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

Farmington River - CT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

50

Orvis Avon's Tip of the Week

Trout are in full on spawning mode right now so watch where you wade and look out for redds!! Trout typically spawn in shallower areas with current such as tailouts of pools and back channels with a small gravely/sandy substrate. If you see trout paired up or in a highly visible area, chances are they are actively spawning or getting ready to spawn so avoid targeting those fish at all costs. Many trout that are not actively spawning will be staged in the faster water a ways below the redds eating the eggs that make their way into the current downriver.

Directions open in app

Map of Farmington River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Antoine Bissieux

5-Day Outlook as of 11/12/25

As of today (11/12) the flow coming out of the Goodwin Dam in Riverton is 247cfs and the Still River is contributing an additional 88cfs making for great medium flow of 335cfs in the TMA. Flows should remain nice and consistent as we work our way through the rest of November unless we get another heavy rain storm. Caddis, and small BWOs are the main bugs that are hatching right now. Look for small Olives that are around a #22-28 hatching most afternoons.

Techniques & Tips as of 11/12/25

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 small olives and midges in the flat water. Dry dropper rigs are another excellent choice when fish aren't actively rising with the lower flows.

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):
Indicator Parachute - Trico Black 22-24
CDC Caddis Olive/Tan 16-18
Rusty Spinner Rust 16-20
Flying Ant Black/Brown 18-24
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:

Small Olives Caddis Midges

Best Time to Fish:

Afternoons

Best Stretch:

Riverton - Canton

Best Access:

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