This is still a confusing subject. I tried a bit of further research and first found a law firm article on Connecticut riparian law. I think navigable waters mean only major waterways navigable by big boats, one resource only listed the Connecticut River, so a statewide definition of what Connecticut waterways are considered navigable would be useful. It is my guess that all such waterways of interest here would be legally considered non-navigable. It also would be useful to know what streams are running over private land or what watercourse stream-beds are public.

http://www.bpslawyers.com/Articles/Riparian-Rights-in-Nonnavigable-Waters.shtml

Second I reviewed the town of Farmington GIS land map and found that except for two parcels, one owned by the state and the other by the town, all property parcels ended at the Farmington River's edge, including both branches. so some major waterways appear to be public in some areas with private property ending at the river banks.

Third, this issue also faces kayakers and canoeists. I wonder if there is a listing of what portions of Connecticut rivers are open for passage by raft/kayak/canoe, and what limitations if any are on any particular stretches. I tried to briefly research this and found this Rivers Alliance of Connecticut statewide map intended to list all waterways open for passage.

http://www.ctwatertrails.org/map5.cfm

I hope we can get more clear clarification to these issues.