Water Clarity: Clear
Water Temperatures: High 50s-High 60s
Hatches: Stoneflies, Flying Ants, BWOS, ISOS, Hoppers, Tricos
Suggested Patterns: Pheasant Tails (#12-16) Prince Nymphs (#14-18) Hare’s Ears (#14-18) Yellow Sparkle Soft Hackles (#16) Joca’s Caddis Pupa (#14-16) Hotwire Caddis (Tan #16) Parachute Adams (#12-16) Light Cahills (#12-14) Blonde Wulfs (#12-16) Elk Hair Caddis #14-18) X Caddis (#14-18) RS2-Trico #20-22
Water temps have really cooled off over the past few days, temps have been between 61 and 66 on the Winooski and 58-64 on the Lamoille. Now we just need some rain! I was able to get out several times on the Winooski on a few different pieces of water and it looks like there’s still fish in the river. Below the Bolton Dam we found the coolest water (most likely due to the little river) There were plenty of browns willing to eat both dries and nymphs. One day we did run into several wild bows along with some salmon parr both of which are good to see given the warm summer we had. It looked like all of the browns landed with the exception of one were stocked but they’re there nonetheless. Also fished between Waterbury and Middlesex for probably 30 minutes. Ran into one wild rainbow but that’s it, not saying that the fish took it harder up there, we just didn’t have the time to stick around too long to find them.
Did see some Cahils, BWOs and ISOs coming off with fish primarily keying in on the BWOs. BWOs are a great hatch to fish through the entire fall, most days there’s some degree of a hatch of them as well. We’ve also had a couple more ant hatches over the past few days, might see another tonight as last nights was dismal and it always seems like if there’s a weak hatch the next night it’s game on.
As far as flies that have been working for us it’s been a mix of dries and nymphs. Also have been picking up some fish here and there swinging soft hackles. Bigger pheasant tails are a great ISO imitation and can be swung or drifted, ISOs tend to swim a lot when in the water and getting ready to hatch which is why swinging one can be a great method to imitate these fish. Now’s the time of the year that bringing two rods to the river is super important, a hatch can occur any moment and it’s nice to not have to re-rig.
The extended forecast is looking pretty good, looks like we’ve got a couple of days in the 80s next week but then it’s going to cool right off again and we’ll be back to this awesome weather. Unfortunately, it’s not looking that promising in the way of rain. As temps continue to cool off, take advantage of the low water, walk to spots you’ve never been to before due to higher water levels. Often getting a little more off the beaten path can be rewarding, sometimes with some big fish too!
Good luck to everyone getting out this weekend, don’t forget, next weekend is our Pandemic Sale!! Lots of stuff will be on sale in the shop, and there’s going to be some sweet prizes! A Winston Pure, Regal Vise, St Croix Imperial Salt and a few other items will be heading home with some lucky winners. Show up for one entry into the drawing, then for every $25 spent, receive another entry with no limit! If you need a new line, a new rod, waders or boots next weekend will be the time to get them. It may get you a $900 fly rod!!!
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River: Winooski
Water Temp: 65am
Water Clarity: Clear
Last Update: 9/4/20
USGS FI: 82
River: Dog
Water Temp: 61
Water Clarity: Clear
Last Update: 9/4/20
USGS FI: 14.4
River: Lamoille
Water Temp: 62
Water Clarity: Clear
Last Update: 9/4/20
USGS FI: 86.6