The Connecticut River, originating at the Canadian border in New Hampshire, flows 410 miles through New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut before emptying into Long Island Sound. This majestic river serves as an important aquatic habitat for numerous fish species and provides excellent fishing opportunities year-round. The river's character changes dramatically throughout its course - from clear, fast-flowing water with gravel bottoms in the northern reaches to wider, gentler flowing sections with muddy banks and deep pools in the southern portions. This diversity creates distinct fisheries throughout the system, each offering unique angling experiences for various target species.
Learn what type of fish are at Connecticut 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
Esox americanus
Salvelinus namaycush
Coregonus clupeaformis
Lepomis gibbosus
Lepomis auritus
Lepomis microlophus
Esox americanus americanus
Ambloplites rupestris
Morone saxatilis
Ameiurus catus
Morone americana
Atractoscion nobilis
Catostomus commersonii
Ameiurus natalis
Perca flavescens
New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.
Open stocking page, opens in new tabLearn how to get on Connecticut 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.
No Fishing License Needed If: You are under 15 years of age (resident or nonresident).
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.
Vermont recognizes a recreation extension of the federal navigability test. Non-navigable waters have a public easement for navigation but owners of land under non-tidal waters own it up the the low-water mark.
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 Connecticut River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Connecticut River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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See the best times to fish Connecticut River and check the forecast before you go.
All Flow Stations
Scheduled releases and generation forecasts from the dams on Connecticut River.
Connecticut River · Below Bellows Falls · Great River Hydro
1,856 cfs now
Forecast updated Fri, Nov 13 at 5:23 PM EST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
Connecticut River · Below Comerford Dam · Great River Hydro
672 cfs now
Forecast updated Fri, Nov 13 at 5:23 PM EST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
Connecticut River · Below McIndoes Dam · Great River Hydro
944 cfs now
Forecast updated Fri, Nov 13 at 5:23 PM EST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
Connecticut River · Below Moore Dam · Great River Hydro
419 cfs now
Forecast updated Fri, Nov 13 at 5:23 PM EST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
Connecticut River · Below Vernon Dam · Great River Hydro
2,265 cfs now
Forecast updated Fri, Nov 13 at 5:23 PM EST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
Connecticut River · Below Wilder Dam · Great River Hydro
750 cfs now, 5,000 cfs from 5:00 PM EST
Forecast updated Fri, Nov 13 at 5:23 PM EST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
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