Water Clarity: Clear
Water Temperatures: 50s-75
Hatches: Golden Stoneflies, Tan Caddis, Light Cahils, Sulfurs, PMDs, Hex, A Few Hoppers are out
Suggested Patterns: Anderson’s Bird of Prey (Olive-#14-16) Pheasant Tails #14-18) Strolis Quil Body Jig (#12-16) Green Copper Johns (#12-14) Kaufman Stone Flies (#10-12) Girdle Bugs (8-12) Zug Bugs #12-18) Parachute Adams (#12-16) Elk Hair Caddis-Olive and Tan (#14-18) Goddard Caddis #14-18, Light Cahils (#12-14) Montana Mouth Wash, MFGA Prince, El Sculpito, Muddler Minnows, Bunny Muddlers, Complex Twist Buggers
We got some more rain! It wasn’t enough but we’ll take it. The bigger rivers are definitely on the warmer side right now. These hot days aren’t what we need right now. It looks like we may see some thunderstorms over the next few days which will be good for the rivers. Some cooler night time temps would really help. Matt temped the Winooski below the Bolton dam this am at 67. Not great but could be worse. I’m sure it’s only cooler down there because of the cold water coming in from the Little River. The rest of the Winooski, at least up to Montpellier will be too warm. Same boat with the Lamoille unless you get into Wolcott and Hardwick. If you’re after trout, focus on the smaller waters right now. Some of the brooks have come up over the past week so the fish should much more eager to eat a fly than they have been. On the stillwater front the Hex hatch has been on. Caspian, Elligo and Willoughby have all been getting good hatches. These bugs should linger for a little while longer, the further north you go, the longer you’ll see them around. A great opportunity to target trout and bass on big bushy dries on stillwater.
We’ve been doing lots of bass fishing lately as well. Early morning popper fishing has been pretty fun. Late in the evening it’s been good as well. Clouser minnows have been doing well with the smallmouth as the sun comes up and the fish move into deeper water. When it comes to the Largemouth, we’ve been sticking with big poppers with heavy weed guards and fishing the heaviest vegetation on the lake. Short, heavy leaders are super beneficial when targeting bass. Especially ones that are in heavy cover.
Good luck to everyone getting out this weekend! Let’s hope for some cooler weather soon!
The Fly Rod Shop is Northern Vermont’s finest fly fishing guide service and fly fishing gear retailer. Visit our shop on Route 100 in Stowe, VT or shop our online store to find gear from Simms Fishing Products, Redington, Loon Products, Montana Fly Company, Buff, Lamson Waterworks, Sage, Rio, Scientific Angler and more!
River: Winooski
Water Temp: 67am
Water Clarity: Off Colored
Last Update: 7/15/21
USGS FI: 235
River: Dog
Water Temp: 67
Water Clarity: Clear
Last Update: 7/15/21
USGS FI: 56.9
River: Lamoille
Water Temp:71
Water Clarity: Clear
Last Update: 7/15/21
USGS FI: 91.6