Water Clarity: Clear
Water Temperatures: 55-70
Hatches: Hoppers, Tricos, Flying Ants . ISOs, BWOS
Suggested Patterns: Bird of Prey, WD 40, Rs2, ISO Nymphs, Caddis Pupa, Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Griffith Gnats, Hoppers, Ants, Beetles
Water temps have continued to drop with the cooler temps we’ve been having. Flows are still incredibly low, but we’re seeing a bit more fish activity in the bigger rivers with cooler temps. Still been seeing some ISOs, and seeing more BWOs than we had been. Been catching fish on bigger Adams, along with small BWO patterns as far as dries go. Flying ants are still a good option as well, we’ll probably see one or two more good hatches between now and the middle of October. The usual suspects have been working from a nymphing standpoint, smaller sizes have worked better. #16s and #18s. Small soft hackles on a tightline swing have also been getting some fish.
Over the past week we’ve been on both the Winooski and Lamoille, water temps have ranged anywhere from 59-66 degrees. We’re getting into a mix of wild and stocked fish in most of the usual spots, with the low water, don’t be afraid to get a little more adventurous and hit the spots you normally wouldn’t be able to get to easily. Most of the fish we’ve been getting have been in the shallow riffly water directly above the deeper pools/runs. That doesn’t mean that’s where every fish is so still be sure to fish everything as locations of fish can change day to day, or even hour to hour. We’ve been getting some calls regarding the landlocked salmon run up north. There are a few fish around, but it’s far from “on” We’re going to need a significant amount of rain to bring in a good run of fish, which will hopefully come in the next week or so. If you go, keep expectations low and be sure to cover a lot of water. If you do, you should find a few fish. With the lower flows, be sure to have some small nymphs and light tippet!
For folks getting out this week, you’ve got plenty of options. The mid sized and bigger rivers will be your best bet for trout fishing. Water levels on the smaller streams are pretty darn low, which will make the small stream fishing a bit more tricky. The bass fishing has continued to be good as well, so don’t be afraid to take a canoe or kayak out on one of the local ponds in the area! Good luck on the water and do a rain dance!
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River: Winooski:
Water Temp: 62(AM)
Water Clarity: Clear
Last Update: 9/19
USGS FI: 66
River: Dog
Water Temp: 58 AM
Water Clarity: Clear
Last Update: 9/19
USGS FI: 10
River: Lamoille
Water Temp: 64 in johnson, cooler above Morrisville
Water Clarity: Clear
Last Update: 9/19
USGS FI: 77