Willimantic River (TMA) Maps

The Willimantic - a river reborn.

Once a receptacle for industrial by-products, The Willi has experienced its longest era (41 years) of clean flowing water since the pre-industrial age of New England.

In 1967, a tertiary system (3 step process) sewage treatment facility was installed upstream in Stafford Springs. By the early seventies the state began restocking the river with trout and set aside a section from the mouth of Roaring Brook downstream to the Rt. 74 bridge as fly fishing only. At the same time the CFFA began a conservation program aimed at promoting this "new water". Tagged trout measured in pounds were stocked. Prizes of fly fishing tackle were awarded the lucky anglers - even if caught by non-flyfishers in "open" water downstream.

In 1982, this section was named the Cole Wilde Trout Management Area (TMA), and its fame began to lure anglers all year long. There is no closed season; fly fishing only regulation apply; and no fish in possession allowed (i.e., "catch and release"). The Willi TMA is a great training ground for students of fly fishing. But it's finicky trout can frustrate the most experienced anglers as well. The CFFA is committed to maintaining, promoting, and preserving this special area.

Map 1 to the Willimantic TMA Open Full Size... Map by Lionel R. MacDonald.

Map 2 to the Willimantic TMA Open Full Size... (Author unknown)