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

Farmington River - CT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Temperature 42°

Temp:

42°

Water Temp:

50

Orvis Avon's Tip of the Week

(4/16) Fish from the banks and be extremely cautious if you decide to fish the river. Water levels are extremely and unsafe to fish in most areas so it would be wise to wait until water levels drop to below 1000cfs.

Directions open in app

Map of Farmington River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Antoine Bissieux

5-Day Outlook as of 4/15/24

As of today (4/15) the flow coming out of the West-Branch Reservoir is 1220cfs and the Still River is flowing at 432cfs making for a very high flow of 1682cfs and climbing in the TMA. Flows will remain high likely through the rest of the week as lots of water needs to be drained out of the West Branch Reservoir from last weeks rain.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/15/24

Nymphing is going to be the most consistent way to catch fish right now. Both tightline and indicator techniques will both be effective in producing fish. With the higher water, streamers are also a great option. Jig streamers are effective when fished on a tight-line setup as well as a traditional leader setup. The brown trout eggs have hatched and that means there are lots of new fry in the river which small jig streamers represent well. As far as hatches go, BWOs (#16-18) are hatching regularly in the afternoons in addition to Blue Quills (#16-18).

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):
Tunghead Pheasant Tail Jig Brown 12-16
CDC Comparadun Olive 16-18
TH Cased Caddis Tan 12-14
Tunghead Stonefly Brown 8-12
Jig Sculpin Olive 10
Croston's Micro Sculpin Tan/Olive 12
Blue Quill Gray 16-18
Tungsten Twisted Tactical May Brown/Olive 12-16
Traditional nymphs(pheasant tails, princes) brown, olvie, white 16-22
BWO Nymphs Olive 16-20

Tunghead Pheasant Tail Jig

You'll want this proven jig fly pattern on hand at all times.

2.99

Item #3R76

Buy Now

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:

Clue Quills Olives

Best Time to Fish:

Afternoons

Best Stretch:

Riverton - Canton

Best Access:

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