Friday, August 29, 2014

The Farmington River on the "Wild Side"

Yesterday morning I fished Connecticut's Farmington river. The Farmy was not my first choice this day I had planned on fishing another stream which was about 25 miles further north, the reason being I just did not feel like driving the extra miles. This trip was only my 3rd or 4th time fishing this big river this year. As I drove down the dirt road to the pull off where I was going to enter the river I noticed it was on the high side. Some folks like these flows but they do not seem to work for me.

I was geared up in a few minutes and on the water seconds later. The rivers clarity was the first thing I noticed. With the sun hitting the water as it moved over the boulders was truly a beautiful sight. I noticed a few changes that would indicate a season change about to come. There were no rises, with the exception of a few that took place as a second thought that the trout made.

I fished a variety of flies this day but most were wet flies and soft hackles with a caddis dry and a mini muddler. This day produced a good deal of trout both in the numbers hooked as well as a few to hand. Most of the fish were brook trout, some small salmon and a brown that whacked the fly not more than 5 feet from me. While I was there I saw just one angler. As the sun began to work it's magic I noticed a good hatch starting to happen. I was in a position not to be able to match it and I finally made my way to shore. I'll try to be equipped to match this hatch next time, the "Tube Hatch"

One beautiful wild jewel. About a month away from full Autumn dress.



While most anglers who fish this wonderful river are in search of some of the bruiser browns that inhabit the Farmy. I am contented to catch a few of these.


The Farmington in one of its wild spots.


A big river producing a wild brook trout. Tranquility...The Farmington on the Wild Side.



18 comments:

  1. Nice to see you made it up to the Farmington. The flows have been very healthy this year but it has been fishing very well and from your pictures the river continues to produce wild brookies and browns.

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    Replies
    1. Mark,
      Thanks.
      It was a welcomed change from the now skinny small streams.
      Love those wild brookies. I'm certain there will be a large one taken.

      Delete
  2. Alan
    Out Sipsey Tailrace here is the closest I can get to the awesome Farmington. The last image in your post of the trout setting peacefully on the gravel is a beauty. Thanks for sharing

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    Replies
    1. Bill Trussell,
      Thanks.
      That image offers peace and tranquility.

      Delete
  3. The photo of the brookie lying among the stones and leaves almost looks like a painting. Nice report.

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    Replies
    1. Walt Franklin,
      Thanks.
      Yeah and I know the artist who could do that very well, Joel DeJong.

      Delete
  4. Brk Trt, the Farmington is a Ct. jewel for fly fishing. It actually is a destination for many far away non resident fly fishermen. I often drive by the Farmi in my business travels. Sometimes it looks shoulder to shoulder with fishermen & others not a soul to be found. But what a great river..............Phil

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    Replies
    1. DRYFLYGUY,
      Thanks.
      Lot's of out of state cars indeed. But you can find some solitude especially during the week.

      Delete
  5. I would really enjoy to catch a few of those trout.

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    Replies
    1. riverwalker34,
      Thanks.
      They are indeed beautiful.

      Delete
  6. I'm beginning to dislike people that have that much water in their rivers, but not you Alan.

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    Replies
    1. Mark Kautz,
      Thanks.
      We have been very lucky this summer season as far as ample water flows.

      Delete
  7. Some beauties you have there Al!!

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    Replies
    1. TROUT1,
      Thanks.
      Pete it was a fine morning for sure.

      Delete
  8. When I hear people I know talking about the Farmington I had no idea what they were talking about. Now I do know and I am speechless. It's a beautiful river.

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    Replies
    1. Howard,
      Thanks.
      It is indeed friend. At times it can frustrate the hell out of you, and other times give you a bounty not soon forgotten.

      Delete