What You'll Find at Salmon River State Forest

Salmon River State Forest sits in East Haddam, Connecticut, and holds roughly 6,700 acres of mixed hardwood and hemlock forest threaded by the Salmon River itself. The river runs cold and clear through much of the property, making it a legitimate trout stream in the upper sections and a shad and bass fishery downstream where it widens. The forest is open to the public for fishing, hiking, and hunting during their respective seasons, with multiple access points along the main road and several parking areas that don't require a permit.

The Salmon River here is not a destination stream like the Housatonic or the Farmington, but it's a solid local option if you live in the Lower Connecticut River Valley or are willing to drive 45 minutes from Hartford. The water is cleaner than it was 20 years ago, and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) stocks it with trout in spring. The real draw is that it's less crowded than the major rivers, the parking is free, and you can fish it without a reservation or special permit beyond your regular Connecticut fishing license.

Key Takeaways

  • Salmon River State Forest has multiple parking areas and river access points along Route 149 and side roads, all free and open to the public during daylight hours.
  • The river holds stocked trout in spring and early summer, wild smallmouth bass and sunfish year-round, and shad in late spring through early summer in the lower sections.
  • DEEP stocks the Salmon River with trout in April and May, so early season fishing (April through June) is when you're most likely to encounter larger fish.
  • The forest closes at sunset, and you must carry a valid Connecticut fishing license; no special permits or reservations are needed beyond that.
  • Wading is possible in most sections, but water levels vary with rainfall and season, so check conditions before you go.

Where to Park and Access the River

The main access point is the Salmon River State Forest parking area on Route 149 in East Haddam, roughly 0.3 miles north of the intersection with Route 16. This lot holds about 20 cars and sits directly across from a footbridge that crosses into the forest and down to the river. From here, you can walk upstream or downstream along informal trails that follow the water. The parking area is open from sunrise to sunset, and there's no fee.

A second access point is further north on Route 149, near the old mill site. This pull-off is smaller but often less crowded, and it gives you access to a wider, slower section of the river that holds more bass and sunfish. A third option is the parking area near the Colchester town line, accessible from Route 149 heading north; this section is quieter and good for wading if water levels are reasonable.

All three areas are maintained by DEEP and are open year-round during daylight hours. There are no facilities—no restrooms, no water, no picnic tables—so plan accordingly. The forest itself is open to hiking and hunting during their seasons, but fishing is the primary draw for most visitors.

Spring and Early Summer: Stocked Trout

DEEP stocks the Salmon River with brook trout and rainbow trout in April and May, typically releasing fish in the 8- to 10-inch range. The stocking happens in multiple locations along the forest section, so fish are distributed rather than concentrated in one hole. The best fishing is usually the first two weeks after stocking, when trout are still in the river and haven't moved far downstream or been caught.

Spin gear works well here—small spinners (size 1 or 2 Mepps or Panther Martins) and inline spoons in silver or gold. If you fly fish, small nymphs (size 14 to 16 Hare's Ears or Pheasant Tails) and dry flies (size 16 to 18 Adams or Elk Hair Caddis) work when the water is clear and the sun is high. The river is narrow enough that you don't need to cast far; often the best fish are tight to the bank or behind rocks.

By mid-June, water temperatures climb and stocked trout become less active. Some fish move into deeper pools or spring-fed tributaries, but most anglers switch to bass and sunfish by July. If you're specifically targeting trout, focus on April through May, and fish early in the morning or late in the afternoon when water is coolest.

Summer Through Fall: Bass and Sunfish

Once the stocked trout thin out, the Salmon River becomes a smallmouth bass and sunfish fishery. The bass here are not huge—most run 8 to 12 inches, with occasional fish to 14 or 15 inches—but they're plentiful and willing. Sunfish (bluegill and pumpkinseed) are even more abundant and make for good action on light tackle or a fly rod.

For bass, throw small topwater plugs, soft plastics (4- to 6-inch worms or crawfish imitations), and crankbaits in the deeper pools and along undercut banks. The river has plenty of structure—fallen trees, root wads, and rocky ledges—so work those features carefully. Early morning and late evening are best, but bass here will bite throughout the day if you're fishing the right spots.

Sunfish respond to small spinners, wet flies, and even live bait (crickets or small minnows). They're less fussy than trout and make for a fun outing if you're bringing kids or just want consistent action. The lower sections of the forest, where the river widens and slows, hold more sunfish than the upper, faster water.

Late Spring Shad Run

In May and early June, American shad move upstream from the Connecticut River into the Salmon River to spawn. This run is not as strong as it was historically, but shad still show up in decent numbers, especially in the lower sections of the forest where the river is wider and deeper. Shad are fast, strong fish that fight hard on light tackle, and they're a different experience from trout or bass.

Shad darts (small, weighted jigs tipped with a bit of shad roe or a soft plastic tail) are the standard lure. Cast upstream and let the dart swing through the current, then retrieve slowly. Shad often hit on the swing, so keep your line tight and be ready to set the hook. The bite is usually best in the early morning and late evening, and it lasts only a few weeks, so if you want to target shad, don't wait.

Water Levels and Seasonal Conditions

The Salmon River is dam-free in the forest section, so water levels follow rainfall and snowmelt. Spring runoff (March through May) can make the river high and off-color, which makes fishing difficult. By June, water levels usually settle, and the river becomes more fishable. Summer low water (August through September) can make wading easier but also concentrates fish in deeper pools, which can make them spookier.

Fall brings cooler water and sometimes another rise in levels from heavy rain. Winter is fishable but cold; the river rarely freezes solid, but ice can form along the banks, and wading becomes dangerous. Check local weather and recent rainfall before you go, especially in spring and after heavy storms. If the river is high and brown, wait a day or two for it to clear before making the drive.

What to Bring and What to Know

You need a valid Connecticut fishing license, which you can get online from the DEEP website or at most sporting goods stores. No special permit or reservation is required for Salmon River State Forest. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat; there's no shade in the parking areas, and the forest canopy doesn't cover the whole river. Wading shoes or boots are helpful because the bottom is rocky and slippery, and the water is cold even in summer.

The forest closes at sunset, so plan to be off the property by dark. Fishing is allowed year-round, but hunting seasons (rifle, shotgun, and archery) run from fall through winter, so wear blaze orange if you're there during those months. The forest is open to the public, but respect private property boundaries; some land adjacent to the forest is privately owned, and you should not cross onto it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to fish Salmon River State Forest?

No. You need only a valid Connecticut fishing license, which covers all public waters in the state. You can purchase a license online through the DEEP website, at sporting goods stores, or at some town clerk offices. No additional permit or reservation is required for the forest.

When is the best time to fish here?

April through June is best if you want stocked trout. May through early June is when shad run. July through October is good for bass and sunfish. Winter is fishable but cold and less productive. If you're new to the forest, start in May when water levels are moderate and multiple species are active.

Can I wade the entire river through the forest?

Most of it, yes, but water levels vary. In spring, high water makes wading dangerous or impossible. By summer, most sections are wadeable, though the bottom is rocky and slippery. Wear wading shoes and a belt, and never wade alone. If water is high or discolored, fish from the bank instead.

Are there fish in the river year-round?

Yes. Stocked trout are present spring through early summer. Bass and sunfish are there all year, though they're less active in winter. Shad run in late spring. You can fish any season, but spring and fall are most productive.

What's the parking situation like on weekends?

The main lot holds about 20 cars and can fill on nice weekends, especially in May. The secondary access points are usually less crowded. If the main lot is full, try the pull-off near the mill site or the Colchester town line access. Arrive early if you're going on a Saturday or Sunday in spring.