Guide Services

Registered Connecticut Guides
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When choosing a fishing guide its important to find someone who is experienced, listens to your needs and works to keep you safe, so you can have an enjoyable day on the water. When booking its good to make sure they are properly insured. Listed below is a short list of guides we work with regularly on the Farmington. Contact them directly using the information below.

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Derrick Kirkpatrick

Derrick Kirkpatrick has been has spent more than two decades studying trout throughout the Northeast. After attending guide school in Colorado, Derrick built a career centered on technical trout fishing, and helping anglers become more effective on the water. He is a Guideline Ambassador and was honored as Guideline’s 2025 Guide of the Year. Derrick is the owner of CT Fish Guides, Farmington Flies, and Trout Tactics 360. He is also the creator of the Catching Alphas Podcast, where he interviews respected anglers and industry professionals. Derrick specializes in technical dry fly fishing, European nymphing, trout behavior, and advanced casting instruction, guiding anglers of all experience levels on the Farmington River and surrounding waters. His articles and fly patterns have been featured in On The Water and The Fisherman magazines. Derrick presents fly-fishing seminars throughout the Northeast, and produces educational films, articles, and podcasts dedicated to advancing the sport and helping anglers become more successful on the water Contact Derrick Kirkpatrick at (203) 980-4248 for bookings and visit www.ctfishguides.com for informative videos and articles.

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Zach St.Amand

 Zach St Amand lives on the banks of the Farmington River, keeping him in tune with its ever-changing environment, including hatches, water-levels and fishing spots. A tailored experience for each client is essential to his vision. Whether that means “sun up to sun down” on the river, or a day mixed with a quick lunch of belly clams and a beer, Zach aims to create the exact type of experience you’re looking for. Contact him anytime at 646-641-5618 

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Steve Hogan

Steve Hogan is a local angler and guide who specializes in fishing the Farmington River and its trophy waters. In addition to guiding the upper end of the river, Steve has spent many years fishing the lower Collinsville/Unionville section of the Farmington and can provide intimate knowledge of how to fish in its challenging waters. The lower reaches of the Farmington are dominated by hidden pocket waters and provide angling opportunities where fewer angler go. Contact Steve at (860) 995-8128 or through his website at www.flyfishthefarmington.com

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Mark Swenson

Mark Swenson is from the Danbury/Southbury area and has fished the Farmington, Naugatuck and Housatonic watersheds for over 40 years. Mark has a Bachelor of Science degree in teaching and owns a design studio, working as a commercial artist. He also works as a biological illustrator and photographer, creating art work published by CT and NY DEP. Mark is great with beginner to intermediate level flyfishers and prides himself on the challenge of getting first time anglers into trout. If you haven't ever held a fly rod before or are somewhat hesitant about walking around in moving water, a few hours with Mark will have you both confident & competent by days end. Contact Mark at (203)586-8007 or send him an email at marcus2@charter.net

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Ben Canino
River Valley Guides

In 2016, Ben and his wife, “set up shop” on the banks of the Farmington River, where they now raise their three children, two girls and a boy. Like many local anglers, Ben has developed a unique understanding of the river’s behavior. In his early days with the sport, he studied the system and learned various techniques from those who came before him - not only how to find trout, but how to appreciate the journey the pursuit can offer. Ben now shares his experience and knowledge with anglers of all levels, offering thoughtful, personalized instruction across a wide range of techniques. Contact Ben via text or email to plan a customized trip or lesson on the Farmington River. Contact Ben at (860) 307-7001 or rvgflyfishing@gmail.com

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I’ve been fishing the Farmington River since I was a kid and have spent countless days learning its water, hatches, and trout. I guide anglers of all skill levels, from first-time fly fishers to experienced anglers looking to improve. Whether we’re wading or floating a drift boat during high water, my goal is to provide a fun, productive day and help you become a better angler while enjoying everything the Farmington River has to offer. Call (860)733-3702 or email: jstratton19@gmail.com

Mike Carl

 Mike Carl has over 35 years of fly-fishing experience, most of it spent on the Farmington. He also has traveled to Montana, Wyoming and Pennslyvania and has fished on some of their most historic and challenging waters. He has been an instructor for the Kinzua Fly Fishing School in P.A. and comes highly recommended by owners Steve Skvarka and Carl Zandi. He has been mentored by Joe Humphreys for years and works with him at KFFS clinics. Mike specializes in the tactics that Joe is most noted for; nymphing, small streams. Mike guides on the Farmington River and other big & small streams across the state. You may contact him at (860) 716-0825or www.easternctflyfishing.com

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Steve Culton

Steve Culton is an outdoor writer, professional fly tier and guide who has been fishing the Farmington River for over 40 years. Steve is the author of  the just published "Fishing The Farmington River". Whether sharpening your nymphing skills or tempting trout with dry flies, Steve can help build the skills you need to approach any pool with confidence. He particularly loves teaching the art of wet fly fishing, from traditional subsurface methods to fishing wets as dries in the film and on the surface. You can contact Steve at (860) 918-0228, visit him at www.currentseams.com or email: swculton@yahoo.com