SWB Loc: CT

Hey all, I have been following the posts here since moving to CT in Oct last year; I just created an account, so that I could ask a question.

What are some good places to do some stream fishing for Small Mouth? I am from Indiana, and I could catch small mouth in about every stream. I have done some research, and the Hous sounds like a good place, but it does not seem very agreeable for wading; I do not have a boat, so I will be wading.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

Sam

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Welcome to the Stage!!! That is about the best I can do, except tp wish you good luck.

ripogenu Loc: norfolk, MA

welcome aboard, Fredfish will probably be along soon.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Welcome to the Stage Sam. You're correct that the Housy is probably the best river Smallmouth, along with the Connecticut River, just not so hot for wading. The upper Housy along rt 7 is very wadeable, but mostly a Trout fishing area. I'm a boat guy, but after a little research, the state claims a good SM population in the Quinnibaug river, from Thompson to Norwich. Also the Shetucket river from Windham to Norwich.
Based on the experience of a couple of buddies, the Naugatuck river, under Reynolds Bridge in Thomaston (exit 38 off rt 8N) has some resident SM. Cross over the bridge, take a left and there's a couple paths down to the river.
Right now I would stay away from all the rivers on the west half of the state. They are all ripping, and way too risky to be wading in. Good luck and post some pictures when you go.

Mauwehu Loc: Norwalk Ct

Hey Sam. Welcome to Ct and the stage! What part of Connecticut are you in?

SWB Loc: CT

Thx Fly and Ripo for the responses.

Flyguy (if I can make an assumption based on your name), my intention is to introduce my son and daughter to catching smallies on a fly. I have typically used muddler minnows and Dave's Hopper (or the like). I will let you know how it goes. I am open to other ideas for this area.

Fred, thanks for that advice and all your other posts over the past 9 months that I have been following this site. I have greatly enjoyed your pictures and commentary; I will check out each of those places in your response and let you know what I find.

SWB Loc: CT

Mauwehu,

I am in Redding. Any advice for good spots in the southwest? I am not far from Norwalk. We recently caught a lot of bluefish out of Rye (we lost count, but it was at least 14 in about 4 hours - the blues are back in the Sound)!

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Looking forward to hearing about your exploration Sam, and seeing pictures of your success. I'm glad that you enjoy my posts and hope you can get something useful from them. We care and we share. Tight Lines.

Mauwehu Loc: Norwalk Ct

Gotta love those blues!!. They really fight hard for their size! The sound offers a lot of different species at different times of the year. The ocean is getting warmer and some tropical species have moved their way north. We even have trigger fish.
There is some great freshwater fishing but it’s mostly landlocked. The Norwalk River which runs along Rt 7 is stocked with brown trout. I caught a decent 23” brown across from Walmart in Norwalk. Not too scenic but close to home.
Ridgefield has a lot of lakes. Lake Mamanasco in Ridgefield is one of the most productive lakes in the state. Access by non motor boat only it’s surrounded by private homes. it’s full of crappie. Lake Lillilonah is north of you and is very productive.Fred frequents Lilli. I don’t know Lake Candlewood because I don’t have a boat but it has some large fish in it.
As Fred said the Housatonic along Rt7 north of New Milford to Cornwall is great for fly fishing trout. Rt 7 to the Massachusetts line is very scenic.
Closer to you there are some state parks with ponds that produce LMB. As you’ve already learned all of Connecticut is accessible as a day trip. For more local freshwater info check out the Fishbrain app. It has very specific info about all of the ponds and lakes around us. Good luck!!

nutz4fish Loc: Colchester, CT

SWB . . . Welcome to the Stage. I've caught some SM in the Connecticut River occasionally over the years, but never as the result of targeting them. They were always a bi catch found while seeking LM or Northerns.
If ya feel like doing some exploring, there are some nice wading opportunities @ Haddam Meadows Park on the west side of that river. Nice area, quite scenic, and unhurried. Not a Walmart in sight, but a few nice country stores and leaf peeper type shops, antiques and stuff. I realize this is a small but relatively crowded state, but there are plenty of ways to entertain your kids and stay outta the hub bub. If you decide to come out this way, check your maps and the D E E P Fishing Guide and let me know when you're ready to rock.
I have years of experience with the areas South and Southeast of Middletown, and would be delighted to be of some assistance.
NOTHING better for kids ( and the rest of the family) than some quality time angling. We're here to help.
Nice to have you aboard. Nutz🥜.

Kenpotok

Try northern Housatonic River in Cornwall.