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Rivers & Streams

Housatonic River Fishing Guide

Connecticut

A big Litchfield Hills river with trout in the cold reaches and smallmouth bass in summer.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to Housatonic River for brown trout and smallmouth bass. The best months overall are Mar to Nov. In October, brown trout and smallmouth bass are in season, and Parachute Adams, Blue-Winged Olive and Pheasant Tail Nymph are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 60 miles (5 fly, 7 bait and tackle); the closest is Housatonic River Outfitters in Cornwall, under 1 mi away. Check the live USGS flow and water temperature before you head out. Farmington River is 22 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.

Best Months

Mar to Nov

In October

Brown Trout, Smallmouth Bass

Methods

Fly fishing, Spin, cast & bait

Season at a Glance

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What You'll Catch

Housatonic River Species

Brown Trout

Prime Now
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Best: Mar to May, Sep to Nov

Smallmouth Bass

Prime Now
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Best: Apr to Oct

Plan by Month

What to Use

Month
Fish

12 picks for October. ● means in season that month.

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Rod & Reel

Recommended Setups

Brown Trout

Fly 9 ft 5 or 6 wt rod, floating line for dries and nymphs, sink-tip with 0X to 2X for streamers.

Spin / Cast 6.5 to 7 ft light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 6 to 8 lb line. Jerkbaits and inline spinners.

Smallmouth Bass

Fly 9 ft 6 or 7 wt rod, floating line, 10 to 12 lb leader. Crayfish patterns, Clousers, and poppers.

Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning rod, 2500 reel, 8 lb braid to a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Matched to These Species

Gear for Housatonic River

Fly Rods

Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Outfit

A complete rod, reel, and line outfit that covers most trout water and small-stream bass.

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Fly Lines

RIO Bass Fly Line

A short, aggressive head that turns over wind-resistant poppers and bass bugs.

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Fly Lines

Scientific Anglers Mastery Infinity Fly Line

A smooth-shooting, all-around freshwater line.

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Waders & Boots

Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders

Durable, breathable waders that hold up to seasons of wading.

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Nets & Tools

Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net

A fish-friendly rubber net that does not tangle hooks.

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Rods

St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod

A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.

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Hard Baits

Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait

A suspending jerkbait that shines in cold, clear water.

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Spinners

Mepps Aglia Inline Spinner

A classic spinner for trout, bass, and salmon in moving water.

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Within 60 Miles

Shops Near Housatonic River

Make It a Trip

Nearby Water

Rivers & Streams · Connecticut · 22 mi

Farmington River

A cold tailwater with a catch-and-release trout management area and wild brown trout.

Brown Trout · Rainbow Trout

Lakes & Reservoirs · Connecticut · 25 mi

Candlewood Lake

Connecticut's largest lake, a rocky tournament destination for smallmouth bass.

Smallmouth Bass · Largemouth Bass

Rivers & Streams · Massachusetts · 61 mi

Swift River

A small, cold tailwater below Quabbin Reservoir with selective trout and year-round fishing.

Rainbow Trout · Brook Trout

Rivers & Streams · Massachusetts · 63 mi

Deerfield River

A Berkshire tailwater with catch-and-release trout water and wild browns.

Rainbow Trout · Brown Trout

Lakes & Reservoirs · Massachusetts · 66 mi

Quabbin Reservoir

A huge water supply reservoir with lake trout and smallmouth bass.

Lake Trout · Smallmouth Bass

Saltwater & Coast · Connecticut · 71 mi

Long Island Sound

Reefs and river mouths that hold stripers and bluefish all season and fall albies.

Striped Bass · Bluefish · False Albacore