Fishing Report - 3/6/24

Alt

March FIshing Report

While it may seem like spring has arrived, the last couple years has brought some of the best snow in the month of March. As I write this my weather app is calling for a half inch of rain today. This will bring high off color water for most of our rivers in central Vermont. Use extra caution if you haven’t fished yet this year. With all the flooding seen over the last year many of our rivers have changed. Gravel bars and other places you may have previously crossed may no longer exist. 

I spent the past weekend in Ripton at the BKL Nordic festival. For those that haven’t been up in the mountains there is still plenty of snow and ice hanging around. With the warm days in the valley don’t overlook the impact of snowmelt and run off. While the air temperature certainly rises, the opposite effect can happen to the water temp. During these times, I find fly selection to be less important. In the event you find a piece of water that holds a trout, I find them to be opportunistic. With rising water I tend to fish bigger flies. Min had some luck fishing recently and reported flies like jig streamers, stoneflies, squirmy and Walt’s worms all worked. With such a variety of flies he caught fish on, I think that proves that trout will grab just about anything if it’s going at the right speed and depth. 

The 16th OCC has been announced for May 4th & 5th. You can register for the event online and choose from 3 awesome registration prizes. While you're there, don’t forget to grab a couple of support stickers. As always, call or stop in the shop if there is anything we can do to help!

Cheers,

Craig  

Previous Reports

Alt

We are officially 2 weeks out from the OCC15 and IF4 Film tour!  Make sure you secure your tickets to the IF4 at Town Hall Theater in Middlebury on Friday the 14th.  Doors at 6, Showtime 7:30.  Also head over to the website for information on the OCC15. 

https://mmvt.com/fishing/otter-creek-classic

Alt

 The 15th Annual Otter Creek Classic is just a few weeks away.  Make sure you get your tickets for the International Fly Fishing Film Festival at Town Hall Theater on April 14th as well.  More information at:

https://mmvt.com/fishing/otter-creek-classic

Alt

As we look towards February and slowly lengthening days, we find ourselves in the center of the winter months. The next few weeks will probably determine what our sustained snowpack will look like, so despite the desire to want spring fishing conditions, think snow. Overall, this year’s milder weather has offered what feels like more days to get on the water that are above freezing.  The challenge has been working around the changes in water levels and turbidity related to melt and rain.  Even with those hurdles we have still found some productive fishing locally. 

Alt

General Fishing Report October 18, 2022

Alt

 

General Fishing Report September 23, 2022

Alt

General Fishing Report July 31, 2022

Alt

General Fishing Report June 11,2022

 

Alt

RIVER CONDITIONS:  Water levels are in very good shape and will continue to drop and warm over the week.  The warm weather the next few days should push water temps into optimal fishing temps, though without rain the clarity may make for some challenges in the high sun.  It looks like the Otter in Middlebury will be below 1000cfs which is a rarity during the OCC.  This should open allot more good  fishing options for the event. 

Alt

General Fishing Report May 2, 2022

Alt

General Fishing Report for April 4, 2022