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

Farmington River - CT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

67

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. 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 7/21/25

As of today (7/21) the flow coming out of the Goodwin Dam in Riverton is 249cfs and the Still River is contributing an additional 55cfs making for a medium flow of 304cfs in the TMA. Look for flows to stay consistent goes on. Attenuate, Isos, Caddis, and BWOs are the main bugs that are hatching right now with Sulfurs taking a backseat other than in Riverton where there are still a few hatching. Some of the best hatch activity has been the last 45 minutes before dark so be patient and wait for the bugs if you can!

Techniques & Tips as of 7/21/25

If you can get out in either early-mid mornings or evenings you will likely see trout rising to a variety of bugs. 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 caddis, sulfurs, and olives in the flat water.

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):
Sparkle Dun Olive 18-20
CDC Caddis Olive/Tan 16-18
Rusty Spinner Rust 12-18
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

Sparkle Dun

A must-have in every box of trout flies

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Item #749F

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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 BWO/Attenuate Caddis Needhami

Best Time to Fish:

Afternoons

Best Stretch:

Riverton - Canton

Best Access:

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