Water Clarity: Clear
Water Temperatures: 60-72
Hatches: Caddis, Flying Ants, Tricos, ISOs, BWOs
Suggested Patterns: Flying Ants, Hoppers, Madam X, H and L Variant, BWOs, Big Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tails (#10-16) Bird of Prey (#14-16) Prince Nymphs, Zug Bugs, Copper Johns
This weeks been a little trickier on the fishing front, we’ve still been getting into them but the warmer temps this week definitely eliminated a few rivers for afternoon fishing but it looks like we’ve got cooler weather around the corner. Water levels are also super low right now, we could use some rain for sure, looks like we may get some mid next week but at least after today the air temps seem like they’re going to drop quite a bit. We’ve been getting most of our fish on nymphs along with some soft hackles on the swing. A few fish on dries as well. With the water being so low right now, don’t be afraid to do some exploring this weekend and into next week on the bigger rivers. A lot of spots that would normally be pretty inaccessible on foot will be a breeze getting to right now-take advantage of that option! Big river temps the past couple of days were ok in the morning, ranging from 63 to 65 but by the end of the day they’ve been over 70. As mentioned, things are looking much cooler over the next ten days. With the low flows, the water temps will drop quickly over the next few nights. By tomorrow morning, we’d guess that both the Winooski and Lamoille will be fishable temp wise, and should remain fishable over the next week. With lower flows and clear water we’ve been dropping down to 5.5x when nymphing and 6x when fishing some of the smaller nymphs and smaller dries. Most of the nymphs we’ve been fishing have been on the smaller side, mostly 16s and 18s with the exception of some bigger iso nymphs and stoneflies. There are some salmon showing up in the usual spots although with the water being so low right now there’s plenty more fish to show up, they’re likely just waiting for a good push of water.
For those getting out this weekend you’ve got a good amount of options, the smaller streams are probably not worth hitting with the low water but everything else will be fishable. Focus on pools that have fast water towards the heads of the pools or try to get into some pocket water, any bottle necks where the flow is concentrated should be holding fish as well. The big slow pools will still be holding fish as well, but they may be a bit difficult to catch with the slower than normal currents.
Good luck to everyone getting out this weekend!!
The TU Teen Trout Camp Tournament Date has been set for September 22nd-click the link below for more info or to register today!
https://tu.myeventscenter.com/event/Vermont-Trout-Camp-Tournament-97620
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River: Winooski:
Water Temp: 65am
Water Clarity: Clear-slightly stained below the little river confluence
Last Update: 9/20
USGS FI: 139
River: Dog
Water Temp: 62
Water Clarity: Clear
Last Update: 9/20
USGS FI: 19.5
River: Lamoille
Water Temp 64
Water Clarity: Clear
Last Update: 9/20
USGS FI: 130