River Conditions: 5/20/16

Water Clarity: Clear

Water Temperatures:  Upper 40’s-Upper 50’s

Hatches: Brown/black Stoneflies, Hendricksons, Blue Quill, Quill Gordon, Caddis Flies

Suggested Patterns:  Two Tone Stones, Copper Johns (12-14) Pheasant Tail (12-16) Montana Prince Nymphs, Sparkle Minnows, Zonkers, Double Gonga, Trina’s Rubber Bugger, Muddler Minnows

The fishing has continued to be good over the past few days. We’ve been getting quite a bit busier with guided trips in the past couple days as well. Lots of fish have been landed, primarily on nymphs with some streamer action as well. The flow on the Winooski is perfect right now and the water is just a little green which often improves the bite. The water seems to still be just cool enough that the fish really don’t want to move too much for their meals, make sure your nymphs are down close to the bottom as that seems to be where the majority of the fish we’ve been catching have been. Raven floats are an awesome way to accurately find the bottom because you are achieving a vertical drift, you will be able to find the bottom much easier and stay on the bottom for a longer period of time. Lots of the smaller streams are pretty low right now and could use some rain. They’ll still be fishing well but step lightly and be sure to work your way upstream to avoid spooking them. Water temps are ranging between 49 and 58 depending on where you are. The water in most places is pretty clear as well. This weekend should be an awesome weekend to get out there! Good luck to those getting out there, not that you’ll need it given the conditions!

The Fly Rod Shop is Northern Vermont’s finest fly fishing guide service and fly fishing gear retailer. Visit our shop on Route 100 in Stowe, VT or shop our online store to find gear from Simms Fishing Products, Sitka, Seele Rods, Redington, Loon Products, Montana Fly Company, Buff, Lamson Waterworks, Sage, Rio, Scientific Angler and more!