French River
river in Massachusetts
The French River features a mix of pocket water, runs, and pools, providing suitable habitat for brook, brown, and rainbow trout. It's a peaceful river, ideal for those seeking solitude and a genuine New England trout stream experience.
River flow last 30 days
Unknown flow on the French River
- 01Unknown flow on the French River; fishable conditions under overcast skies.
- 02Autumn Caddis (size 14) still present, offering a large meal.
- 03Blue-Winged Olives (size 18-22) are emerging, especially on overcast days.
- 04Midges (size 16-26) are a consistent subsurface food source.
- 05Target Bluegill and Fallfish in slower runs, deep pockets, and near submerged structure.
Past reports week by week
9 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Hopper Juan
Terrestrial activity, especially with grasshoppers, can persist into early fall, making this a good attractor for opportunistic Fallfish and Bluegill along grassy banks.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge
Midges are a consistent food source year-round, and remain active in cooler fall waters, making them a reliable subsurface option for Bluegill and Fallfish.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
A highly versatile streamer that imitates leeches and baitfish, consistent food sources for predatory Fallfish and Bluegill in fall.
Isonychia Dun
Isonychia duns are actively hatching on freestone rivers during the fall, making this a prime pattern for rising Fallfish.
Trico Spinner
Trico hatches can still occur in early October, providing a small, delicate meal for rising Bluegill and Fallfish in slower water.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive Comparadun
Matches expected fall BWO hatches for rising Bluegill and Fallfish, which are common this time of year in Massachusetts rivers.
October Caddis
October Caddis are a significant fall hatch, providing a large food source for opportunistic feeding Fallfish and Bluegill.
Pheasant Tail Nymph
An excellent all-around nymph, effective year-round and particularly during fall BWO periods when nymphs are active subsurface for Bluegill and Fallfish.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Charlton City Sections
Upstream sections with good gradient and potential for wild trout.
Webster Access Points
Various points around Webster provide public access to the river.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Matt Tempesta—Tempco Fly Fishing
Big Bear Fishing Department
Pheasant Tail Tours
Square Tail Anglers
Get French River reports by email
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Massachusetts season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Quick answers
Common questions about French River.
What flies work best on French River?
Our top scored fly patterns for French River right now are Hopper Juan (80% confidence), Quill Gordon (80% confidence), Elk Hair Caddis (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in French River?
French River holds Bluegill, Fallfish, Largemouth bass. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
What are current flow conditions on French River?
Live USGS streamflow readings for French River are charted in the sidebar of this page and updated automatically from the nearest gauge.
Is French River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for French River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.