Trout Fishing Idylls

Come discover why the trout is Connecticut’s most sought-after freshwater game fish, attracting more than 1.9 million fishing trips each year. There are about 800,000 catchable-sized trout stocked each year into 308 rivers and streams and 82 lakes and ponds. And this fall, as temperatures start to cool, trout fishing heats up, as the trout do better in lower water temperatures. 

1-3 days

  • Summer
  • Fall

  • Salmon River
  • Farmington River
  • Housatonic River
Salmon River State Forest, Colchester

Salmon River

The Nature Conservancy says of the Salmon River, “The fast, cold Salmon River drains a 96,000-acre watershed in 10 towns. Experts have ranked the Salmon as the best example of its river type in Connecticut” and “one of the state’s top trout streams.” The Salmon is an eastern tributary of the Connecticut River. Most fishing takes place in the Trout Management Area of the Salmon River State Forest. Fly fishers and others will find brown, rainbow and brook trout here in a lovely, restful setting. It’s a great place to spend your first day. 

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Main Stream Canoes & Kayaks, New Hartford

Farmington River

Day Two brings you to fly fishing on the Farmington River. You’ll find UpCountry Sportfishing to be an excellent source of information for what’s happening on the river, as well as for gear, guide services and lessons and classes. It is said the river’s West Branch, especially between Riverton and New Hartford, has the highest trout population density in the state. See for yourself if this is true, and at day’s end make your way west yet again to prepare for your day on the Housatonic River tomorrow.

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Guided Flyfishing Trips-Housatonic River Outfitters, Cornwall Bridge

Housatonic River

Day Three has you setting out on the Housatonic River for another day of trout fishing. It’s a stream that has been compared with western rivers and is among the finest for trout in the eastern U.S. It even has areas dedicated to fly fishing. You can go on your own or find resources and assistance at some of these local resources.

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