Fishing Reports

Hello Compleat Angler friends! No momentous changes this week in terms of flows and weather. However, planning your winter fishing around the warmer and sunnier days can result in finding some Winter Caddis hatches in the morning followed by Midges. Anglers having the most success, however, are fishing subsurface with nymphs and jigged streamers. For nymphing, generally small imitative flies will work, especially your Midge patterns. It is still worth bringing some egg patterns and Mop Flies, as those can entice additional fish. Trout fishing can be slow during the winter, but you can find a bite window in which the fishing improves, which is generally when water temperatures are at their warmest in the afternoon. With that said local temperatures will be in the teens for this upcoming week, so bring some warm layers if deciding to fish. On the Salmon River in New York, Steelhead conditions are of a similar tune; temperatures will be in the teens with snow throughout the week. On the colder mornings slush is prevalent on the lower sections of river, while areas from Pineville to Altmar are still clear. Anglers that have been grinding are finding a fish or two each day.

Read on for more...

Hello Compleat Angler friends! The cold winter weather continues, and with that cold water temperatures and sluggish trout. This week brings no momentous changes in terms of fishing, however with the colder water you will want to adapt your techniques and approaches. Focusing on sections of the runs that have slower flows will help since trout are more lethargic. Slower metabolism in cold weather means they will feed or move to a fly less often, so it helps to have a methodical approach. Spending more time picking apart an area means there’s a better chance your fly will appropriately present itself to fish. All local rivers and streams have good clarity and easy wading since flows are below average. The Housatonic River is also back down to fishable levels, and the Farmington has average flows. While hatches are diminished you may find some Winter Caddis hatching during the morning, followed by Midges in the afternoon. The best techniques are currently subsurface, either nymphing or fishing jig streamers. The Salmon River in New York has cold conditions for Steelhead fishing, with slush being an issue in the lower stretches of river. Altmar to Pineville is still fishable with below average flows. Anglers are finding a few fish each day, however, catch rates have been slower. Your best techniques are nymphing with Egg Flies or Stoneflies, and swinging streamers.

Read on for more…

Hello Compleat Angler friends, we hope some of you were able to take advantage of the warmer weather last week, and congratulations to all those anglers that have found their first fish of 2025! Temperatures are colder this week, but the sunnier days are helping warm temperatures just enough during the afternoon to create a bite window when trout are most active. Most anglers sre having good results when nymphing, however you may encounter some morning Winter Caddis hatches or fish willing to rise to Midges throughout the day. Anglers that are fishing local are finding fish holding from Fall stockings, namely on the Mianus, Saugatuck, and Mill Rivers. Putting in the time and fishing slow and methodically are key ingredients for winter fishing since Trout are more lethargic. Anglers fishing the Farmington have been finding some nice quality fish on small nymphs and streamers fished slowly or jigged. For our Steelhead Anglers, the cold, wind, and snow are elements you will have to battle this weekend and into next week. If deciding to fish a good layering system is a must. Flows are above average on the Salmon River, which means that fish will be traveling and pushing into the system. Anglers braving the elements and putting in their time are being rewarded with a few fish each day. Fish are spread throughout the entire river from the DSR into Altmar. Stay warm out there!

Read on for more…

Hello Compleat Angler friends! While air and water temperatures have been frigid this past week, we will see a warmer stretch of weather starting Sunday and lasting until Wednesday. This will help warm water temperatures a bit during the afternoon, and hopefully jumpstart some Winter Caddis or Midge hatches. Overall, winter fishing can be tricky, however flows and clarity are all good on our local rivers and streams. Anglers braving the elements are being rewarded with trout left from the Fall stocking. In addition, anglers are still finding holdover trout on the Farmington River. With hatches diminished during the Winter, subsurface will be the most effective method, and during cold temperatures trout are now preferring their winter leis, which consist of slower deeper pools. Low and slow is the name of the game for nymphing, and you can expect strikes to be subtle. The Housatonic River currently has below average flows and easy wading, with plenty of fish from Fall stocking. On the Salmon River in New York, flows were dropped but are still above average. These higher flows have pushed more Steelhead into the system, which is making for some great fishing, especially in the lower sections of the river.

Read on for more…

Hello Compleat Angler friends! This upcoming weekend we have a taste of colder weather fishing so now is the time to layer up. If you’re fishing locally this weekend, air temperatures will reach a high in the low 30s, but local options are great in terms of flows and clarity. Anglers are also finding some fish willing to cooperate both subsurface and on emergers. For hatches you can expect some Winter Caddis and small Blue Winged Olives. With flows slightly increased streamer fishing will be a viable option. The most effective technique will be nymphing since water temperatures have caused trout to become more lethargic, especially during the morning. Flows are also ideal on the Farmington River, and anglers are finding some nice holdover trout. Meanwhile the Housatonic River is above average at 1460 CFS, so look for an improvement in wading when flows drop below 1000 CFS. On the Salmon River in New York flows are above average which means that more fish will be pushing in and traveling. With cold weather in the teens this weekend, slush may become an issue in certain sections during the morning. Anglers have been finding a few Steelhead each day with persistence, and fish are spread throughout the entire river.

Read on for more…

Hello Compleat Angler friends! This past week’s rain has conditions higher than average on most rivers and streams for once. This will help spread out trout that were previously concentrated in the deeper pools. Currently the Housatonic River is too high to fish so look for an improvement in clarity and wading once flows drop below 1000 CFS. On the Farmington River, conditions are ideal, and more water is being retained at the dam which will help keeps flows up for a few weeks. Streamer fishing is currently improved, while nymphing remains the most effective method with trout being more lethargic in the colder weather. Bite windows will be short during the winter, so your best times to fish are generally from the late morning to early evening when water temperatures are at their highest. Anglers are finding some nice holdover Brown Trout and Rainbows. Thanks to the flow increase, we should see improved fishing on our smaller rivers and streams, and if conditions are still off color you may consider larger flashback nymphs or flashier and larger streamers. On the Salmon River in New York, flows have increased enough to trigger more Steelhead and Brown Trout to enter the system, so look for an improvement in numbers of fish. Both swinging streamers and nymphing will work well.

Hello Compleat Angler friends! This week we have slimmed down the report to relevant fisheries for the winter to include Steelhead and Trout fishing. Saltwater anglers locally are still finding some holdover schoolies, namely on the Housatonic River. The South Shore of Long Island and into the beachfronts in New Jersey, anglers are still finding Stripers, however this should continue to taper off. On the freshwater scene chilly weather has reached the Salmon River in New York, with snow in the forecast. Make sure you wear a good layering system and dress warm when deciding to fish. Water has been below average on the Salmon River which has slowed fish entering the estuary and the river, however anglers that are persistent and putting in their time are able to find a few fish trickling into the lower river. In the middle and upper sections of the river Steelhead are holding in the deeper pools, so focus on these sections of water. A variety of techniques are still working, whether your drifting nymphs and egg patterns or swinging flies. The Farmington River flows were increase thanks to the most recent rain and snow, and flows are improved for the weekend. Water temperatures are still good, averaging in the low to high 40s, so you may still see some small Blue Winged Olives hatching during the afternoon. Nymphing will be your most productive option, while streamer fishing is holding up as well. The Housatonic River is still fishing well despite low flows, and techniques/hatches will be of a similar tune. Our smaller local rivers and streams have been tricky because of the below average flows; however, anglers are still finding some Trout from Fall stocking. In addition, Naugatuck was very recently stocked with more Atlantic Salmon.

Read on for more…

Hello Compleat Angler friends! Water levels have shot up a bit from recent rain, but they are still below average on all our local rivers and streams, so low water tactics are back in play. As a result, small nymphs are working well, and you can expect the most trout and insect activity during the afternoon when water temperatures are at their highest. The most prevalent insect will be Blue Winged Olives in sizes 20-26 both in the adult form and emergers. You may also consider bringing Tan Caddis and Midges. The Housatonic is also below average but fishing well from the Fall stocking, and the Farmington River is holding steady with wadable flows. Streamer fishing will still be in play as Brown Trout look for high calorie meals since most have completed their spawning. On the Salmon River in New York Steelhead fishing has seen an uptick in the lower sections of the river since there was a small increase in flows. This has triggered more fish to push into the river. The tributaries are also fishing well for Steelhead and Brown Trout. Local saltwater fishing has been spotty, but schoolies can still be found on Peanut Bunker along the shoreline, as well as around coves and the mouths of rivers. The mouth of the Housatonic River is seeing Stripers return to winter over upriver, and anglers are catching fish from the mouth to the I-95 bridge. The Striper action continues strong along the South Shore of Long Island down into New Jersey as large rafts of fish crash Bunker and Sand Eels. Meanwhile, Rhode Island is still seeing some schoolie action near the salt ponds and the mouth of the Providence River, however the bite has been tapering off.

Read on for more…

Hello Compleat Angler friends! This week we received our much-needed rain! As a result, the most significant changes have happened to our local rivers and streams which are now flowing above average. This will spread Trout into a variety of water types and open anglers to improved streamer fishing. Nymphing will also be an effective technique, and hatches may be diminished with the higher water. On the Housatonic River, flows are still below average but are gradually increasing, and despite the below-average levels angers are finding great fishing. Small Blue Winged Olives make up most of the hatches, with the possibility of a few Midges and Tan Caddis throughout the day. Our overcast and rainy weather will help jump start the Blue Winged Olive hatches. The Farmington River is fishing well with subsurface tactics, and the West Branch flows are a little below average as water is being held at the dam. The Still River has increased from the rain. On the Salmon River in New York, flows are still below average but have jumped which is enough to trigger more Steelhead to enter the system. Anglers putting in their time are catching a few Steelhead and Brown Trout, as fish are now spread into all sections of the river. On the Saltwater, local fishing has been very spotty with fish blitzing on Peanut Bunker near coves and the mouths of rivers. Fish will be starting to stage near the mouth of the Housatonic, which is good news for our shore-based anglers. The best boat action is still in New York and New Jersey. Anglers are still catching a few late run False Albacore in Montauk, along with Stripers which are traveling off the beach fronts along the South Shore to New Jersey. Rhode Island is seeing decent topwater action near Narragansett as fish are concentrated in and around the mouths of rivers. The salt ponds have also seen an increase in Striper activity.

Hello Compleat Angler Friends! Still no improvements in the rain forecast for our local rivers, however anglers that have been fishing the Housatonic and Farmington Rivers are finding good success subsurface and on small Blue Winged Olives during the late morning into the afternoon. These rising fish will be very picky in terms of fly size, so the smaller the better. Anglers fishing on our small local rivers and streams are finding fish, however they haven’t been very cooperative with the low water. Small nymphs on a dry/dropper rig will still be your best and most stealthy approach. Water levels have lowered on the Salmon River in New York, which has slowed the numbers of Steelhead entering the system. Steelhead are now spread throughout the entire river, and persistent anglers are finding a few fish each day. On the Delaware River, the West and Mainstem flows have increased so it will be worth bringing some streamers to your next outing. Our local saltwater fishing has been spotty, with some anglers finding short lived blitzes both by boat and along the shorelines. Fish are also starting to stage near the mouth of the Housatonic River this time of year in preparation for winter over. Meanwhile, Rhode Island has seen a quality over quantity scenario for Striper fishing. Along the South Shore of Long Island into New York anglers are finding great Striper action, with blitzes on Sand Eels along the beachfront. An interesting development to note is a late season push of False Albies near Montauk Point to Shinnecock. Anglers are finding Stripers mixed in with them as well. The only tough part of the equation for fishing out East has been the weather window.

Read on for more…

Hello Compleat Angler Friends! Despite the continuation of our Fall drought, some of our rivers have still been holding up for Trout fishing. The Housatonic and Farmington Rivers are fishing well, and despite the low water streamer fishing has been working during low light hours thanks to an increase in Brown Trout aggression. The most prevalent hatch on these rivers is small Blue Winged Olives in sizes 18-24, and if fish are refusing your fly opting for a smaller offering can be the secret ingredient, along with a good presentation and drift. You may also find Isonychia and Light Cahill hatching during the evening hours. Our small stream options have proven difficult in low water, and the deepest pools will be holding most of the fish. Small nymphs will be getting their attention unless they are rising. The Naugatuck River also received another round of Atlantic Salmon stocking, which makes for a total of 3 stockings this Fall, so now is a good time to swing flies for a unique fish. On the Salmon River in New York, the runs has transitioned to Steelhead, and while the numbers of fish pushing in are not huge, anglers are still finding a few each day with some nice Brown Trout being brought to hand. Steelhead are now spread into all sections of the river. On the Saltwater, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island are all seeing some great Striper fishing with large numbers of fish blitzing on Peanut Bunker, Sand Eels, and Bay Anchovies. We’re also seeing some incremental improvements further west in the Long Island Sound, with schoolies blitzing on Peanut Bunker more consistently from Westport to Darien. Anglers are catching fish both by foot and by boat during the morning hours with tide movement.

Hello Compleat Angler Friends! We received a little rain this week which has bumped flows slightly on our local rivers and streams, however the increase was marginal, and they are still running below average. As a result, the fish have been finnicky and concentrated in the deeper pools. For instance, on the Housatonic, you may see plenty of fish rising, however they are picky and eating small flies. The usual hatch will be small Blue Winged Olives in sizes 20-24, with some Isonychia and Light Cahill hatching throughout the day and into the evenings. The streamer fishing has been holding up on the Farmington, Housatonic, and in the Catskills despite the low flows. Since Brown Trout have started spawning make sure to avoid these actively spawning fish and trampling on their Redds. It will also be worth adding some egg patterns in conjunction with smaller more imitative nymphs in sizes 14-20. The Salmon River in New York is also has low water, but anglers are finding a few Kings left but mainly Steelhead. On the Saltwater, if you’re fishing by foot in Connecticut this weekend the beachfronts have seen more Striper activity. During the morning hours you can find them pushing Peanut Bunker into the shallows. Our boat anglers have been finding some Bluefish, however they are far and few. The best bet when fishing by boat is to focus on the coves and mouths of the rivers, and searching for birds. New York, Rhode Island, and New Jersey currently have the bulk of the Striper migration, and these areas further East of us are fishing great. The most prevalent bait will be Sand Eels and Peanut Bunker.

Read on for more…