Fishing Report - 3/6/24

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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

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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. 

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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 October 6, 2023

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General Fishing Report September 10, 2023

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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. 

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General Fishing Report for June 14 2023.

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General Fishing Report for June 2, 2023

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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.

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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