March 21st Fishing Report
Here's a mid-March fishing report for Vermont, packed with insights for anglers navigating the unpredictable spring conditions:
Welcome to the uncertainty of fishing in March in Vermont. By the end of last week, rivers were in great shape, especially the smaller freestone streams in the valley with excellent flows and visibility. If you had the chance to fish then, you may have enjoyed some prime conditions. However, expect things to shift quickly as we’re in for another round of rain and snow, which could change the game.
As anticipated, the larger rivers are running high and stained from a fast snowmelt. I’d expect these conditions to persist for the foreseeable future. The extended forecast, which often proves inaccurate in spring, predicts chances of rain every couple of days, with afternoon highs in the 40s and low 50s. With these conditions, fish will likely hold in the slower, deeper sections of rivers.
For those of you who prefer tight-line nymphing, try placing your heavier fly on the dropper and a lighter nymph on point. This setup helps keep both flies in the same depth range. As water temperatures rise, switch to putting the heavier fly on point to cover different depths in the water column. Streamers can also be a great option during this time of year. Fish that are willing to move to feed are more likely to target bigger food sources, as they need to justify the energy expenditure.
Don’t forget to stop by the shop to check out the latest flies and gear. And as always, if you have any fishing questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Previous Reports
It’s looking like we will have a string of favorable weather here over the next 10 days. Air temps are predicted to reach into the 40’s. With this warm up it’s no surprise to see rivers opening up and some little black stones crawling around in the snow at the water’s edge.
My ideal early spring fishing conditions start in the mid 30’s and end in the upper 30’s. With this much snow on the ground, warmer temps will cause the snow to melt which will stain and drop the water temps.
Otter Creek Classic 17 April, 11-13th 2025
https://www.mmvt.com/fishing/otter-creek-classic
https://flyfilmtour.com/film/2025-fly-fishing-film-tour-official-trailer/
Temperatures are starting off chilly in the morning and warming up quickly in the afternoon, thankfully all the water we have been on recently has stayed nice and cool during our current low water conditions. Nymph fishing under indicators or with euro rods has been our most productive technique as of late. If you’re able to get out at first light streamers can be a fun way to cover more water. I would expect the streamer bite to pick up if we get some rain. The extended forecast shows the potential for some showers over the next 10 days.
A whole lot of recent rain has our rivers high and muddy at the moment. Luckily, the rain, in combination with the stretch of colder weather, has dropped the water temperatures significantly and has allowed a lot of the lower reaches of the bigger water to be able to fished throughout the entire day. The rain will be important with the next stretch of warm weather we’re supposed to be seeing, as it should help to extend our trout fishing season through the warm weather we often see during the end of August and first week of September.
It appears summer has arrived here in central Vermont! What a great time to be outside, I have packed my waders away for the season and most likely won’t take them back out till the fall. For those of you that like to wet wade a good pair of gravel guard socks and quick dry pants are priceless. I like to wear the same boots when I wet wade; these gravel guard socks will fill the same void as your thicker wader booties.
We’re just a few days away from the 16th Otter Creek Classic. There is still time to sign up and grab some support stickers. We have some awesome prizes to give away at the BBQ this Sunday. When I think back to previous OCC tournaments high and cold water seems to be a trend; baring a big rain event this year will be much different. Over this week depending on the river system temperatures have ranged from the mid 40’s to mid 50’s. The mayflies I’ve seen hatching seem to prefer the cloudy/overcast drizzly days. Bug activity seems to peak in the early afternoons.
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.
February 2024 Fishing Report,
Welcome to the first fishing report of 2024! As in years past the fishing regulations have changed to allow for much more catch and release fishing during the winter months. The state does have several special regulation rivers so be sure you double check that the spot you plan to fish is in fact open prior to wetting a line.
Fishing Update: water on the small tributaries is dropping. Clarity is perfect for streamers. Try the best you can to keep your boots dry to avoid walking on or above spawning redds.
The nymphing game can also be great with higher flows. Think heavy junk flies, I will usually fish two opposite colored flies on the same rig. Something bright and obnoxious paired with something more natural. Stop in the shop to stock up before the flows jump with the rain forecasted for this weekend.
