Fishing Report - 1/16/26
With the warmer weather this past week, we are finally getting some open water on the rivers around Middlebury. Currently Otter Creek in Middlebury is at 1000 CFS, and in Rutland just below 700. The New Haven is at right around 250 and most rivers are running fairly clear with a hint of the runoff blueish-green color.
With it still being fully the winter season, targeting the warmer days and particularly those with a large increase in temperature from the prior days is key to finding some fish that are looking to feed and replenish some of the weight they lost this past winter. Make sure to be careful on the edges of the river, as there is a lot of ice and of course, some very cold water.
Per usual for the time of year, the fish are holding in the slowest and deepest sections of the river and in order to entice them you will need to use enough weight to get your fly down in those sections. Heavy tan and olive streamers on jig hooks as well as heavy natural nymphs like hares ears and caddis pupas have worked well. It’s also not a bad idea to throw on a squirmy worm or a mop fly to get the attention of a slower moving winter trout.
Registration for the 18th annual Otter Creek Classic opened Wednesday. The 3 day fly fishing tournament will be held April 10th-12th this year. More information and Registration is available on our website mmvt.com at the bottom of the Otter Creek Classic page underneath the fishing tab. Don’t forget to get your tickets for the fly fishing film tour, and OCC support stickers for some chances to win some great prizes as well.
Come by the shop on 56 Main Street, or give us a call if you have any questions or need to pick up any gear. We’re excited for the coming spring and another great year on the water!
-Jake
Previous Reports
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.
General Fishing Report for October 17, 2023
Trout fishing is still good out there, although some fish are starting to make the trek towards the slow side of the current seams. Nymphs are still producing, with some small tan caddis and Blue Winged Olives hatching (mostly on cloudy days, when the air temp warms a bit).
General Fishing Report for July 1 2023.
Conditions on our local trout rivers have been helped immensely by recent rains. Not only does this allow the fish to spread out a bit and have access to lots of food, but regular rain events help keep the water cool. However, do the fish a favor and keep taking those water temperatures. Mornings have been the coolest, no surprise there. Future forecast looks to be similar, warm days, but with showers and thunderstorms, perhaps a bit cooler towards next weekend.
