CTFishTalk.com: where should I try the Farmington River out at? - Connecticut Bass Fishing Reports ( CT Bass Fishing Reports ) - A Community Built for Connecticut Fisherman.

Rookie67 · Joined: 16 Jun 2007 Posts: 25 Location: New Britain

I was thinking of finally trying out the Farmington river, since I live in New Britain now. Need to put in and take out my fishing kayak at the same location because I'm going alone.

I did a little research and I think I narrowed it down to either Curtiss Park or Rainbow Reservoir. What do you guys think? Am I way off? lol

Basically, I want a new place to go that does not bust my gas budget, so within 30 miles one-way. Otherwise, I would probably just end up going to Hayward or Eagleville.

My wacky worms are ready for the smallies (and to get stuck in the rocks). Smile

I'd appreciate any feedback. Thanks!!!
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watthe555 · Joined: 11 Jun 2011 Posts: 120

ive never tried either of those but i have heard good reports on rainbow reservoir. i would like to try that place out too.

DirtyDawg10 · Joined: 27 May 2009 Posts: 2238 Location: Granby, CT

If you are looking for smallies then Rainbow is the better of the two places. Curtiss is a nice area to fish but not as many smallies up there and the ones that are there are usually very small.

Keep in mind that if you go to Rainbow on a weekend you will be competing with ski boats for the water. Not so much fun in a kayak.

Rookie67 · Joined: 16 Jun 2007 Posts: 25 Location: New Britain

Thanks for the info. I'll have to give them both a shot. Sounds like a weekday morning only for Rainbow and I happen to have Fridays off.
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~ Sal (the other Rookie)

usnavybro · Joined: 20 Apr 2011 Posts: 29 Location: Windsor, CT

Rainbow is a pretty nice spot. Theres always a bunch of kayakers out and during the weekdays there aren't more than a couple boats out there (other than me and my jon boat) Smile

. Also, if you go up river enough there are some pretty cool little coves and tributaries and stuff to shield you from both the wind and the sun.

SAP284 · Joined: 07 Jun 2011 Posts: 655 Location: Central, CT

I second that. I've been to rainbow a dozen times. The weekday is the best possibly in the evening...that's when I've had the best luck.

PECo · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 5203 Location: Avon, CT

Close to New Britain, you could fish a lot of the same ponds that I do, including Batterson Park Pond, Spring Pond and Nod Brook WMA. Have you tried the section of the Farmington River near Tunxis Mead? There's a park at the end of Wannomassa Lane in Farmington where you could launch either upriver from the Rails to Trails pedestrian bridge that crosses over the river or downriver after a short portage to below the bridge. If you go upriver, bring an anchor and a trout setup. If you go downriver, well, I got skunked when a took a quick paddle down there, but I'd bet that there are many different species of fish.
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Flipper · Joined: 21 May 2010 Posts: 347 Location: Enfield

There is always the launch at Bart's in Windsor, too. You could fish from the launch right out into the CT river.
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TurtleKiss · Joined: 09 Mar 2010 Posts: 1200 Location: central CT

Rainbow has a lot of juvenile smallies/rock bass and the most inconsiderate boaters in the world (on weekends.) Tunxis Meade (downriver) has a wide, slow-moving section with no boat traffic at all. I've only caught largemouth there (wading) but it definitely holds carp, catfish, panfish and trout. It's pretty deep too. Check it out...why drive farther than you need to?
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Kira

*~ "Not everything about fishing is noble, reasonable and sane..." -Henry Middleton ~*

Rookie67 · Joined: 16 Jun 2007 Posts: 25 Location: New Britain

You're right Kira. I went to Rainbow today and just got small bass.

Fished it almost all the way up. Then noon came and no shade, 100+ degrees, gave up, I paddled way way too far. OMG, I was so hot I stopped at a sand bar and took a quick dip. Got back to launch at 2pm and they were practically running me over.

I was looking in that Tunxis Meade area too, but I don't see a spot with easy access to put in a kayak. I was thinking maybe River Glen, up a little and across the river. Looks good on Google sat map anyway. I'll have to check it out as its so close by, why not.

Oh missed Peco's post, yeah there.

Thanks!!!
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~ Sal (the other Rookie)