The Housatonic River is one of the premier fisheries in the eastern United States, flowing 149 miles from its source in the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts through Connecticut before emptying into Long Island Sound. The river's course passes through diverse landscapes including agricultural valleys, rocky gorges, forested sections, and tidal areas near its mouth. Its limestone-rich geology creates exceptional fertility, supporting abundant aquatic life and making it a unique fishing destination with varied opportunities from trophy trout to powerful smallmouth bass. The river features everything from placid flatwater sections to challenging rapids, offering anglers multiple fishing environments along its length.
Learn what type of fish are at Housatonic River and what's needed to catch them.
Micropterus salmoides
Micropterus dolomieu
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Salmo trutta
Salvelinus fontinalis
Esox lucius
Sander vitreus
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Alosa sapidissima
Salmo salar
Lepomis macrochirus
Ameiurus nebulosus
Lota lota
Esox niger
Ictalurus punctatus
Cyprinus carpio
Semotilus corporalis
Lepomis cyanellus
Lepomis gibbosus
Lepomis auritus
Esox americanus americanus
Ambloplites rupestris
Morone saxatilis
Ameiurus catus
Morone americana
Catostomus commersonii
Ameiurus natalis
Perca flavescens
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.
Open stocking page, opens in new tabLearn how to get on Housatonic 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.
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.
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.
If you are 15 years of age or older, you need a license to fish. Licenses are FREE for Massachusetts residents 15-17 years of age, and those 70 and over. You can get your license online using MassFishHunt. You must carry your license with you when fishing, either as a paper copy or on your smartphone. If asked, anglers have to display a true, complete, and legible image of a valid license. Licenses expire each year on Dec. 31. You can renew your license online at MassFishHunt or print a duplicate copy if you’ve lost it.
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 to 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.
Massachusetts protects the public right to freely pass over all waters in the state, regardless of navigability. The rights of passage include recreation. Navigable waters are those subject to the ebb and flow of the tide, are navigable in fact or simply have the capacity for navigation, commercial or recreational.
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.
Download the map around Housatonic River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Housatonic River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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See the best times to fish Housatonic River and check the forecast before you go.
All Flow Stations
Scheduled releases and generation forecasts from the dams on Housatonic River.
Housatonic River · Below Stevenson Dam · National Weather Service
434 cfs now, 2,980 cfs from 7:00 PM EST
Forecast updated today at 1:38 PM EST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
Book a trip with a local fishing guide through Guidesly.
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