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

Farmington River - CT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

64

Orvis Avon's Tip of the Week

Flows are a medium-low flow right now on the river with nymphs and dries producing the majority of the fish. Swinging wet flies has also been a deadly tactic with various patterns producing fish. We are seeing a variety of different bugs consisting of Smaller Sulphurs (16-18), Attenuate (18-20), and Isos (10-14). Sulphers seem to be hatching some mornings and most afternoons mainly upriver above Campground. Attenuate and Isos are coming off regularly in the evenings and seem to be the two big hatches right now. Bring a thermometer with you if you plan on fishing below the TMA as some of the warmer days are causing water temps to spike in the lower section of the river. Lower than normal flows for this time of the year mean that more fish will be willing to eat on top but be stealthy with your approach. The river has been getting heavy pressure the last couple months so the fish are starting to become a bit more educated. Now is also the time of the year when you want to wade cautiously and quietly since less water means the fish will also spook a bit easier. This is the time of the year when it's usually worth it to stay out on the water until dark (especially on hot days) as the bugs are primarily hatching late into the evening.

Directions open in app

Map of Farmington River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Antoine Bissieux

5-Day Outlook as of 6/26/22

As of today (6/26) the flow coming out of the West-Branch Reservoir is 165cfs and the Still River is flowing at 26cfs making for a combined medium-low flow of 191cfs in the TMA. Flows will likely stay consistent until we receive another significant rainfall. Hopefully we get a bit of rain to bump these flows up a bit.

Techniques & Tips as of 6/26/22

Both tight-line and indicator nymphing are great methods to use right now whenever bugs are not hatching. Dry fly fishing is on fire right now in the evenings with some mornings producing quite a few risers as well. Longer 12ft leaders are yielding better results and aiding with fly presentation.

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):
Sulphur Parachute Pale Yellow 16-18
Dave's Oh-So-Iso Brown 12-14
Rusty Spinner Brown 14-18
Chernobyl Ant Tan 10-14
Big Gulp Sculpin Assorted 4
Double D (streamer) Olive 4
Bead Head Caddis Pupa Tan/Olive 14-18
Bead Head American Pheasant Tail Brown 12-18
Traditional nymphs(pheasant tails, princes) brown, olvie, white 16-22
BWO Nymphs Olive 16-20

Sulphur Parachute

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Item #0923

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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:

Sulphurs Isos Caddis

Best Time to Fish:

Mornings/Evenings

Best Stretch:

Riverton - Canton

Best Access:

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