Copyright 2009 James Marsh
Fly Fishing The Housatonic River
Connecticut
The Housatonic River is called the Housy by local
anglers. The river actually starts in the Green Mountains
of Vermont and New York. It flows through the states of
Massachusetts and Connecticut. The part that anglers
mostly refer to when speaking of the trout fishing starts
near West Cornwall. There is a trout management area
that extends downstream for just over ten miles from the
Route 112/17 bridge to Routes 7/4. Keep in mind that
this trout stream is located in the middle of a very
populated area of the country. If you could just magically
be placed there to fish, you would never realize that.
The upper part of this section of the stream is a series
of long, slow moving pools (most of which are two deep
to wade) joined together by short riffles and runs. About
a mile above the famous covered bridge in West
Cornwall, the river changes. It gains speed and
becomes what most anglers would call pocket water.
There are still long pools but the water moves at a fast
pace and they are connected by fast water runs and
riffles. The water in this area can run swift and even be
dangerous to wade.
This stream is stocked but it has a good number of
holdover trout. Browns up to eighteen inches long are
not uncommon.
Seasons:
The season is open year-round but there are closed
areas near the mouths of tributary streams. The water
can get warm in areas during the summer.
Spring:
Spring is the best season for fly fishing the Housatonic
River because of the hatches. The river can get
crowded in the special regulations areas during May and
June.
Summer:
During the hottest part of the summer it can be tough to
catch trout although it is very possible to do so.
Fall:
The fishing picks up again in the fall when the water
temperatures drop and the trout become more active.
This is a good time to fish the Housy.
Fly Fishing Guide to the Housatonic River
Connecticut
It is a good idea to check on the water releases before
fishing the Housy. You can do that by calling
203-248-8616. Most anglers prefer rates of flow below
400 cfs.
(Click here to continue)
Connecticut
The Housatonic River is called the Housy by local
anglers. The river actually starts in the Green Mountains
of Vermont and New York. It flows through the states of
Massachusetts and Connecticut. The part that anglers
mostly refer to when speaking of the trout fishing starts
near West Cornwall. There is a trout management area
that extends downstream for just over ten miles from the
Route 112/17 bridge to Routes 7/4. Keep in mind that
this trout stream is located in the middle of a very
populated area of the country. If you could just magically
be placed there to fish, you would never realize that.
The upper part of this section of the stream is a series
of long, slow moving pools (most of which are two deep
to wade) joined together by short riffles and runs. About
a mile above the famous covered bridge in West
Cornwall, the river changes. It gains speed and
becomes what most anglers would call pocket water.
There are still long pools but the water moves at a fast
pace and they are connected by fast water runs and
riffles. The water in this area can run swift and even be
dangerous to wade.
This stream is stocked but it has a good number of
holdover trout. Browns up to eighteen inches long are
not uncommon.
Seasons:
The season is open year-round but there are closed
areas near the mouths of tributary streams. The water
can get warm in areas during the summer.
Spring:
Spring is the best season for fly fishing the Housatonic
River because of the hatches. The river can get
crowded in the special regulations areas during May and
June.
Summer:
During the hottest part of the summer it can be tough to
catch trout although it is very possible to do so.
Fall:
The fishing picks up again in the fall when the water
temperatures drop and the trout become more active.
This is a good time to fish the Housy.
Fly Fishing Guide to the Housatonic River
Connecticut
It is a good idea to check on the water releases before
fishing the Housy. You can do that by calling
203-248-8616. Most anglers prefer rates of flow below
400 cfs.
(Click here to continue)
| Type of Stream Freestone/Tailwater Species Brown Trout Rainbow Trout (Stocked with holdovers) Size Medium Location Western Connecticut Nearest Towns West Cornwall, Connecticut Season Year-round Access: Good Non-Resident License State of Connecticut Special Regulations Areas: There are two trout management areas Weather National Weather Service Link Hatch Chart Perfect Fly Hatch Chart Fly Fishing Guide Hatches and Flies Fly Fishing Gear |
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Housatonic
River
Connecticut
River
Connecticut
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Photo Courtesy of David Knapp Photography
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