Fishing in the Willimantic River Watershed
The Willimantic River and its tributaries offer fishing for every type of angler. Fishing season for trout begins on the third Saturday in April. Fishing licenses and the annual Connecticut Angler's Guide are available at all Town Clerk offices.
Fish Stocking
Every spring Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection stocks trout along the length of the Willimantic River, and also in the Hop River, Skungamaug River and Roaring Brook.
Fly Fishing
Year-round fly fishing (catch-and-release) is available in Tolland/Willington in the Cole W. Wilde Trout Management Area that extends from the mouth of Roaring Brook downstream to the Route 74 bridge. Access is on the north side of this bridge or from North River Road in Tolland and also from the westbound I-84 rest stop in Willington.
The Connecticut Fly Fishermen's Association has maps of the Trout Management Area and news and notices of fly-fishing events.
The Thames Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited sponsors lectures and conferences on river-related issues and assists with trout stocking and stream cleanups.
Bass & other Warm-water Fishing
Eagleville Lake offers fishing for bass and other warm-water fish at the dam or from boats, including car-top/carry-in motor boats (8 MPH limit).
Visit the DEP's Connecticut Fisheries Division for more information on Connecticut fishing.
Recent Fish Habitat Improvements
Connecticut DEP's Inland Fisheries Division has made recent fish habitat improvements in the Willimantic River between Tolland and Willington and along Hop River in Columbia. Details on the improvements are available in these press releases: "DEP Completes Willimantic River Fish Habitat Restoration Project" and "Hop River Habitat Restoration Project Completed".
The DEP also provides a fact sheet on Lower Bolton Lake (headwaters of the Hop River).