Salmon River
Colchester · Fly-Fishing-Only Gorge
CT, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown, Rainbow, and Brook.
Stream gauge: 01193500. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
Salmon River is running at 47 cfs — perfect levels for the fly-only gorge section. With water temps in the mid-60s and Sulphurs hitting peak emergence, this is prime Connecticut trout water right now. Focus midday presentations during the 1-3pm Sulphur window when browns will rise aggressively in the slower pools. Early mornings are solid for nymphing the deeper runs before the hatch takes over.
- Flow: 47 cfs — ideal wadeable conditions in the gorge. Water clarity excellent, trout holding in predictable lies.
- Hatches: Peak Sulphur season — size 16 Parachute Sulphurs during 1-3pm emergence. Little Black Caddis active evenings.
- Water Temp: Mid-60s — perfect range for active feeding. Sulphur emergence threshold easily met with afternoon warming.
- Best Window: 1-3pm for dry fly action during Sulphur emergence. Early morning nymphing before surface activity begins.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Freestone
- Best months: Apr–Oct, peak May–June
The Salmon River in eastern Connecticut is a mid-sized freestone supporting holdover and stocked brown trout with wild reproduction in tributaries. The river runs through dense hardwood forest in a rural corner of the state, offering Connecticut's best small-river dry-fly fishing in early summer. The Trout Management Area below Comstock Bridge produces the most consistent angling. Hatch activity centers on Hendrickson, Cahill, and the local Quill Gordon emergence in spring.
Despite the name, the Salmon River no longer hosts native Atlantic salmon runs — the river earned its name from Connecticut's lost salmon fisheries, an extinction event commemorated in the river's enduring name.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midge Chironomidae spp. |
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec | #20–26 |
|
| Blue-Winged Olive Baetis tricaudatus |
Apr, Oct | Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | #16–20 |
|
| Caddis (Little Black) Chimarra spp. |
Apr, May | Apr, May, Jun | #18–20 |
|
| Hendrickson Ephemerella subvaria |
Apr | Apr, May | #12–14 |
|
| Sulphur Ephemerella dorothea |
May, Jun | May, Jun | #14–18 |
|
Access & Approach
East Hampton, CT is the primary base. Multiple Connecticut DEEP-managed access points. Connecticut fishing license required. TMA regulations on designated water.
Nearby Fly Shops
- RI Striped Bass
- Farmington River Report
Regulations & License
Fishing in Connecticut requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Connecticut fishing regulations & license →
Nearby Waters
Closest Waters
More in This Region
About Current
Salmon River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
Salmon River is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
Open the live forecast for today's numbers and the 7-day outlook, or download the iOS app to carry it with you on the water.