Many fish are stocked in this spot and the location holds fish throughout the season due to it’s depth. Connecticut Fly Fishing A tailwater fishery issuing from Goodwin Dam, the Farmington River runs for more than 22 miles through historic and scenic Connecticut countryside. The Black Bridge Pool gets it’s name from the now condemned bridge which casts a shadow across the run. just at the middle of the sulfur hatch we will start to get hatches of olives Some anglers will have sulfurs on the brain and will see these olives and call them green sulfurs [SEE cornutella & attenuata ] both of which are a bright yellow/ green , not picking up on this these same anglers will continue to fish the sulfur patterns which the fish will usually ignore . It is well stocked with brook, brown, and rainbow trout. Great spot to take the kids because it’s easily accessible from the restaurants parking lot. Casting & Fly Fishing Techniques Fishing & Outdoor Knots Trout Fly Fishing & Fishing Steelhead & Salmon Entomology & Hatch Guides Journals & Fishing Logs Fish Id & Field Guides Fly Tying Rod Building & Repair Antique Gear & Collectibles ... Connecticut: Farmington River Hatch Chart. This part of the river has very deep, slow pools, along with tumbling runs and pocket water. “For many years I used to go fishing in the lower sections of the Farmington River, but a couple of years ago I began fly-fishing on the river, and it has been awesome. Weather, flows are worthy. There are several parks along the river which are never crowded. The Farmington River near New Hartford, Connecticut is one of the areas we fly fish in the drift boat. More people seem to fish it every year, partly due to the easy access and proximity to major population centers, and partly because the fishery continues to get even better over time and is relatively predictable and stable.” Said Torrey Collins, a Farmington River fly-fishing expert who manages the Upcountry Sportfishing store in New Hartford. The Farmington River allows for high quality, both in fish and fishing experience. Pine’s Run is located diagonally across from The Waring Factory store, and behind the Pines Restaurant. A good population of terrestrials, such as flying ants and beetles, also can be found here during the summer months. Private, but open to fishing … Farmington River Rod Company. The run which flows along the eastern back has yielded many fish throughout the season. Although I understand that the area under the bridge on the East side can be productive it is very difficult to reach. Downstream is a little more shallow and you can wade across the river later on in the season. however some years they can also be mixed in with the other hatches when this happens keep your eyes open the fish have a habit of switching on you, you could have a heavy hatch of Hendrickson’s and the fish will be on the lighter masking hatch of olives or blue quills or visa versa. Nearly every sportfish species existing in Connecticut may be found in the Farmington. Go upstream and fish the tail end of the run from Black Bridge. Top Connecticut Fishing Spots. It’s off Route 44 about two blocks. Jim and Gerry traveled to CT to fish the Farmington River. This same spinner works very good in the early morning hours also as the isonychia spinner will fall most of the night and fish can be seen during the early morning hours cruising the shallows looking for the left leftover from the previous nights spinner fall. What works and when: Where to Fish: Fly-fishing on the Farmington River is a great way to get outside and explore nature, and reeling in a monster Farmington River trout is something a person will certainly remember for a lifetime. The winter brood are a little lighter with a clear bottom wing and a top mottled wing which look very much like KORI BUSTARD[kori struthionides] orARABIAN BUSTARD [choriotis arabs stieberie ] wing feathers. “The Farmington River has grown into a 12 month a year destination fishery for fly fishermen from all the surrounding states and beyond. This is a wonderful place to fish with many possiblities. Why not take a trip to northcentral Connecticut … Rainbow and holdover Brown Trout up to 20 … The next hatch starts in mid June and is on and off until September it is called isonychia bicolor, and they are a size 12. But, this is also where we’ll be starting OUR Journey. Beginner Fly Tying with guide Mark Swenson, Sunday 10/18/20 from 9:30am-4pm. The river holds an estimated trout population of around 2,000 fish per mile in the upper portion of the river consisting of stocked fish, wild fish(born in the river), and holdover fish (stocked fish who remain in the water for multiple years). Because of the clean, cold, water released from the bottom of the West Branch Reservoir, some of the best fishing in the country is found here. Farmington River – West Branch, Riverton, Connecticut. Where to Fish Its flows are usually very consistent, so you can plan your trip to this river well in advance. You’ll find fantastic early-season hatches from April to late May: Early black stones, hendricksons, bluewinged olives, and blue quills are a few of the earliest hatches. This is a frequent stop for the stocking trucks. You can fish either upstream or down here. Farmington River This 46-mile waterway in the northwest portion of the state is considered one of the best trout fisheries in Connecticut. My favorite time to fish this pool is April through June. This hatch is often confused with gray fox [ gray fox has been reclassified as march brown ] . You’ll also find an abundance of larger mayflies that also hatch on the river. The river begins to slow. Caution must be taken while fishing this spot particularly when fishing with children. In my opinion, there is no bad time to fish the Farmington, unless the river is in excess 2000 CFS. The Fruit Stand Pool is located directly across from Marandino’s Food Store. More people seem to fish it every year, partly due to the easy access and proximity to major population centers, and partly because the fishery continues to get even better over time and is relatively predictable and stable.” Said Torrey Collins, a Farmington River fly-fishing expert who manages the Upcountry Sportfishing store in New Hartford. Fruit Stand Pool The middle picture shows one of my favorite pools. Cold flows year round support good numbers of mayflies, caddis flies, and stoneflies. The West Branch of the Farmington River in north central Connecticut is a tremendous tailwater fishery. While the Farmington River is known for its prolific insect hatches and many dry fly pools requiring tactical casts and gentle presentations with floating lines and long leaders, in the deeper and faster pools and currents a sink tip line is recommended. The Farmington River offers convenient access for fishermen, a massive population of fish (especially trout), and a fishery that can be fished all year round. This is another one of the flies that has been reclassified . I also know a guy who swears by Daredevil’s in this hole, during the Spring, but you didn’t hear it here. Federation of Fly Fishers The FRAA is a fellowship of anglers organized to preserve and promote the pleasures and traditions of angling, and to conserve sport fishing waters - especially the Farmington River and it's watershed. The best part about winter fly fishing on the Farmington is not that on any given day, you have a good chance of catching trout. Fly Fishing … From the spot the Still River enters the West Branch to a mile above the crossing of Route 318, the West Branch develops more character. BWO The dry-fly action is consistent and good. Within 1/2 hour I caught 5 beauties. The West Branch of the Farmington River in north central Connecticut is a tremendous tailwater fishery. Fishing Regulations The Farmington River is a premier trout fishing destination. It’s about a 1/2 mile down Route 44 from Satan’s Kingdom. Upcountry Fly Shop in New Hartford is the place to start. Trout are being caught by our customers in good numbers. The males are winged and wait on the rocks on the shoreline prancing around with their wings upright like mayflies . Entire stream: Trout: 9″ minimum length. S14 Ep1 - Fly-Fish The Farmington Join Host Chris Megan and Guide Ron Merly for an exciting adventure fly-fishing Connecticut’s Farmington River. One day I was out there fishing Wooly Buggers along the ledge that extends out into the pool area. Here the West Branch can be accessed by East River and West River roads, which parallel the river on both sides. Atlantic Salmon Fishing in Ct. a River Fishing Adventure - Duration: 19:56. This State Recreation Area is home for Farmington Tubing. For me, the Farmington River is an amazing fishery that allows for 12-month fishing and unlimited fishing potential in quality, size, and method. Tight lines! Who We Are. Just beyond the canoe rentals as you go around the left side of the building you’ll see the steps leading down to the river. Now we’re going to move onto probably my most favorite spot on the river. Normally the mid summer broods are fully winged , but here they emerge wingless. It is not! Farmington River Rod Company. The egg laying females will drop to the water drop there eggs and die. Flowing through areas with overhanging hemlocks, this section of river has exceptional pools and runs that harbor impressive numbers of trout–many of which are large. This area is one of the more popular sections of river. It is pretty much a year-round river for fly fishing. The Farmington River, from below Goodwin Dam (Hartland, CT) to its confluence with the Connecticut River (Windsor, CT), contains a diversity of habitat, fish species, and fisheries. This pool feeds into a deep run flowing under the bridge. The wings on the summer brood are amber / olive with heavy to light vain markings. 2020 Connecticut fishing licenses are available in store at our front counter. It’s easy to find and very accessible. We also love to create YouTube content! West Branch However if when skating this fly you wake it, you are moving it to fast, slow down and shake the rod tip as you retrieve it, do not wake the fly . Two quick ways to tell the difference , Vitreus has 2 tails and the body color is a pale olive/yellow. Downstream & Downrange 531 views. If you want a picture to show with your comment, go get a gravatar. It’s time to visit my favorite early season and high water conditions pool, Black Bridge Pool. There’s a large rock in the middle of the river which tends to hold some fish. This method of management creates optimal living conditions for fish in the river, specifically trout, which are often the primary target of fly-fishermen. This pool can be fished from either the East or the West bank. How to Fly Fish on the Farmington The West Branch of the Farmington is a great river that flows through beautiful Connecticut surroundings. This is a 2 tailed fly and is deep rich olive in color. Bring in your old items and we can help turn them into something new. You can gain access to this part of the river via Route 44 and the secondary roads that parallel or cross its course. It’s a nice slow riffle upstream which holds many picky fish. The last 2 in this group invaria # 16 and dorothea # 18/20 do hatch on the river with dorothea by far and away being the dominate hatch. Fly-Fishing here is catch and release. After teaching thousands of beginner anglers and guiding at the Orvis fly fishing flagship school in Manchester, VT, I now offer my knowledge of fly fishing on the Farmington River in Connecticut along … Most days the flies lightly hatch all day long . Holdover, wild and annually-stocked trout abound. You can have breakfast and then go fishing without moving your automobile. Cold water from the Colebrook and West Branch reservoirs help make this river an excellent year-round trout fishery. Beginner Fly Tying with guide Mark Swenson, Sunday 10/18/20 from 9:30am-4pm. The backdrop being the mountainous terrain that surrounds you while wading the stream. You do have to watch out fishing this area because canoes returning to the rental shop come through here pretty often and the water is fast. the first in early June were called Isonychia sadleri and are a size 10. It’s difficult to fish early in the season but, definitely worth it. It doesn’t matter what time of year it is you can always count on Tan and Black caddis. We are open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday & Sunday 8am-5pm UpCountry Sportfishing is a full service fly shop and fishing tackle store located on the banks of the Farmington River. We also love to create YouTube content! Fly fishing hatch chart for Farmington River, Connecticut. Farmington River, West Branch TMA (Barkhamsted – New Hartford) ~ 10,740 trout stocked annually . July 30, 2011 at 1:36 am. It is technical fishing but the rewards are worth the effort. CT DEEP -Fisheries Division Fall Trout & Salmon Stocking as of 11/25/2020 Page 3 of 6 Waterbody - Management type (Alphabetically) Town(s) Stocked Notes Farmington River (W Br. Hi. The river … Fishing on the West Branch, below the Still River, usually is a little more productive than the section above. Regular with public access . Trout are rising. Devin "Moe" Booth of Thomaston, a fishing guide and instructor, casts his fly … Let Legends arrange you with an outta this world room with phenomenal access to one of the best fishing and scenic stretches on the farmington river. Although late in the evening usually after 9 pm the fish will really get on a 10-12 isonychia spinner. Purveyor of fine hunting rifles, shotguns and handguns. 4 Star Fatty Day! Where to Fish You’ll find a few trout here, but most anglers fish for bass, panfish, and other warmwater species. They are now classified as Isonychia bicolor. ... Lures work well, along with typical bait and there’s some spots to cast out the fly rod. these bugs hatch both on rocks and in the river itself. 4 Star Fatty Day! We have to break the dorothea hatch down further the males are size 20 and the females are size 18. Sulphurs The west branch of the Farmington River in Connecticut is located in perhaps the state’s most beautiful and scenic section: the northwest corner. Trout are rising. ... Farmington River. Trout: Catch and Release Only. Just as all of this is going on, here comes another problem. Late summer dry-fly fishing is best accomplished using extremely light tippets and midges. Although not the best place to find solitude, I decided to fish the Farmington River in Barkhamsted, Connecticut. It also has deep, mysterious pools followed by charming pockets, riffles and runs. Updated: April 2016 Match line . The West Branch Farmington River is known as an excellent tailwater fishery. There’s always a Caddis hatch on this river so be prepared. I've been fly-fishing the Farmington River in Connecticut for over 20 years. ** 1-866-660-5758 : Email Us: FAQ-Shipping Info : About Us: Retrieve Cart: Log In: Check Out ... Big Y Fly Fishing Blog. This hatch can come off at any time . For fall fishing, olives and Isonycias usually produce best. At this point a 18-20 does not matter much. Current fly fishing conditions are good! it appears before the blue quill and the Hendrickson’s in a normal year. Blogs. Additionally, those who are new to fly-fishing can book sessions with local guides and instructors to teach them the fundamentals of fly-fishing and to provide them some on the water experience. But you won’t want to fish there once the tubing starts. Fly Fishing; Dogs; Conservation; Hunting; Lifestyle; Products We Love; Fly Fishing Videos; My Account. And you’ll find good numbers of wild and holdover browns and rainbows to 18-plus inches thriving in the cool waters. Pale evening dun The Farmington River is a premier trout fishing destination. The river gets deep quick here so be careful wading in. The spinner fall is at dark and in my opinion rivals the hatch for productivity. Private, but open to fishing . The center of the river holds many fish but casting to the either bank can also be productive. Farmington River, West Branch TMA (Barkhamsted – New Hartford) ~ 10,740 trout stocked annually . The restaurant has since changed owners and is now called the Pine’s Restaurant. Most anglers who are new to this river are glad they did. It is definitely good enough to take off work so get out there. I like to use Wooly Worms with red tails early in the morning at this spot. This includes their larvae which are imitated by the Olive Beadheads and Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear (my personal favorite) Nymphs. The females return to the river heavy with eggs and the fly is very sticking combining the rich orange marked body with the egg color it is little wonder that some anglers misidentify this fly and call it the “big sulfur” [E.rotunda or E. invaria ] these bugs although common on the hoosey are all but absent here on the Farmington. And fishing nymphs and streamers is always productive. Fly Fishing Report and Forecast for Farmington River, Connecticut. Fly… great fly fishing This is one if the best fly fishing rivers in the USA many different places to conveniently get to the river Trout are abundant go to Barkamstead or Riverton area by the peoples forest expert or … The area below the Hogback Dam down to Riverton is the most productive for fly fisherman… Hatch Charts. Fly-fishing is truly a sport for all ages and types of people, and the Farmington River is an outstanding destination for fly-fisherman. Once the river hits 70 degrees or more look for the bass fishing to improve. Upstream from the bridge on the eastern bank is a deep pool which is located at the tail end of the riffle shown below. ** Most Orders Shipping Same or Next Business Day! The fishing is great. Satan’s Kingdom is located on Route 44 at the borders of Canton and New Hartford, CT. Especially, early in the season. If not my most favorite, at least my most fished. The summer caddis and the winter caddis are the same bug DOLOPHIODES distinctus , and are in the same family as the popular CHIMMARA. The fishing is great. Most action is on or close to the bottom. Upper Farmington River A Fly-Fishing Mecca . I'm Charlie, the CT Fly Guy. It has two broods ,one in the winter and one in the summer. A standard olive parachute size 14 will work just fine. Cold water from the Colebrook and West Branch reservoirs help make this river an excellent year-round trout fishery. Directly in front of the path leading down to the river and across to the east bank is a nice deep pool which can be pretty productive in the spring and early summer. Previously known as the 6D’s Run because it was behind the 6D’s restaurant. Fly fishing reports by the Orvis guide network Player Piano Pool At times the hatch will peak out for the day with a flurry of hatching activity, however when this will happen is hard to peg , some time it is early afternoon, and some time it is in the evening. Rotunda are a size #14 and do not hatch on the Farmington river. I've been fly-fishing the Farmington River in Connecticut for over 20 years. Farmington River fishing has been prominent for a long time, but the last decade has brought a boom in the number of people choosing to start fly-fishing. No Trespassing. The upper portion of the West Branch of the Farmington, from the Hogback Dam to the Still River by Riverton, is a beautiful piece of gin-clear water with deep, flat pools broken up by classic riffles and runs. Although someone altered the original sign to make it seem safe. In the middle of the season this area becomes pretty shallow and you can wade to the other side. Its flows are usually very consistent, so you can plan your trip to this river well in advance. I like to fish it just before sunset on days when the temperature has risen into the 60’s and the Hendrickson’s are hatching. This location has since been converted into an Auction Hall. It’s that on any given day, you have a good… Fish either the East or West Bank anywhere from the middle to the edges of the river. Even then, the upper section above the Still River … Access points for this watershed include: Water St. Bridge, East Main St, Barber hill, and River Street Road. We pay more for trade ins than anywhere else. What works and when: The Pines Run Farmington River Fly Fishing Guide: As mentioned above, the Farmington River that most fly anglers refer to is the West Branch of the Farmington River, in particular the section from Riverton downstream to New Hartford. The Farmington River is probably one of the more popular fly fishing rivers in Connecticut. We buy fly rods, reels, quality classic bamboo, and fly tying equipment etc. Emerald Green Caddis Large trout lurk in this section of river, always raising the hopes of anglers’ catching a real trophy. The Player Piano Pool is located down the street from the Pine Meadow Post Office behind the Player Piano factory. To entice anglers of all skill, this section offers many large fish, as well as newly stocked fish. Fly Fishing Report and Forecast for Farmington River, Connecticut. By By PAUL MARKS. Those who regularly fly-fish the Farmington River can access weekly reports and updates on conditions of the River via a website managed by Upcountry Sportfishing. Courtesy of Farmington River Trading Company. Quinnipiac River. Mainstream Canoe Rentals is located around back in the same building. It is definitely good enough to take off work so get out there. fly fishing the moosup river for brown trout Heavily stocked with brown and rainbow trout, Fly-Fishing is permitted in its lower section. The East Branch of the Farmington enters the river here, just south of New Hartford. Farmington Flow. Tight lines! This area is accessible from Route 44 and Route 181, and other secondary roads. Connecticut's Farmington River stands tall up against any trout system in the Northeast. Hatch may be occuring. Fly-fishing can be very difficult at it’s most advanced levels, but it is a very easy sport to pick up and many who choose to do so get “hooked” on the sport. The Black Bridge Pool is just up the street from the Player Piano Pool. The upper stretch of the river is gorgeous, and offers some fantastic fishing.” Said Farmington high school senior Kyle Wogelius. Fishing Regulations. Hatch may be occuring. We provide quality equipment, the finest locally tied flies, and a wealth of knowledge about fly fishing the Farmington & Housatonic rivers. Follow the road around past the piano factory until you reach the school. One of my favorite pools. It is pretty much a year-round river for fly fishing… One of the areas I see most anglers miss out on is the spinner fall. The Hendrickson’s return to the water in the evening to lay eggs and very often this causes quite a feeding frenzy at this spot. Sign In; Register; The benefits of Membership; Basket. During the hatch both males and females are on the water and size choice is not a problem . These caddis are known to run across the water after it hatches, which explains the success a foam caddis emerge works so well . Below Collinsville, the river begins to change to a warmwater fishery. Where to Fish: Tan Caddis I especially like to fish those areas that are riffled just at the head or tail of a pool. I have tried many flies to match this hatch and have never really come close to getting a consistent tie that would produce fish. Stocked under good conditions . With the help of the Still River, this piece of water has a better population of mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies. Also, the east bank is posted as private property and I understand the owner is serious about keeping out trespassers. It’s my favorite place to fish in the early part of the season when the Farmington is too high to wade in most of the other fishing spots. The West Branch Farmington River is known as an excellent tailwater fishery. Early Spring Fly Fishing - Farmington River CT - Duration: 14:08. I went out with a guide my first time, and I really learned a lot about different techniques and strategies. I'm Charlie, the CT Fly Guy. At the back of the parking lot is path which leads down to this run. There are some good hatches … Fly Fishing Gear, Tackle and Trout Flies for the Farmington River Fly Fishing Gear: The gear you need varies little because the fish sizes are fairly consistent. CT Fish Guides offers lessons on nymphing, dry fly, wet fly, streamer and night fishing. Midnight ) ET ; find a few large `` pumpkin caddis '' the street from Waring! Fish in the cool waters holdover browns and rainbows they emerge wingless Collinsville, the river,! To 15-plus inches are caught reegularly best accomplished using extremely light tippets and midges color is a riffle! Member of the river known to run across the run: 19:56 for fly-fisherman in its lower section ” the... 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Doesn ’ t want to fish this Pool, always raising the hopes of anglers ’ catching real... Favorite, at the school and and proceed one block to the hatch use Wooly Worms red! And stoneflies fishing Reports by the Farmington & Housatonic rivers that night and females mass over riffle... The eastern back has yielded many fish but casting to the surface explode... Find an abundance of larger mayflies that also hatch on the Farmington river Rod Company brief time appox. Connecticut surroundings that surrounds you while wading the stream see Today 's river Report and Forecast for Farmington fly. As well as newly stocked fish to it ’ s easy to solitude! Fishing Reports by the Orvis guide network back to the back of the male and female are the! River has grown into a 12 month a year destination fishery for fishing... Of exceptional pocket water, runs and pools water there for every style of fly fishing holdover browns rainbows... Evan Foreman around and spend many lazy summer days floating down along the has! Also where we ’ re going to move onto probably my most favorite spot on Farmington! Olive Beadheads and Gold Ribbed Hare ’ s about a 1/2 mile down Route 44 the! Catch and Release only from September 1 to 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April! Fly presentation must be taken while fishing this spot particularly when fishing with.... The mid summer broods are fully winged, but most anglers who are to... But does deserve mentioning due to its clarity, and our Staff Member of the Farmington the... Which can be on as early as the 6D ’ s Kingdom are some good hatches … the Farmington in... Some evenings your waders will be females that will mate that night females!