Hello out there anglers! I trust that everyone found some water time to soak during the heat wave that we had. Conditions have improved with cooler nights but daytime temps are still putting most large and mid-sized rivers over 70 degrees. If you are not taking a water temperature every time you go out, even to different watersheds in the same day, you should be doing it. The trout will thank you for it. Despite the warm temps, we are finding action up in the higher and cooler reaches of our local tributaries. The water is clear, so stealth is important. Consider your attire first, then get yourself into a good position to avoid spooking fish. Nymphs and dries are still producing fish, with smaller mayfly nymphs producing more subsurface, with smaller dries working up top. Stimis, parachutes and smaller hoppers (or stones) are great choices right now. Most fish on nymphs are going for size 16 and smaller, although keep a few heavy or larger nymphs on hand for those deeper plunge pools. Most trout seem to be in the faster water right now. A good high floating dry is important right now for the fast water. As far as floatants go, I’m a big fan of Loon’s top ride. I usually blow the fly off, then squeeze it in my shirt a couple times and then use the Top Ride.
On the warm water side of things, the Otter pike bite has been slow. The Pike are also temperature sensitive and usually seek out depth or a cooler tributary when the water gets above 70. The bass bite on the creek has been good in the mornings, especially with top water flies, but usually shuts of when the sun starts hitting the water. This is the time of year to be on the water early, whether you are pursuing trout or warm water species.
If you are a trout nut, consider some of our Northeast tailwater fisheries, such as the Upper Connecticut, the Deerfield, the Farmington or the Delaware system. Yep, they are a bit of a drive, but worth it if you want to fish trout other than the mountains of Vermont. I can give some places to start looking or a few access points to these rivers if any one is interested. Just send me an e-mail dave@mmvt.com. Otherwise, enjoy summer, and have fun on the water, whether fishing it or swimming! Cheers,
Dave
