Water Clarity: Clear
Water Temperatures: 58-72
Hatches: Brown and Gold Stones. Tan/Olive Caddis, Sulfurs, Cahils, Yellow Sallies, Hoppers, Flying Ants, Tricos
Suggested Patterns: Light Cahills-16-18, Blond Wulfs (#12-16), Adams-16-18, Micro Chubbies-12-14, Orange Stimulators 10-16, Griffith Gnats 18-22, RS2 (trico) #20-22, Flying Ants #12-18, Soft Hackles 12-16 (cream and yellow colors) Pheasant Tails-14-18, Prince Nymphs-16-18, Copper Johns-16-18, Trina’s Micro Stone-14-18, Anderson’s Bird of Prey-14-16.
Not a ton of new stuff to report this week. The majority of the rain we were forecasted to get last week seemed to miss us other than one 10 minute downpour the other day. Our focus has continued to be on the small mountain streams targeting brook trout and fishing the mid to lower reaches of the larger rivers targeting smallmouth bass. Both of which have been productive. The rivers are all pretty low and the brook trout are extra spooky. Make longer casts, fish slightly smaller flies and try to stay out of the water when possible. Be sure to cover water relatively quickly as well, as it’s likely that you’ll still spook quite a few fish so if you don’t have a fish come up and eat your fly in the first 6 casts in a spot that fish is likely not going to eat your fly!
The bass fishing has been great lately. A few of the lakes in the area have been producing some great fish in the early AM on topwater flies, when the topwater bite slows down we’ve been switching running heavy sinking lines with buggers, clousers and zonkers. The larger sized flies have gotten less interest but they’ve helped us weed out some of the panfish and rock bass.
The 10-day forecast is looking pretty sweet temp-wise! Not much for precipitation until mid-next week (allegedly) but cooler temps. Hopefully the water temps will come down on the larger rivers as the fish could use a break! If you’re getting out over the next few days focus on the smaller water for trout, or go hit some river bass. The Lamoille from Fairfax Falls down to Lake Arrowhead can provide some great smallmouth fishing. On the Winooski we run into them from the Bolton Dam down but find a lot more down towards Essex. These river dwelling bass will eat poppers, big hoppers, streamers and big gaudy nymphs! Bring a thermometer if you do head into the mountains and check the water temps, we’ve seen a few streams still temping surprisingly warm in the past couple of days!
On another note, be sure to mark your calendars for the Post Pandemic Sale on September 9th, 10th and 11th. There’s going to be tons of stuff on sale with tons of giveaways! Fly rods, lines, Simms Gear and a bunch more stuff!! Also, if you”re around for Sunday the 11th there’s a fantastic 2 Fly Tournament being put on by the Mad Dog Trout Unlimited Chapter. Click Here for more info
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, Lamson Waterworks, Winston, Sage, Rio, Scientific Angler, Thomas and Thomas and more!
River: Winooski
Water Temp: 73AM
Water Clarity: Clear
Last Update: 8/11/22
USGS FI: 75
River: Dog
Water Temp: 67
Water Clarity: Clear
Last Update: 8/11/22
USGS FI: 11
River: Lamoille
Water Temp:69am
Water Clarity: Clear
Last Update: 8/11/22
USGS FI: 79