Water Clarity: Clear
Water Temperatures: 44-55
Hatches: BWOs
Suggested Patterns: Parachute Adams, BWO Dries, Griffith Gnats, Hoppers, Smaller Caddis, Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns, BWO Nymphs, San Juan Worms, Wooly Buggers, Zonkers, Sculpin, Cheech Leech, Complex Twist Buggers
Hard to believe the “official” trout season has ended. But don’t worry! With the new regulations-CLICK HERE
we can now fish pretty much everywhere in the state with artifical flies and lures-catch and release only. With the fantastic fishing we’ve had so far this fall, why stop now???? There are a few rivers that are closed so be sure to familiarize yourself with the laws if you haven’t already. While fishing, be sure to be on the look out for spawning fish and redds (fish beds) Avoid fishing to paired up fish as these are likely fish actively spawning. And avoid stomping around near redds, stay out of the water as much as possible and avoid walking in tailouts of pools or anywhere theres gravel. Walking across a redd that has eggs deposited in it can kill any chances of those fish being born.
With all that being said, not every fish spawns at the same time! We’ve observed browns and brook trout spawning the second week of September, as well as the end of November!
With the cooler temps we’ve been having, fishing in the afternoons is definitely going to be the most productive.The cooler overall temps have quieted down the dry fly fishing, if we get a few warm days it should turn right around. We’ve been getting fish nymphing with worm and egg patterns as well as your typical trout nymphs. Smaller sizes have continued to be the most productive and lighter tippet has definitely helped. We’ve also been getting some nice fish on streamers, I got a nice brown yesterday on a dead drifted black zonker in the head of a deeper run. With the clearer water in some tribs, if you’re throwing streamers, smaller and less flash seems to help. On the larger rivers, that still have a good amount of water in them from the rain the other day, don’t be afraid to throw something big with flash. All depends on the water conditions. Be prepared to catch a few leaves… on every other cast.
For those getting out this week into the weekend shoot for mid-day fishing. The mid sized tribs should be in great shape, the Mad, Gihon, North Branch-Keep in mind the DOG is CLOSED the main stem of the Lamoille and Winooski will also be in good shape for the weekend, they’re both a little high right now but should continued to drop and be perfect for some streamer fishing! Good luck to everyone getting out, on another note, if you’re fishing a section of water further off the road, it may not be a bad idea to throw some orange on. There’s lots of hunting seasons happening now, and more to open up next week, better safe than sorry!!
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River: Winooski:
Water Temp: 49
Water Clarity: Stained
Last Update: 11/2
USGS FI: 653
River: Lamoille
Water Temp 48
Water Clarity: Clear
Last Update: 11/2/23
USGS FI: 609
Check out this sweet video Jake Leamon put together for us!!