The Bear’s Den Freshwater Fishing Report 10/13/2026

Massachusetts Waters Stocked This Week

MassWildlife's fall trout stocking program continues, with fresh fish being delivered to waters across the state. Recent confirmed stockings include Littleville Lake in Huntington on October 9 with brown trout; Sherman Pond and Little Alum Pond on October 8 with rainbow trout; and the Deerfield River, Hopkinton Reservoir, Ashland Reservoir, and Peppers Mill Pond on October 7. These stockings offer a variety of opportunities for both stillwater and river anglers as the fall season progresses.

For anglers targeting freshly stocked trout, Woolly Buggers, small baitfish patterns, and nymphs are excellent starting points. Cooler fall temperatures are making more waters attractive again, and anglers should continue checking MassWildlife's daily stocking report for additional locations as the program approaches its conclusion.

Swift River — Belchertown/Ware, Massachusetts

The Swift remains an attractive option for anglers looking for challenging, technical trout fishing.  Light nymph rigs and dry-dropper setups, with small flashy nymphs continue to produce fish. The river's exceptionally clear water makes careful presentations, smaller flies, and light tippet particularly important.

Brook trout are entering their spawning period, and some fish have been observed staging in spawning areas. Anglers should avoid disturbing redds or targeting actively spawning trout. 

Photo Courtesy Matt Tempesta Tempco Fly Fishing

Deerfield River — Massachusetts

The Deerfield has received additional trout during the fall stocking program, with a confirmed stocking on October 7. This provides another opportunity for anglers looking to target stocked trout alongside the river's established populations.

We can confirm reports of October caddis activity, smaller caddis, and Blue-Winged Olives, with trout showing interest in streamers as fall conditions develop. Nymphing and streamers were the recommended morning approaches, while larger caddis dries with BWO nymph droppers offered opportunities later in the day. Always check dam releases before wading.

Photo Courtesy Tom Harrison Harrison Anglers

Farmington River — Connecticut

The Farmington received some much-needed rain over the weekend, and the additional water is creating promising conditions for streamer anglers. The October 12 report recorded approximately 1.6 inches of rain, bringing the Permanent TMA flow to 429 CFS and falling, with a water temperature of 59 degrees in Riverton. The additional flow and slightly stained water have made this an excellent opportunity to target larger brown trout with streamers.

Large articulated patterns in the 4- to 6-inch range are worth considering for trophy-minded anglers, particularly in yellow, olive, and brown combinations. Smaller streamers and Woolly Buggers remain good options for anglers interested in numbers. Nymphing with smaller patterns in sizes 18–22 continues to produce, while tan caddis, October caddis, Isonychia, and Blue-Winged Olives provide dry-fly opportunities. Brown trout are approaching their spawning period, so anglers should be mindful of redds and spawning activity.

Salmon River — Pulaski, New York

The Salmon River continues to offer opportunities for Chinook salmon, steelhead, and brown trout. The October 12 report described good fishing throughout the middle section, with all three species being encountered. Fish were reported both holding in pools and actively moving upriver, giving anglers opportunities to target traveling fish as well as those settled into holding water.

The October 12 afternoon report listed a dam release of 185 CFS, approximately 213 CFS at Pineville, and a water temperature of 57 degrees. With steelhead becoming increasingly prominent, egg patterns and nymphs are excellent options for fly anglers targeting trout and steelhead around the salmon. The combination of salmon still in the system and fresh steelhead activity makes this an exciting time to fish Pulaski.

~anthony