The Lamoille River begins in Northern Vermont in the town of Glover, flowing southeast for about 35 miles before it runs into Lake Champlain in the town of Milton. Beginning in its upper reaches, the Lamoille is a small freestone stream containing wild brook trout along with some wild and stocked rainbows. As it passes through the town of Wolcott it begins to widen. Between Wolcott and Morrisville multiple tributaries spill into the river. There tributaries consist of the Elmore Branch (#1) in Wolcott, the Wild Branch coming in along North Wolcott Road (#2) and Green river entering by Morrisville Used Auto (#3). Access along this stretch of river is best along Rt 15, which runs which runs parallel to the river between Wolcott and Morrisville. You will find multiple access points including the Fisherman’s Access (#4), 15A bridge (#5) and plenty of others along Routes 15 and 15A. This stretch will hold all three species of trout with wild browns, brook trout and both wild and stocked rainbows. Every once in a while you may stumble upon a rogue wild brownie pushing the two foot class.
From the 15A bridge in Morrisville downstream to the Oxbow there is access along the rail trail or the Oxbow parking lot. Below the Oxbow the water slows down significantly and runs through a series of two dams in Morrisville. The first one can be accessed in the town of Morrisville directly across from the police station. There are several deep ledge pools that can often fish well and harbor large fish. From there downstream to Cady’s Falls lies Lake Lamoille, which doesn’t hold trout but offers very good warm water fishing for bass and pickerel out of a canoe or kayak.
Down stream of Cady’s Falls the river becomes trout water again. From the confluence of Kenfield Brook off Duhamel Road (#6) plenty of very good trout water will be found. There is good access at the end of Duhamel Road and off of Morey Road. Head a little farther downstream and you will find nice access in the 10 Bends stretch off Black Farm Road (#7).
Continuing downstream, access is still along the river on Rt 15. Turning into Johnson you can take river Road and back track to the confluence of Waterman Brook (#8) where there is easy access. Also from Johnson, Rt 100C will allow you access to the Gihon River (#9) which is one of the larger tribs of the Lamoille. The Gihon holds stocked browns in addition to wild rainbows and brook trout. Further access is along 100C and the back roads between Johnson and Hyde Park. In this stretch you find a variety of water types and sizes of fish. Upstream of Hyde Park the river turns into mostly brook trout water.
Downstream of Johnson the best access is along the Hogback Road, which runs along the north side of the river. Ithiel Falls area is a vast section of river with plenty of runs and pools holding trout. The last tributary of note is the North Branch where the Hogback intersects Route 109.
From Jeffersonville on down there still exists some good trout water. Once the river reaches the Fairfax area it offers fine smallmouth fishing in moving water.
Best time of the year:
Mid-Late May through mid to late June can be fantastic as is the Fall from Mid September through mid October. Fishing can be great in the middle of the summer if the water temps remain cool. The Lamoille can exceed 70 degrees often during the summer so fish early and bring a thermometer. The beauty of the Lamoille is a short drive to it’s headwaters can provide excellent trout fishing all summer long.
Recommended Gear:
A 9ft 4 or 5wt is a great all around rod for the Lamoille. The 9ft rod helps better reach some spots as the river can be quite wide in some areas. 9ft 4x and 5x leaders are sufficient for nymphing and dry fly fishing. If fishing streamers use a 7.5ft 2x leader. Make sure to have a good pair of wading boots as the rocks tend to be quite slippery.
Flies:
Nymphs:
Brown and Black Kaufman Stoneflies, Copper Johns, Pheasant Tails, Hare’s Ears, Prince Nymphs, Bird of Prey, Caddis Pupa. All of these excluding the stoneflies can be fished in sizes from #12-18 depending on water level, time of year and clarity. Typically larger in the spring and smaller in the fall.
Dries:
Parachute Adams, Light Cahils, Elk Hair Caddis, X Caddis, Sulfurs, Hoppers, Ants, BWOs, White Wulfs, Grey Wulfs, Royal Wulfs
Streamers:
Wooly Buggers,Muddlers, Zonkers, Montana Mouthwash, Sculpin Patterns, Sex Dungeons.