End of July Fishing Report
End of July Fishing Report,
This has been an unpredictable summer. We’ve gone through hot streaks, and heavy down pours. The trout fishing after the rain has been pretty good. The big rivers are still off color, but the freestones have been dropping into great clarity and wading flows. That looks like it will change as this weekend approaches. The extended forecast down here in the valley is calling for consecutive days in the mid to upper 80’s and even low 90’s. The overnight lows are hovering right around the 70 degree mark. If this pattern stays true I would expect many rivers to approach dangerous levels for catch and release trout fishing. Some of the more shaded and smaller streams up in the mountains could still be in play for brookie fishing. Be sure to carry and check the water temperatures regularly throughout the day. It’s not uncommon for a river to rise 3 or 4 degree in an afternoon.
In terms of bugs summer time is hopper, ant and beetle season. After the big rain events you can expect to see some stoneflies on the rocks. We just got a big restock of flies, leaders and tippet so if you’re in the need of some gear or want to talk fishing stop on by.
Previous Reports
Just a few days away from the IF4 and OCC15 and all things considered, I don’t think that we could be asking for a better set up into the weekend. Based on all my indicators this is looking to be one of the better fishing condition OCCs. If you’re still considering participating in the events, now is the time to get signed up because the fishing should be quite good this weekend.
Wahoo! Just a week until the Otter Creek Classic 15! We are kicking off the weekend event with the International Fly Fishing Film Tour at the Town Hall Theater in Middlebury. This is an inspiring event to really kick off you fly fishing season. There will be some swag raffles and give aways at the film so come check out exciting fly fishing films from all over the world. Tickets are still available here: https://www.showclix.com/event/if42023middleburyvt
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.
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:
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.
