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Northeast Fishing Report 5/16/2025
Hello Compleat Angler friends! While flows are still above average on most of our rivers and streams across Connecticut, they are dropping closer towards average levels, so most options will be clear and fishable. Before and between hatches, both streamer fishing and nymphing are working well with the high water. For hatches you can expect a few Hendricksons still, Blue Winged Olives, Olive/Tan Caddis, and soon we will start to see some Sulphurs. You may also consider bringing some ant patterns and beetles. Our anglers fishing the Delaware River are also seeing improved March Brown hatches. The Farmington River currently has ideal flows, meanwhile the Housatonic is too high to wade comfortably. On the saltwater we’re seeing improvements in bait and Striper activity. More migratory fish are pushing into the Long Island Sound, and the most prevalent bait is small Silversides and adult Bunker. There are currently some great wading and boat fishing options!
Read on for more…
Connecticut
Local Rivers
Local rivers and streams are still above average from the scattered rain we’ve had throughout the week, and flows are gradually dropping. Currently the Saugatuck River is flowing at 214 CFS, and while water is still a bit high the clarity is good. You may see some fish rising; however, these scenarios are more inconsistent with above average flows. For this weekend you will want to bring some larger Woolly Buggers, as well as some flashy streamers to draw attention in high flows, such as a Kreelex Fly. With higher flows you can opt for streamers fished on a sinking line or sink tip. Subsurface will be your most productive techniques leading into the weekend. When flows approach more average levels we can expect to see Caddis, Blue Winged Olives, Midges, and Hendricksons. It will also be a good idea to bring some terrestrials, namely Ant Patterns. Despite the high flows anglers are catching fish, and some good rivers to focus on include the Saugatuck, Mill, Norwalk, and Mianus Rivers. Some of these rivers will have lower catch rates now as they are susceptible to pressure or poaching. Many lakes and ponds were also stocked, which is a great opportunity to take the kids fishing.
Dry Fly Hatches:
Blue Winged Olives (Overcast Days) 18-24
Adams Parachute (Attractor) 16-20
Nymphs:
General Mayfly Attractor 14-18
Streamers:
Krystal Bugger (Black, Chartreuse, Brown, Olive, White, Burnt Orange) 6-12
Naugatuck River
The Naugatuck River is also above average, but is at fishable levels and clarity, reading 877 CFS at Beacon Falls. All sections of the Naugatuck and Shetucket have been stocked for Spring, so fishing will be good on a variety of techniques. Trout have been in the system long enough to be keyed in on the natural forage, so you can expect improved dry fly fishing. You can expect hatches like our local rivers: Midges, Caddis, Blue Winged Olives, and Hendrickson. Also consider bringing nymphs that are listed under our “Local Rivers” section. Nymphing will be the most productive method, especially in the morning when hatch activity is lowest. Streamer fishing is also a great option while the flows are high.
Farmington River
Flows on the Farmington River are currently ideal for fishing, wading, and clarity. The West Branch at Riverton is flowing at 184 CFS, meanwhile the Still has settled near average and is reading 281 CFS. Water temperatures on the West Branch are fluctuating in the mid-40s to low 50s. All areas of the Farmington River have been stocked twice so there are plenty of fish. A variety of techniques will be working, and streamer fishing is still a good option either jigs or articulated. Your standard assortment of nymphs will be working, from sizes 12-20, as well as Mops and Squirmies. For hatches you can expect to see some Hendricksons hatching upriver during the afternoons and evenings. In addition, you will find Tan/Olive Caddis, Midges, and it will be worthwhile bringing Ants/Beetles. The mornings have been better for nymphing and streamer fishing, with a variety of patterns working on stocked fish. For the holdover fish, you will want to use smaller and more natural-colored nymphs. For dry fly leaders we prefer a 9-12’ 5x-6x, and for nymphing a 9’ 5x-6x. Streamer fishing depends on the line; for sinking lines a short 5’ section of 10-15lb will work well while floating lines will require a longer 7.5-9’ leader in 10lb.
Dry Fly Hatches:
Blue Winged Olives (Overcast Days) 18-24
Blue Winged Olive Emerger 18-20
Hendrickson 12-14 (Good Hatches)
Nymphs:
General Mayfly Attractor 14-18
Streamers:
Krystal Bugger (Black, Brown, Olive, White, Burnt Orange) 6-12
Larger Articulated Streamers on a sinking/sink tip line
Housatonic River
The Housatonic River has been gradually dropping over the past week, and we’re getting close to fishable levels. The Falls Village Gauge is reading 1830 CFS, and flows will be comfortable for wading once they drop below 1000 CFS. For hatches you will encounter Blue Winged Olives on the overcast afternoons, some Tan Caddis, Midges, Hendricksons, and soon Cahills and Sulphurs. Now that water temperatures are ideal, we can expect some good hatch activity when flows lower. Nymphing and Streamer fishing are both producing fish, especially during the morning. All sections of the Housatonic River have been recently stocked, so expect some good fishing once flows improve for wading.
Dry Fly Hatches:
Blue Winged Olives (overcast days) 18-24
Blue Winged Olive Emerger 18-20
Hendrickson 12-14 (Sparse Hatches Still)
Nymphs:
General Mayfly Attractor 14-18
Streamers:
Krystal Bugger (Black, Brown, Olive, White, Burnt Orange) 6-12
Larger Articulated Streamers on a sinking/sink tip line
Saltwater
Across the Connecticut shoreline we’re seeing improvements in the numbers of Stripers, bait, and blitzes. Most of the action you encounter along the beaches will be schoolies, with a few larger Stripers mixed in. The most prevalent bait is small Silversides about 1-2” so you will want to bring small Surf Candies, Clousers, and Deceivers. Focus on the beaches, coves, mouths of rivers, and harbors during the morning when there is tide movement and look for signs of birds diving on bait. We’re also seeing the arrival of larger Bunker 6-8” near shoes and in deeper water structure, with larger fish on them. There are more fish migrating into our area since the last full moon. On the Housatonic River fishing has been a hit or miss, with some anglers reporting good evening fishing, while others are finding a fish or two. Both Holly Pond and Old Mill are holding bait and Stripers. The mouth of the Connecticut River is also fishing well with Stripers feeding on Herring. You may also find some fish on shallower mud flats as those tend to warm up quickly. There are also a few Bluefish making an early showing.
Hot Flies for Spring:
Custom Tied Baby Bunker (Super Realistic!)
Bob’s Banger (Stripers and Bluefish)
Good Fly Lines for Spring:
Rio Outbound Short (Good for big flies and big winds)
Rio Striper (Good all-rounder)
Leaders:
Please report any poaching to the DEEP by calling 1-860-424-3333.
Catskills
Flows are still high on all sections of the Delaware River but have been dropping closer to average. On the Mainstem flows are currently 5580 CFS, the West Branch at Hale Eddy is 2210 CFS, and the East Branch at Fishs Eddy is 2650 CFS. The hatch activity has improved for the afternoons, with trout mainly eating March Browns in sizes 10-12. Blue Winged Olives, Gray Fox, Tan Caddis, Hendricksons, and Sulphurs will also be on the menu depending on where you’re fishing. During the morning hours you will want to consider nymphing or streamer fishing before the hatches start. The water temperature on the mainstem is fluctuating in the high 50s.
Dry Fly Hatches:
Blue Winged Olives (overcast days) 18-24
Blue Winged Olive Emerger 18-20
Nymphs:
General Mayfly Attractor 14-18
Streamers:
Krystal Bugger (Black, Brown, Olive, White, Burnt Orange) 6-12
Larger Articulated Streamers on a sinking/sink tip line
New York Saltwater
Anglers are seeing improved Striper fishing for migratory fish in the Southwestern portion of Long Island along the coast to New Jersey, where the topwater bite has been great. Stripers and Bluefish are chasing around Bunker pods on the ocean side, with the primary bait being Sand Eels further east. Things are also starting to improve in the Western portion of Long Island Sound. Along the Northshore of Long Island anglers are also finding some schoolies in the harbors and coves, and larger migratory fish are starting to show up in deeper water. For the migratory fish the prevalent bait is Adult Bunker 6-8”. For schoolies action along the Northshore you will want to use smaller flies, Clousers and Deceivers, anything to imitate small Silversides. The Jamaica Bay bite is going strong since groups of larger fish have been pushing in as they travel along the South Shore, along with some Bluefish just starting to arrive.
Rhode Island Saltwater
Striper fishing has been improving by the day in Rhode Island, namely around the Providence River where larger migratory fish are being caught up to 40”. The primary bait is adult Bunker, which may be found at the mouth of the river, along beachfronts, and in bays. Narragansett Bay is also seeing the arrival of these migratory fish. Anglers shore bound are also finding fish near the breachways, and overall night fishing has improved.