BD Freshwater Fishing Report 10/26/2026
Massachusetts Waters Stocked This Week
MassWildlife has officially completed its 2026 fall trout stocking program, with more than 70,000 trout scheduled for release across Massachusetts this fall. Although there are no newly confirmed stockings for the past week, several recently stocked waters remain excellent options for anglers heading into November.
The latest reported stockings include Asnacomet Pond in Hubbardston, Baldpate Pond in Boxford, Lake Saltonstall in Haverhill, Long Sought-for Pond in Westford, and Loon Pond in Springfield, all stocked with rainbow trout on October 13. Earlier October stockings included the Swift River in Belchertown, the Nissitissit River in Pepperell, and the Squannacook River in Groton, Shirley, and Townsend on October 8. Littleville Lake and Laurel Lake also received brown trout during the final weeks of the program.
With stocking now complete, the focus shifts to finding fish that have had time to spread out and settle into their new surroundings. Woolly Buggers, small baitfish patterns, and a variety of nymphs are good options for both rivers and ponds. Cooler water temperatures and lighter fishing pressure should continue providing opportunities well into November.
Swift River — Belchertown/Ware, Massachusetts
The Swift River continues to be a worthwhile destination for anglers looking for cold-water trout fishing. The October 8 rainbow trout stocking has added fresh fish to a river already known for its challenging, technical fishing.
Our latest firsthand report recommends light nymph rigs and dry-dropper presentations, with small flashy nymphs producing fish. With the river's clear water and heavily pressured trout, careful presentations and lighter tippet remain important.
Brook trout spawning activity is something anglers need to be particularly mindful of right now. Avoid walking through redds or targeting actively spawning fish.
Photo Courtesy Matt Tempesta Tempco Fly Fishing
Deerfield River — Massachusetts
The Deerfield remains an attractive fall trout destination following its October stockings. Cooler temperatures have brought the river into its traditional late-season period, when nymphs and streamers become increasingly important.
Most recent reports describe October caddis, smaller caddis, and Blue-Winged Olives, along with trout showing interest in streamers. Morning nymphing and streamer fishing were producing, while larger caddis dries paired with BWO nymph droppers offered opportunities later in the day.
Anglers should check Fife Brook dam releases before wading, as water levels can change quickly. Streamers, nymph rigs, and smaller BWO patterns are worth carrying based on the last reported successful approaches.
Stillwater River — Wachusett Reservoir, Massachusetts
There is encouraging news from the Wachusett Reservoir fishery as we move deeper into the fall salmon season. Anglers have been catching landlocked Atlantic salmon in Wachusett Reservoir between the Stone Church area and Thomas Basin.
While these catches confirm salmon activity in the reservoir, they do not establish that fish have entered the Stillwater River in significant numbers.
River conditions are cooling, and October and November remain the important period to watch for salmon movement into the tributaries. Anglers exploring the Stillwater should observe DCR watershed regulations and avoid disturbing actively spawning fish or redds.
Photo Courtesy Brian Gilbert Western Mass Guide Service
Farmington River — Connecticut
The Farmington is offering excellent late-October trout fishing, with larger brown trout and consistent nymphing opportunities keeping anglers busy. The Permanent TMA is flowing at approximately 175 CFS, with 145 CFS coming from the Riverton dam and another 30 CFS from the Still River. Morning water temperatures below the dam were approximately 55 degrees.
The best fishing has generally been during the afternoons and evenings, when water temperatures rise and insect activity increases. Blue-Winged Olives in sizes 20–24 and tan or brown caddis in sizes 16–18 are the primary reported hatches. Small nymphs in sizes 18–22, egg patterns, mop flies, and larger stonefly nymphs have all been producing fish.
Streamer fishing remains particularly appealing for anglers targeting larger browns. Yellow, olive, brown, and white patterns are worth carrying, with larger articulated streamers in the 4- to 6-inch range offering a chance at trophy fish. Smaller streamers and Woolly Buggers provide more consistent opportunities.
The brown trout spawn is running later than usual according to UpCountry, with some spawning redds already present. Anglers should take particular care around spawning areas and avoid targeting fish actively on redds.
Salmon River — Pulaski, New York
The Salmon River is moving through its transition from peak salmon fishing toward the heart of steelhead season. Kings are still present, but steelhead are now spread throughout the river, along with some brown trout.
Whitaker's October 26 report indicates that anglers targeting salmon should concentrate on the middle and upper sections of the river. Steelhead are being encountered from top to bottom, with the lower river producing the most consistent steelhead fishing over the past several days.
Douglaston Salmon Run's October 26 afternoon report described moderate fishing through the middle and upper sections, with good fishing in the estuary portion of the lower section. Kings, steelhead, and brown trout were reported, with fish both holding in pools and moving upriver.
The dam release was 185 CFS, with approximately 244 CFS at Pineville and a water temperature of 48 degrees on the afternoon of October 26. For fly anglers, egg patterns, stonefly nymphs, and other subsurface presentations remain good options, particularly when fishing downstream of spawning salmon.
The Lower Fly Fishing Catch & Release Area remains closed by emergency order through October 31. Anglers planning to fish the fly zones should verify current access restrictions before heading out.
Photo Courtesy Chris Jackson Chris Jackson Fly Fishing
Connecticut Atlantic Salmon — Naugatuck & Shetucket Rivers
Connecticut's Atlantic salmon fishing is picking up, with DEEP confirming another round of stockings in both the Naugatuck and Shetucket rivers.
Both the upper Naugatuck management area around Harwinton and Litchfield and the lower section between Naugatuck and Beacon Falls received additional Atlantic salmon on October 22. The Shetucket River received another stocking of Atlantic salmon on October 23. These follow the initial October stockings and provide anglers with fresh opportunities to target Atlantic salmon on the fly.
Both rivers are now worth serious consideration for anglers interested in this unique fall fishery. Streamers and traditional salmon flies are good patterns to bring, with presentations adjusted to water depth and current. Exact catch rates following the most recent stockings have not yet been independently verified.
Remember that Atlantic salmon fishing in these rivers is catch-and-release only through December 15. Special tackle restrictions apply within the designated management areas, including the use of a single fly or artificial lure with a single free-swinging hook and no additional weight added to the line. A Connecticut Trout and Salmon Stamp is also required when fishing these areas.
DEEP is tagging Atlantic salmon with yellow tags this season and encourages anglers to report tagged fish to help track their movements.
