Water Clarity: Muddy-Stained, bigger rivers probably won’t be in good shape for tomorrow
Flies: Black Stoneflies (#6-12) Girdle Bugs (#6-12), Black Montana Prince (#12-16), Copper Johns (#12), Pheasant Tails (#12-14) San Juans-Pink, Otter’s Eggs, Wooly Buggers (White or Black #4-8) Zonkers, Montana Mouthwash, Marabou Muddlers, Headbanger Sculpins, White Fish Skull Baitfish
Hatches:
Well, it’s finally here. It’s safe to say everyone’s getting a little stoked to get out on the water tomorrow for the opening day of trout season here in Vermont. Although it’s usually some of the most difficult fishing of the year it has potential to be some of the most rewarding. And for most people, it’s really about just getting out! The rain we got last night brought up water levels quite a bit. The Winooski went from a reasonable flow yesterday morning to moving pretty good this am, wicked dirty too. For the anglers getting out tomorrow your best bet is to focus on the small to mid sized stuff. Have a backup plan and a backup plan for your backup in case things are too dirty or high. For resident trout it’s probably going to be a streamer game in our neck of the woods, good sized flies on heavy sink tips fished real slow. Focus on the slower deeper pools, start close and work far. If you’ve got water around you that’s pretty clear nymphs could be a good option as well. Sometimes if the water’s crystal clear the streamers will spook them. Although, from what I saw driving in today I don’t think that will be something to worry about.
We’ve been trying to get out onto some Champlain Tribs lately for some Steelhead and over the past week we’ve landed some really nice fish. I got 3 on Tuesday, one on a bead, one on a Stonefly and one on a Black PTail. John got some on a pink squirmy yesterday. This push of water will hopefully get a few more fish to move up into the tribs, the water could definitely warm up a bit.
For everyone getting out this weekend enjoy it! The weather doesn’t look great but who cares?!?! The seasons finally here and it’s only going to get better! Be careful wading, a slip in water this time of the year wouldn’t be all that nice. Let us know how you do!
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