Fallfish
Fallfish are Connecticut's largest native minnow species and an underappreciated gamefish found in most Connecticut streams where they can be common to abundant.
They are voracious predators that were the original apex predators in many Connecticut streams before invasive species arrived.
Scientific Name: Semotilus corporalis
- These streamlined, silvery fish commonly reach 4-9 inches but can grow up to 20 inches, with the state survey maximum recorded at 16.5 inches.
- They're distinguished by large scales (fewer than 50 lateral line scales), no black spot on the dorsal fin, a forked tail, and a small barbel near the jaw.
- Adults often display distinctive dark pigment along scale edges, with generally dark gray backs fading to silver sides and white bellies.
- During spawning season, males develop a brownish to reddish hue with small horny bumps (nuptial tubercles) on their heads.
Fishing in Connecticut
Connecticut River
Farmington River
North Atlantic Ocean
Housatonic River
Naugatuck River
The Thimbles
Willimantic River
Westfield River
Paper Rock Shoal
Saugatuck River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Found in most Connecticut streams where they can be common to abundant.
- They prefer small to medium-sized streams with gravel or cobble bottoms and sometimes occur in lakes with significant tributary streams.
Key Locations
- The Willimantic River is specifically noted as excellent fallfish water, along with most Connecticut streams.
- They're particularly abundant in Eastern Connecticut waters like the Willimantic River.
Specific Spots
- Target gravel-bottomed pools and runs in small to medium streams.
- Focus on deeper sections of warmwater streams, especially areas downstream from typical trout water.
Fallfish FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Fallfish in Connecticut?
Small spinners, jigs, and plugs work well, with worms being particularly effective bait. The Connecticut DEEP notes they readily take worms and small lures.
What flies work for Fallfish in Connecticut?
Effective flies include typical streamer patterns, crayfish imitations, Isonychia soft hackles (especially effective during late June Isonychia hatches), and standard nymph patterns. Night fishing with large wet flies and streamers imitating crayfish, sculpins, and small forage fish can produce impressive specimens.
When is the best time to fish for Fallfish in Connecticut?
Excellent year-round fishing opportunities. During spawning season (March-June), anglers should avoid targeting them. During summer hatches when water is too warm for trout, fallfish provide excellent dry fly fishing opportunities.
How do you catch Fallfish in Connecticut?
For fly fishing, they respond well to both surface and subsurface presentations - they'll attack swung wet flies, rise to dry flies during hatches, and take streamer patterns aggressively. Fish them similar to trout but with less wariness - they're less picky about fly selection but will turn away from dragging flies.
What do Fallfish eat?
Once reaching a certain size, they feed ravenously on crayfish, other fish, aquatic insects during hatches.
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