Farmington River Key

 

River Report:

http://www.classicandcustomflyshop.com/

 This is the river report from Classic and Custom Fly Shop in New Hartford, Ct. Be sure to stop by and see Dave before heading out.

 

Water Flow Key:


USGS flows for the Farmington River in Connecticut 

There is no gauging station on the Farmington River below its confluence with the Still River.

 

To get the flow you need to add the flow of the Still River and the West Branch of the Farmington. Both of these links are provided below for your convenience: 

 

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ct/nwis/uv/?site_no=01186500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060

Still River at Robertsville

 

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ct/nwis/uv/?site_no=01186000&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060

West Branch of the Farmington at Riverton

 

Relating Water Flows to Fishing on the Farmington River Below the Still River

150-300 cubic feet per second

These are low flows for the Farmington River. All of the spots are very easily accessible. Wading is easy in almost any area. You can have some great dry fly fishing at these flows. Beware, long and fine leaders are the rule when dry fly-fishing in lower water. Nymph fishing the riffles can be very productive because it opens up spots that are not fishable during higher water.  Don’t neglect streamers. Many large fish get caught on streamers even in the low water. the only problem with the lower flows is that the fish are really concentrated in the major pools.

 

300-600 cubic feet per second

This flow is the best of both worlds. You have easy wading combined with good fishing conditions. The fish are less spooky once flows get over the 300 cfs. All of the riffles can be good from the dam down through the TMA. The trout start to move around.  Some of the water in between the pools can be a good bet. At these flows you can find “elbow room”. The fish get spread out really well.

 

600-1,000 cubic feet per second

These are higher flows for the Farmington. The trout start to move to the edges of faster water. The trout often stack up in certain areas at high flows. Be careful when wading into the river at these flows. It can be tricky. When fishing the river in higher flows, don’t be afraid to fish streamers. Patterns such as the Zoo Cougar, Zonkers and  Madonnas will all catch fish.

 

1,000 cubic feet per second and higher

Be careful when wading. We have had great fishing at these higher flows.  The fish are out of the main current. They are all on the edges. Don’t wade past your knees. If you do that you most likely passed up the fish. Fish streamers like the ones I mentioned above! Just be safe and smart in the high water.