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.

Derrick Kirkpatrick

Born in Milford Connecticut, Derrick Kirkpatrick purchased his first fly rod at the age of 11, beginning a lifelong obsession. Derrick attended guide school and was certified by Fly Fishing Outfitters in Avon, Colorado. Derrick guides fresh, salt, and fly, for both beginner and advanced angler. Derrick offers lessons and guided trips on the Farmington River and other local waters. He provides equipment if needed and can do float or wade trips. Derick has been featured in magazines such as "On The Water" and "The Fisherman". His background includes work for the Orvis company, Cabelas and is certified by the #1 Orvis endorsed guide school. Contact Derrick at (203) 980-4248 for bookings and visit www.CTFishGuides.com for informative videos and articles

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 or send him an email at zach@fishingwithzach.com, www.fishingwithzach.com or www.facebook.com/fishingwithzach 

Antoine Bissiex

Antoine Bissieux is one of only a couple of Orvis endorsed flyfishing guides in Connecticut and was named Orvis guide of the year for 2025. After teaching thousands of students at the Orvis Flyfishing School in Manchester VT, and guiding on the Battenkill, Antoine now offers casting clinics, instruction and customized guide trips on the Farmington River. All equipment is provided. Beginners and trips specially tailored to your needs are welcome. Contact Antoine through his website at www.bissieux.com or by calling (860) 759-4464

Steve Hogan

Steve Hogan is a local angler and guide who specializes in fishing the Farmington Riverand 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 

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.

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

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