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