The Farmington River has some of the best trout fishing in the United States. People from all over, not just New England, come here to fish.
Part of the reason the fishing is so good is the reliable flow year-round and cold water coming out of the bottom of Goodwin Dam located above Riverton, CT. Fly fishing is extremely popular, with several outfitters/guides in the area. Much of this stretch of river is catch and release, so please obey those designated areas; fellow anglers are looking out for poaching.
Trout Map
Where can I fish on the Farmington River?
The Farmington River is a premier trout fishing destination. 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. From Hartland to Farmington, the river is managed by DEEP as a Trout Management Area (TMA). There are three sections; each is open to fishing year-round. However, rules regarding the harvest of fish and the type of gear one can use vary.
If you are fishing, do not take up the whole width of the river. Leave room for tubers and boaters to get by, remembering that shallow water is not always an option for them. Also, many paddlers you encounter will be inexperienced on this stretch of river and will not maneuver very well.
Do not trespass on private property when you leave the water. Use existing paths to access the river and avoid cutting down any vegetation, leading to riverbank erosion.
Do not leave any garbage behind; make sure to go with everything you brought with you. Monofilament fishing lines that are left behind can have profoundly adverse effects on wildlife. Make sure to pick up all monofilament. Several receptacles are installed to dispose of monofilament.
Optimum flow guidelines for fishing 150 - 350 CFS. Here are links to three USGS gauges that you may find helpful in determining flows - Still River, Riverton, Unionville.
This alga can be detrimental to a river’s ecosystem for several reasons. Extensive blooms can cover the river bottom for several miles and smother native plants and insects, affecting the whole food chain. Lures can become entangled. Rocks become slippery to walk on, and the esthetic beauty of the river is lessened.
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