I got out this morning on two different Otter Creek tributaries. They looked ideal for targeting a large wild trout! Not as high as the last few times I got out but not low either. Good clarity but not gin clear. I was using a 7wt with sinking line and a two streamer setup. I hiked up to a waterfall and fished some great pools for about 35 minutes with out even seeing a flash of trophy trout. Instead of changing my flies I headed to a different river.
Very similar conditions and I quickly fished 3 spots that all have been good to me in the past. Came up empty handed with no massive takes on my streamers. Maybe I should have fished egg patterns as it was Easter Sunday?! In fact I’ve had the same two fly combo on this rod since St Patrick’s Day. That day I did catch a few Browns though!
Im going to try a few of the same spots in the morning with a nymph setup on a different rod and see if I can start off April by putting a few in the net.
Tomorrow afternoon I’m going to fish Lake Champlain with my friend Rob in his boat. He’s been having a ton of success this spring trolling for Lake Trout. One day he caught 20 and another 12. All have been crushing Rapala stickbaits. But this morning he did get one on a fly! I’ll include information from this trip on my next river report.
Below is information from KR and TC on Steelhead.
Spring has arrived, heralding the annual migration of spring steelhead to the tributaries of Lake Champlain. Fishing has been promising in recent weeks, bolstered by increased river flows, with even better prospects ahead. Anticipating an upcoming storm this week, we're hopeful for additional rainfall to attract a fresh influx of fish. Water temperatures have ranged from 42 to 45°F lately, indicating a surge in activity. Optimal gear for targeting these lake-run fish includes 10-foot rods in 4-6wt.
Anglers have found success employing various techniques, whether swinging flies or nymphing. Effective fly patterns include white woolly buggers (size 10-6), Blackstone flies (size 10-14), green caddis pupae, and a variety of attractor patterns like eggs, squirmy worms, or chenille worms. As temperatures rise, expect other species such as suckers and smallmouth bass to follow suit in their migration. It's time to hit the river – we look forward to seeing you there!
Tight lines. - Kevin Ramirez & Tom Carton