Drift Boat Fishing on the Farmington River
Private Trip
River Fishing
Drift boat fishing on Farmington River for trout and salmonProfessional guide service accommodates up to two anglers per boatConnecticut river adventure with Farmington River Trading Company
Picture yourself floating down Connecticut's premier trout water, rod in hand, with nothing but the sound of moving water and the anticipation of that next strike. That's exactly what you'll get with Farmington River Trading Company's drift boat trips out of Bloomfield. This isn't your typical bank-beating adventure – we're talking about getting you into prime fish-holding water that most anglers never see from shore. The Farmington River has earned its reputation as one of New England's top-rated trout fisheries, and there's no better way to fish it than from a properly rigged drift boat with someone who knows every pool, riffle, and undercut bank.
Your day starts with a drift boat built for two anglers – no crowds, no fighting for casting room, just you and your fishing partner working prime water with a guide who lives and breathes this river. The Farmington flows through some beautiful Connecticut countryside, but what makes it special is the cold, clean water that keeps trout happy year-round. We'll launch in Bloomfield and let the current do the work while you focus on reading the water and placing your flies where fish are feeding. The boat gives us access to long stretches of river that shore anglers can't reach, plus we can position you perfectly for those tricky back-eddies and deep runs where big browns like to sulk. Don't worry about bringing lunch – this is all about maximizing your time with a line in the water. The guide handles the boat positioning, suggests fly changes, and helps you read rises and structure that you might miss on your own.
Drift boat fishing is all about presentation and positioning. Your guide will anchor up or slow-drift through productive water, giving you time to work flies through feeding lanes and holding spots. We're primarily fly fishing here – think nymphs bounced along the bottom through deep runs, dry flies presented over rising fish, and streamers stripped along undercut banks where big fish ambush prey. The boat lets us approach fish from downstream, which means they're less likely to spook before you get a good drift. You'll learn to mend line with the current, time your hook sets with the boat's movement, and play fish without getting tangled in the anchor line. The guide handles all the boat work – rowing, anchoring, and positioning – so you can concentrate on fishing. We carry all the standard fly fishing gear, but if you've got a favorite rod or reel setup, bring it along. The Farmington fishes well with 4 to 6-weight rods, and we'll match flies to what's hatching or what fish are keying in on that day.
Brown trout are the bread and butter of Farmington River fishing, and for good reason. These fish are smart, strong, and absolutely gorgeous when you get them to the net. Browns in the Farmington typically run 10 to 16 inches, with plenty of fish pushing 18 inches and the occasional trophy breaking 20. They're most active during spring and fall, but summer mornings and evenings can produce fantastic dry fly action during mayfly and caddis hatches. What makes browns so exciting is their wariness – they've seen every fly in the book, so when you finally fool a good one, you know you've earned it. These fish fight hard too, using the current to their advantage and making those heart-stopping runs toward fallen logs and undercut banks. Fall is particularly rewarding for brown trout fishing, as they become more aggressive before winter and their colors really pop – deep gold sides with bright red and black spots that make them one of the prettiest fish in freshwater.
Atlantic salmon are the wildcards that make every cast exciting. While they're not as numerous as browns, the Farmington supports a healthy population of landlocked salmon that can absolutely make your day. These fish typically range from 12 to 18 inches, but they fight like something twice their size. Salmon are silver bullets – they'll take streamer flies with aggressive strikes, then put on aerial displays that'll get your heart racing. Spring and early summer are prime time for salmon, especially when the water's got some color and flow to it. They're also suckers for emerger patterns during mayfly hatches. What sets salmon apart is their unpredictability – they might ignore a perfect drift one minute, then hammer the same fly on the next cast. When you hook one, hold on tight because they're going to jump, run, and generally do everything they can to throw that hook. The adrenaline rush of fighting a hot salmon in moving water from a drift boat is something every angler should experience.
The Farmington River delivers world-class trout and salmon fishing right here in Connecticut, and fishing it from a drift boat puts you in an entirely different league than wade fishing. You'll cover more water, reach fish that rarely see flies, and have an experienced guide positioning you for success all day long. This is customer favorite territory – anglers come back season after season because the fishing stays consistent and there's always something new to learn about reading this river. Whether you're looking to improve your fly fishing skills, target some memorable fish, or just spend a day floating through beautiful Connecticut countryside with a rod in hand, this trip delivers. The Farmington River Trading Company knows this water inside and out, and that local knowledge makes all the difference between a good day and a great day. Don't wait around – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hot and the weather's perfect for spending time on the water.
This specialized drift boat is built for serious anglers targeting trout and Atlantic salmon on Connecticut's prime Farmington River waters. Designed to handle the river's currents and eddies with ease, she seats up to 2 fishermen comfortably while the guide navigates to the best holding spots. The onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long days working the pools and runs. GPS navigation helps pinpoint productive water and marks promising lies for return trips. Her shallow draft design lets you access tight spots where bigger boats can't reach - perfect for getting into those back channels where the fish hold. Whether you're swinging streamers through deep holes or working dry flies in the riffles, this boat positions you right where the action is. The stable platform gives you room to fight fish without worrying about balance, while her quiet approach won't spook wary trout in clear water.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are the holy grail of river fishing - powerful, acrobatic fish that average 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds when they return from the ocean. These silver rockets are anadromous, meaning they're born in freshwater, head to sea, then come back to spawn. They prefer deeper pools and runs with good current, especially where tributaries meet the main river. The best action happens during their upstream migration runs, typically late fall through winter. What sets them apart? Their legendary fight - they'll leap clear out of the water multiple times and make screaming runs that'll test your drag. The meat is top-shelf eating too. Fair warning though: wild Atlantic salmon are protected in most U.S. waters due to low populations. Always check current regulations, as most areas require catch-and-release only to help these magnificent fish recover.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are what most folks think of when they picture classic trout fishing. These golden-brown beauties average 8-24 inches on the Farmington and can surprise you with some real bruisers pushing 30+ inches. They're smart fish that love cool water temps between 54-65°F, hanging around deep pools, undercut banks, and rocky cover during the day. Fall and early winter are prime time when they feed heavily before spawning. What makes them special? They fight harder than most trout, jumping and running with serious attitude. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the table with that mild, sweet flavor. Here's a local secret: during bright midday conditions, don't overlook the deep, shadowy water under overhanging vegetation - big browns often lurk there when smaller fish scatter to shallow riffles.
Bloomfield, CT