Connecticut River
river in New Hampshire
Long freestone/tailwater mix forming New Hampshire’s western border, the Connecticut offers spring and fall trout runs, great dry-fly opportunities in summer, and productive smallmouth/bass fishing lower down.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Trout are becoming more aggressive
- 01Trout are becoming more aggressive, feeding on eggs and larger baitfish in anticipation of spawning and colder water.
- 02Smallmouth bass are still active, concentrating in deeper pockets and targeting crayfish and baitfish as they feed heavily.
- 03Intermittent hatches of Blue-Winged Olives can provide sporadic dry fly opportunities, especially on overcast afternoons.
- 04Subsurface presentations with nymphs and streamers are generally productive as fish seek out protein-rich meals.
Past reports week by week
10 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Soft Hackle Wet (Partridge & Orange)
This versatile wet fly imitates caddis pupae and emergers, which are active subsurface throughout the fall and can entice trout in various currents.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive Comparadun
Fall brings consistent Blue-Winged Olive hatches, especially on overcast days, making this low-profile dry fly excellent for selective trout.
Woolly Bugger (Olive)
A year-round staple, the olive Woolly Bugger effectively imitates leeches and baitfish, which are crucial food sources for both trout and smallmouth bass preparing for winter.
Pine Squirrel Leech (Olive)
Small leech patterns, like the Pine Squirrel Leech, effectively mimic sluggish baitfish and annelids in cooling fall waters, triggering strikes from larger, lethargic fish.
Blood Dot Egg
Fall is prime egg season as trout and salmon begin to spawn, making egg patterns highly effective for opportunistic feeders.
Buy at AmazonClouser Crayfish (river)
Crayfish are a primary food source for smallmouth bass in rocky river environments, making this a crucial subsurface pattern when stripped along the bottom.
Muddler Minnow
An excellent sculpin imitation, the Muddler Minnow is effective in fall for enticing predatory trout and smallmouth bass in riffles and deeper runs.
Buy at AmazonOctober Caddis (Dry)
While often associated with Western rivers, a large October Caddis dry can be effective in New England freestone rivers during the fall, imitating the largest caddis hatch of the year.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
North Haverhill Rapids
Popular wading and boat access with dependable trout and good dry-fly fishing in summer.
Orford Flats
Long tailwater-style flats that hold rising trout during hatches in late spring and summer.
West Lebanon / Mascoma confluence
Accessible runs and riffles near the Route 12 bridge with good trout holding water.
Fly shops within 40 miles
TBC Guides
Woodstock Inn & Resort Fly Fishing Shop
Woodstock Fishing Guides
First Stop Board Barn (in partnership with Endless Brook Outfitters)
Get Connecticut River reports by email
Save this water and we'll email you a weekly summary of conditions, hatches and what's working.
New Hampshire season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Winter Fly Fishing: Essential Cold Weather Tips & Tactics
Master winter fly fishing with proven cold weather strategies, gear selection, and tactics for catching trout when temperatures drop.
How to Pick the Right Fly Rod Weight for Any Situation
Master fly rod weight selection with expert guidance on matching rod power to fish species, water conditions, and fishing techniques for optimal performance.
Fly Line Types Guide: WF, DT, Running & Shooting Heads
Master fly line selection with our comprehensive guide to weight forward, double taper, running lines, and shooting heads for every fishing situation.
Fly Fishing Pack vs Vest: Which Setup Is Right for You?
Compare fly fishing packs and vests to find the perfect gear setup for your angling style and fishing conditions.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Quick answers
Common questions about Connecticut River.
What flies work best on Connecticut River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Connecticut River right now are Clouser Minnow (Bass) (Chartreuse/White) #6 (80% confidence), Little Black Stonefly nymph (80% confidence), Black Woolly Bugger (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Connecticut River?
Connecticut River holds Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Smallmouth Bass. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Connecticut River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Connecticut River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.