Brown trout and rainbow trout are just a few of the fish found at Housatonic River. This river ranks as one of the best fly-fishing destinations in the eastern portion of the United States. The river feeds into the Long Island Sound with a preceding stretch of seven miles of tidal brackish water. Game fish thrive in this section of the river, just waiting to be caught by a lucky angler. Housatonic River includes various species of fish, including striped bass, fluke, blackfish, bluefish, carp, trout, Atlantic salmon, catfish, perch, and shad.

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Known locally as the “Housy,” the Housatonic River is a premier fishery. The water origin is Berkshire Hills in Massachusetts, and the fish caught here are catch and release only. The waters flow from Richmond Pond in the spring, creating great fly-fishing opportunities. Bridges along Route 20 offer access points. Near Hinsdale, the East Branch of the Housatonic River is accessed through the WMA (Wildlife Management Area) and offers bountiful trout fishing.

The portion of the river from the covered bridge in Cornwall to the Housatonic Meadows State Park in Cornwall Bridge is considered one of the best places to fly-fish in New England. Deep pools, pocket waters, rocky bluffs, and shallow riffles are some of the unique places where fish like to gather in the Housatonic River. Trout are active when the waters are cooler and bass when the waters reach 70 degrees. Fly fishing is most successful when you match your fly to the current insect population, which is diverse and abundant due to limestone deposits through the river.

Housatonic River boat ramps:

The following boat ramps provide access to Housatonic River.