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

Farmington River - CT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

35

Orvis Avon's Tip of the Week

We are deep into the cold winter months now so be adaptable with your approach by lengthening out your leaders, downsizing flies, and fishing small nymphs. Look for some winter caddis hatches during the cold morning hours primarily with small midges hatching in the afternoon hours. Ice shelves are prevalent all across the river so wade with caution.

Directions open in app

Map of Farmington River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Antoine Bissieux

5-Day Outlook as of 2/14/25

As of today (2/154the flow coming out of the West-Branch Reservoir is 85cfs and the Still River is flowing around 25cfs making for a low flow of 110cfs in the TMA. Flows should remain consistent throughout the week and water temps will continue to be exceptionally cold with below freezing weather all week.

Techniques & Tips as of 2/14/25

Nymphing is your best bet with afternoons being most productive, just be sure to lighten up your rigs and use some 6x for most applications. Jigging small streamers on a tight-line setup is another effective method to target fish. Don't be discouraged if you do not get into fish right away, many days the fish are only active during a pretty short bite window which usually comes in the afternoon when water temps are at their highest.

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):
CDC Caddis Black 20-22
Midge Black 22-26
Tunghead Stonefly Black 16-20
Bead Head 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

CDC Caddis

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Item #17X1

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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:

Early Black Stoneflies Winter Caddis Midges

Best Time to Fish:

Afternoons

Best Stretch:

Riverton - Canton

Best Access:

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