The Trout Management Area (TMA) in the Cornwall Area
is one of the finest trout streams in New England. The map above
lists the holes and access points in the TMA extending from Cornwall
Bridge (intersection of Rt 7 & Rt 4) going north to approx 3 miles
north of the town of West Cornwall. We are using this map courtesy of
the Housatonic Fly Fishermen's Association (HFFA) and it is included in
a guide of the river which the (HFFA) sells in local flyshops. We
always have copies here in the store - and it is a benchmark
publication for fishing this river. Our Cornwall Bridge Store is
located just south of the Cornwall Bridge below the intersection.
There
are numerous access points along Route 7 from Cornwall Bridge to West
Cornwall on the west side of the river - and then on the east side of
the river - River Road - allows access from West Cornwall to the Bridge
up by Limerock. These upper pools are listed as the Elms to
Push-em-up - however - trout are stocked and reside for miles north of
Push-em-up and is rarely fished. In these upper stretches there
are not as many trout - however - they tend to be larger hold-overs
that rise to the fly.
The
hatches in the Housatonic are prolific and there are numerous species
of mayflies and caddis that hatch starting in early Spring and
depending on weather can extend into December. There are numerous
deposits of limestone both in the river and around the tributaries that
keep the Housatonic River at the ph level that is condusive to a
healthy river and insect population. Now that we have "Natural
Flow" the insect hatches should be even greater in size.
Wading
the river can be difficult in some of the sections - the boulders are
smooth and slick and are always in the worst places. We recommend
a wading staff and wading boots with both felt and cleats imbedded in
the sole. Take your time and wade safely.
