Water Clarity: Clear
Water Temperatures: 50s-60s
Hatches: Black and Golden Stoneflies, Black and Olive Caddis, Hendricksons,
Suggested Patterns: Anderson’s Bird of Prey-Olive #12-16) Black Montana Prince (#12-14) Red Copper Johns (#14-16) Pheasant Tails #12-18) Girdle Bugs (#8-12) Zug Bugs (#14-18) Sqirminator, MFGA Prince Nymph #10-12, Olive and Black Elk Hair Caddis-#12-16) Parachute Adams (#10-16) Wooly Buggers, Olive or White #6-10) Zonkers-Olive or Natural, Mini Complex Twist Buggers-Tan
With the conditions quickly changing we figured it’d be good for an update. The water temps have warmed up quite a bit over the past few days, my guess is thiings will drop Sunday/Monday with the rain and cooler temps. AM temps on the Winooski were between 59 and 64 depending on where it was temped. The Lamoille ranged from 60-65 depending on where it was temped. Definitely warmer than most Mays. Just a lack of water and a few warm days! With the rain and cooler temps water temps should drop and levels should come up. I think next week will be an incredible week to be on the water.
Over the past few days we’ve still been picking up fish on both Dries and Nymphs and Bob in typical Bob fashion has been catching them swinging soft hackles just under the surface. With the warming temps the fish have really transitioned into the faster flowing water. One of the guides got into a good amount of fish in some fast pocket water euro nymphing the other day. A mix of both wild and stocked fish. It’s time to start thinking about the bugs that would normally be hatching in early June. Wouldn’t be surprised to start seeing Cahills hatching any day, early, but so is everything else. Talked to one guy today that saw some yellow sallies buzzing around mid morning so be sure you’ve got a few yellow stimis with you over the next few days. That’s usually not a fishable hatch, but the fish will often key in on them when eating dries. With the low and clear water the streamer bite with trout has kind of fallen off the radar which isn’t a surprise. If you’re still throwing streamers think smaller, more naturally colored patterns like Muddlers, Moto Minnows and Olive and Brown Buggers. Leave the flashy stuff at home. We’re big fans of running small soft hackles off the back of our streamers this time of the year. The soft hackle will often outfish the streamer.
Over the next few days, for those getting out, if you’re trying to hit the bigger rivers fish them earlier in the day and be sure to keep an eye on the temps. Just plan on fishing your way up the watershed, by noon you’ll probably end up on a little brookie stream where the fish have been super receptive to dries over the past several days. Good luck to everyone hitting the water over the next few days!!
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River: Winooski
Water Temp: 62
Water Clarity: Clear
Last Update: 5/20/21
USGS FI: 357
River: Dog
Water Temp: 62
Water Clarity: Clear
Last Update: 5/20/21
USGS FI: 67
River: Lamoille
Water Temp: 61
Water Clarity: Clear
Last Update: 5/20/21
USGS FI: 247