Connecticut Fly Fishing Charters

The best out of 10 charter fishing deals in Connecticut - enter dates to check availability

Top Fly Fishing in Connecticut

Showing top 9 charters
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32 ft

up to 6

Nightjack Sportfishing invites you for a day full of adventure chasing fish in the abundant waters off Block Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.  The charter is owned and operated by Captain John Alves who has fished since he was a child and loves s
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US $800
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23 ft

up to 4

FlyLight Charters specializes in light tackle and fly fishing trips out of Connecticut. Experience the finest angling opportunities in Long Island Sound, Block Island Sound, and Montauk. With a combination of over 5 decades of experience, you can rest ass
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US $475
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35 ft

up to 6

If you are looking for a charter that can easily do offshore or inshore trips, then Double Trouble Sportfishing will be the perfect match for you. Captains Chris Gergely and Brett Ellis offer something for everyone and will make sure you have a great time
Trips from
US $750
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41 ft

up to 6

 
Old Saybrook
If you’re looking for the ultimate sportfishing adventure off the coast of Connecticut, come check out Starship Charters and let Captain Bill Lopes put you on delicious fish! Your guide for the day is a 100-Ton Master Captain with decades of experie
Trips from
US $850
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25 ft

up to 3

Striper Snax Fishing Charters welcomes anglers of all skill levels! Join Captain Ken and let him take you on a fishing trip you’ll remember for a long time. He practices a hands-on approach on his trips, which means he’ll show you the best tip
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US $450

Angler's choice

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24 ft

up to 4

Create memories with your family and friends while fishing or cruising all the best spots. Whether you choose to take the kids fishing or relax with friends, let One More Drift Charters do the work while you enjoy time on the water. Hop aboard a 24’
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Trips from
US $495
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40 ft

up to 6

If you’re searching for the ultimate sportfishing adventure in Connecticut, Hudson Fishing Charters is your go-to destination. Let Captain Mike Secchia, a local legend with over 30 years of experience, guide you to an unforgettable day on the water.
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Trips from
US $800
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50 ft

up to 30

Bridgeport Fishing Charters is located in Bridgeport CT and offers to show you a memorable time in these waters. This crew will do its best to make sure you have a fun day full of fishing. This involves 4 to 8-hour trips, mainly fishing for Bluefish, Taut
Trips from
US $240
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21 ft

up to 2

Captain Peter Romano welcomes you to Milford, Connecticut . Whether you want to target large Striped Bass on the fly, gator Blues on top water, or anything else that swims, come on down and let's get on them and have some laughs along the way. Capt P
Trips from
US $200

Fly Fishing in Connecticut

For some anglers, casting lines in New England doesn’t get any better than the fly fishing Connecticut promises to deliver. From freshwater Salmon to Tuna, these waters are full of opportunities both large and small. With a game fish for every season and plenty of local enthusiasts to help you catch them, fly fishing is quickly becoming a favorite pastime in CT.

Saltwater Fly Fishing in the Long Island Sound

You’ll find ample opportunity for fly fishing in the Long Island Sound, whether you plan on wading or fishing from a boat. The area from Greenwich to Fairfield has a handful of places with easy access to the shore, where you’ll be just one cast away from Bluefish, Striped Bass, and other inshore species. Some of the hottest spots to fly fish from shore include Compo Beach, Holly Pond, Sherwood Mill Pond, and Penfield Reef.

If you want access to bigger fish and more variety, book a charter and head into the deeper waters of the sound. You can enjoy excellent fly fishing no matter the structure, be it flats, rips, reefs, or small islands. Good Striper fishing kicks off in May, followed by Bluefish in July. Both species produce lots of action through fall. As winter approaches, these fish are replaced by False Albacore and Bonito.

Freshwater Fly Fishing

Connecticut boasts 8,400 miles of rivers and streams. Many of these are ideal fishing grounds for fly anglers, with some of the best action to be found in the Norwalk, Naugatuck, Saugatuck, and Farmington Rivers. A variety of species swim in these waters, but Atlantic Salmon and Rainbow, Brown, and Brook Trout tend to be the main attraction.

Trout fishing is generally best in cooler months, but you can expect it to be excellent well into late April, May and even June on some rivers like the Norwalk. The west branch of the Farmington River boasts the highest Trout population density in CT, and you can expect good conditions here year-round. For local fly anglers, this river is the go-to place in summer when the water is lowest and the weather is hottest.

The Naugatuck River provides some of the most unique fly fishing Connecticut has to offer, featuring broodstock Atlantic Salmon in addition to Trout. The state stocks anywhere from 800-1,600 Salmon in the Naugatuck and Shetucket Rivers each fall, and fishing for this species stays good into early summer. Most range from 5-10 lbs in size, but anglers hook into the occasional 30-pounder here and there. For those who are unfamiliar with the Naugatuck River, try starting by the pool at Pines Bridge Road in Beacon Falls. If it’s too crowded, Breen Field off of Exit 26 in Naugatuck is also good.

Connecticut Fly Fishing Tips

Saltwater Fly Fishing

If you’re heading to Long Island Sound, a stiff 8 to 9-weight rod will stand you in good stead. Combined with a large arbor reel, this tends to be the best multi-purpose outfit for anglers in New England. If you’re aiming for a trophy sized Striper or Bluefish, consider going with slightly heavier tackle. You can generally rely on a 9’ rod, though you may prefer something shorter when fishing from a boat or longer when casting from shore. A medium to full sinking line and 20 lb test backing are ideal. Fifteen to 20 lb test fluorocarbon is the most convenient material to use for your leader.

When it comes to fly selection, there’s no better place to start than a local fly shop where the shopkeeper can tell you what’s working best at the time. In general, you can expect chartreuse-and-olive Clouser Minnows to stand you in good stead while fly fishing in the sound.

It’s also recommended to bring a large set of pliers and a locking tool so you can grab fish by the jaw and remove your hook safely. Bluefish in particular are very toothy and you don’t want to go sticking your fingers in their mouths when it’s time to remove your hook!

Freshwater Fly Fishing

Anglers tend to be more particular with rod selection when it comes to Connecticut’s rivers. Experienced fly fishermen often carry multiple rods and switch them out depending on conditions. For beginners, there’s nothing wrong with a 7’ 3 to 4-weight rod when targeting local Trout. In areas with more space to cast, a 9’ 4 or 5-weight rod is preferable. You can rely on basic flies like hare’s ears, wooly buggers, pheasant tails, and so on, but it’s never a bad idea to consult a local fly shop to see what the fish are biting.

When it comes to catching Atlantic Salmon on fly rod, you’ll want to opt in for heavier tackle. A 7-9 weight rod should do the trick, paired with a mid- or large-arbor fly reel with a strong drag system and plenty of backing. A sink-tip line will get your fly well below the water surface without getting caught on rocks and tree limbs. A 6-7.5’ leader in 5-10 lb test line is recommended. Atlantic Salmon bite a wide variety of flies, from big bright pink, yellow, red, and white flies to small bead head nymphs and streamer patterns used to catch Trout.

Need to Know

Anglers age 16 and older must purchase a Connecticut Inland Freshwater fishing license, available online. Trout and Salmon stamps are also required for those who plan to keep their catch. These stamps are also required for catch-and-release fishing in Trout Management Areas, Wild Trout Management Areas, Trout Parks, and Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Areas.

Trout and Salmon Stamps cost $5 for resident anglers age 18 and above, or $3 for CT residents 16-17 years old. The cost for non-resident anglers age 16 and older is $5 (prices subject to change).

Connecticut’s Atlantic Salmon season runs from October through November as a catch-and-release fishery only. From December through March, fly anglers may keep 1 Salmon per day.

Some rivers have designated Trout management areas, which can lead to shorter open seasons and limits on fish that you’re able to keep. Be sure to learn more about local regulations before your trip.

If you’re new to fly fishing, hiring a local guide can be the easiest way to follow regulations while fishing in the most productive spots. Many guides provide gear and bait, all you have to do is show up ready for an adventure!

Connecticut

4.9/5
Based on 29,146 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Fly Fishing in Connecticut

Daniel W.
Daniel W.
Reviewed 3 Hour Trip (PM)
Amazing day of fishing!
5/5
My son and I caught a bunch of huge stripers and a couple slot fish that we took home. Thanks to Captain Joseph and his first mate for all their expertise, patience, fun and a beautiful day on the water. Look forward to fishing with them again sometime!
Richard B.
Richard B.
Reviewed 5 Hour Trip (PM)
Great day for Striper fishing
5/5
Captain Ken Brodeur was the best. He has fished the area for years and took us to areas teeming with fish. Although we had not been striper fishing before, everyone in the group managed to hook up with fish. The boat was a great platform and very comfortable. We highly recommend fishing on Striper Snax.
Alexander A.
Alexander A.
Reviewed 5 Hour Trip (AM)
Good catch today.
4/5
Captain Gerry and mate Drew were excellent. They took us to places where we found striped bass fish. Even though the conditions were rough, captain Gerry managed to find good fishing spots.
Peter I.
Peter I.
Reviewed 4 Hour Trip (AM)
Great day on the water
5/5
Capt. Steve was great. We caught 4 striped bass with 5 guys and 2 were keeper. The thro backs were a 25 inch and a 36 inch. Great fun today.
Andrew B.
Andrew B.
Reviewed 7 Hour Full Day Trip (AM)
Awesome Striper trip!
5/5
Big thanks to Captain Joe! Haven’t been to the NE to fish and it was a pleasure to have Joe as our Captain. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Would highly recommend.