin Dam in Riverton is 243cfs and the Still River is contributing an additional 19cfs making for a nicemedium flow of 262cfs in the TMA. Look for flows to stay consistent as the week goes on. Tricia, Isos, Cahills, Caddis, and BWOs are the main bugs that are hatching right now Some of the best hatch activity has been early morning and the last 45 minutes before dark so be patient and wait for the bugs if you can!

Techniques & Tips as of 8/10/25

Trout are receiving an education from quite a few anglers on the river so now is the time to dial in your presentation. Longer leaders around 12' are an excellent choice for fishing dries and 6x is a good choice for presenting smaller flies like Tricos and olives in the flat water. Dry dropper rigs are another excellent choice when fish aren't actively rising.

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

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    Trout

Orvis Avon's Recommended Fly Patterns

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

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Indicator Parachute - Trico Black 22-24
CDC Caddis Olive/Tan 16-18
Rusty Spinner Rust 16-20
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

Indicator Parachute - Trico

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Item #11YC10

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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:

Iso Trico Caddis Needhami

Best Time to Fish:

Afternoons

Best Stretch:

Riverton - Canton

Best Access:

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