NEW HARTFORD, Conn. — “It’s about as good as it gets,” exclaimed Torrey Collins, the manager at Upcountry Sport Fishing on Route 44 in New Hartford.
Collins is referring to the recent weather and the water flow of the Farmington River, which all leads to optimal conditions for fly fishing.
“It’s the beginning of the good fishing,” added Collins, who then said, “And the weather has cooperated, so it is good for business, but it’s very busy.”
Steve Hogan, a sought-after fly-fishing guide who runs Flyfishthefarmington.com, said the past week has been a memorable one.
"My phone is ringing off the hook, and I don’t have to postpone or cancel guides (trips) and say, 'Sorry, can’t take you right now you now.'” He added, “It has been prime; literally you can’t ask for a better situation.”
Hogan noted that having a such good conditions, which doesn’t occur every year, creates a ripple effect for those who rely on fishing along the Farmington River in Connecticut.
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“Not just fishermen,” Hogan said, “It’s kayakers, it’s canoers - if the water isn’t right, I don’t do business, the kayak place doesn’t do business, that means the gas stations don’t do business, the sandwich shops don’t do business.”
He added that, especially in Litchfield County, the Farmington River is, “A gem of New England… It’s a great time to be out on the river, it’s not just for fly fishermen – it’s for everybody.”
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Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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