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[dphflytyer]

My son started his first year at Eastern Conn State in Willimantic. At least twice a semester I go get him and bring him back home to NJ. Usually it's a 3hr rip up and back but recently I've had hours to kill as his schedule constantly changes. I've been fishing the Housy and Farm for years and am looking for some help on rivers in he Willimantic area. Did alot of research but still at a loss. I was put on to your site by a member who said you all could provide some guidance. Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated. I'm not looking for any "secret spots",private holes, etc. just some places to go to kill some time. Killin' time at Cabelas is too expensive. Fly fish and C&R only.. Thanks again. :confused:

[DA]

The Willimantic River has a C&R TMA. Take Rt 32 north out of Willimantic about 8 miles to West Willington.

http://www.ctflyfish.org/ctflyfish/documents/willi1.pdf

Natchaug State Forest is about 8 miles northeast of Willimantic. The Natchaug River flows through the forest and has some nice water. Take Rt 6 east out of Willimantic than get on Rt 198 north and look for the entrance sign to the state forest. There is also fishing access at the Nickerson Park Family Campground on Rt 198.

http://www.nickersonpark.com/campgr1.gif

There is a slideshow of birdseye views of the Natchaug R at this site:

http://www.glsweetnam.com/NatchaugRiver/index.html

The Little River is another one to try. It's about 6 miles east of Willimantic via Rt 14 past Windham Center.

[dphflytyer]

Thanks very much. Any help on sites in NJ I'd be glad to help. Thanks again.

Dan

[The Fisherman]

Don't know how you travel to Willi, but the Salmon River in East Hampton/Colchester is in the general vicinity and, IMHO, worth the trip during the school year.

[dudley]

There's some good smallmouth fishing in the Willimantic River from the Eagleville dam (just west of UCONN) on down to the Rt6 Connector along Rt 32
There's also two small trout rivers,the Fenton and the Mt Hope, that flow south between UCONN and the Natchaug
(You can read about the Mt Hope in Gary LaFontaine's book Caddisflies )
South of Willimantic, below the confluence of the Willimantic and the Natchaug lies the Shetucket, where in season you can fish for trout, smallmouth, or stocked Atlantic salmon.
There's also a class one wild trout stream in that area which here shall remain nameless,:cool: although you can easily look it up

[steve B]

DPH,
all good info I dropped you a PM. If you travel up 84 to rt. 32 you actually cross the Willimantic river TMA. As stated the Natchaug is good it's full length, it pretty much follows state rt. 198, from rt 44 in eastford towards willimantic. fenton is a small river more of a brook but has a wild trout section with some beautiful fish. Mt. Hope is a nice little river but access is very limited. One other spot not mentioned is the Shetucket it has broodstock salmon, is a trophy trout water and has an abundance of smallies.
good luck and welcome,

Steve

[dphflytyer]

I can't thank you all enough. Your responses were great, very much appreciated and saved me a ton of leg work. You all affirmened what a great sport and community fly fishing is. As I mentioned before if I can offer my assistance in fly tying or for spots in NJ let me know. I would be glag to help. My son will thank you as well as now there is even more reason to make the ride. Thanks again.
Dan