Willimantic River

Boat Ramps: 3
Access Points: 10
Species: 13

The Willimantic River is a significant trout fishing destination in Connecticut, flowing through Tolland County and intersecting with New London County. This coldwater fishery is most popular for smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, and brown trout, offering diverse angling opportunities from its headwaters in Stafford Springs down to its confluence with the Natchaug River in Windham. The river features both stocked and wild trout populations, with sections designated as special management areas that provide exceptional fishing experiences.

Connecticut licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Willimantic River and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Brook Trout

Salvelinus fontinalis

Black Crappie

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Bluegill Sunfish

Lepomis macrochirus

Chain Pickerel

Esox niger

Fallfish

Semotilus corporalis

Pumpkinseed

Lepomis gibbosus

Redbreast Sunfish

Lepomis auritus

White Sucker

Catostomus commersonii

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

Fish stocking schedule

All stockings · 5

TroutNov 4, 2026
TroutNov 4, 2026
TroutOct 5, 2026
TroutMay 14, 2026
TroutMay 8, 2026

Source

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

Open stocking page

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Willimantic River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Willimantic River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Connecticut licenses and regulations

Connecticut Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Connecticut Fishing License

Inland fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 years of age or older fishing in the Inland District . Licenses are issued on a calendar year basis and expire on December 31st.

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Connecticut Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Connecticut Stream Access Laws

The public may recreate on both navigable and non-navigable waters. Navigable waters are defined as those subject to the ebb and flow of the tide and used for trade or commerce. On navigable waterways, the public has streambed access and a right to portage below the high watermark.

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Take Willimantic River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Willimantic River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Willimantic River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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