River Report

Updated 9/1/10

If you haven't noticed, it's kind of hot out there. The bigger rivers have taken on heat very quickly and are running in the 70's even first thing in the a.m.. The message is, stay off the trout on the big rivers. Rivers in general are running low which is adding to the heat issue and even some tribs are going to be too hot to fish by noon so use some good judgement when you hit the water. The good news is that there are only a couple of days to go before nice mild weather settles in. With a bit of luck we'll catch some rain from the big storm steaming up the coast but right now it's still less than a 50% chance (but hurricanes don't always behave predictably).

If you want to wet a line consider bass, fall fish, bowfin and carp. These fish are all on fire right now and offer a good pull on the line. I was out the other evening and targeted fall fish, what a blast, fish up to 17" and well over two dozen fish landed in a couple of hours, can't complain especially when you don't want to catch trout.

A new offering from the Fish and Wildlife Dept. has many of us excited about targeting new species this season. The Vermont Master Angler program is a great challenge for any angler and looks to be a lot of fun to accomplish all on the fly. You might actually find yourself out there targeting the Fall Fish some time this season. Check it out. Drew Price has already achieved this goal becoming the first recipient of the Master Angler status in VT, way to go Drew.

Drew continues to put anglers onto the big Lake fish. It's quite a thrill just casting to fish that size and hooking in to them..... watch your fingers!! We are still running our Big Game Special: 5hr on the Lake for $175/person.

With August looming and the potential for more warm temps we are also running the Brook Trout deal again this year. 4-5 hrs for 2 anglers $150 with the focus on small stream using 3wts and all dry fly fishing.

For those regular readers of the River Report, we would like to get you thinking about stepping up your game on the rivers. While we do a lot of guiding we also offer instuction in some of the trickier aspects of the sport. Whether it's learning or fine tuning nymphing skills, figuring out a double haul or just dialing in your cast, we've got the instuctor that can help get you to that next level. We all reach those points were we have taugt ourselves as much as we can and need to put in some time with someone that can help move us along. Just something to think about next time you're out there.

We do have some new trip options so take a look through the trips page and see if any pique your interest.

Let us know if you have been out. Always good to get some first hand info..

Also, if you Facebook be sure to check out the new Stream and Brook page (look left for the link) and spread the word to friends.

See below for some specifics:
- NeshobeLow but cool. A good option for the next few days.
- New Haven Low and warm, check the temps before casting.
-Otter Creek Low and hot, think bass and fall fish, there are a lot of them to provide good action.
-Middlebury River Low and cool up high, work north of 125 and you should be in good water, long casts will be a must, fish are spooky.
Furnace Brook Low but cool, fish above 7.
- Lewis Creek Not a lot of action but also not a lot of pressure. You have to get up pretty high to find the fish.
Winooski
Low and hot. Lay off for a few days.
Lamoille
Low and hot. Lay off for a few days.

USGS River Flow Data

STOCKING SCHEDULE

Fishing the bigger rivers can still be good if you are targeting species like smallmouth. Very aggressive, check out the size of the fly this guy ate.



On a 3wt, this is a good little fight.

Her first trout on a fly. Not too bad. Think Dad's a bit proud?

Bowfin on the fly. A new member of the club.

Small water, all to yourself. That's the key in August.


Not quite the Red Fish of South Carolina but he loved the challenge of dry fly fishing..

Early action on Lake Champlain.

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When water is up and stained or you find yourself out after dark a mouse pattern can be a lot of fun and usually produces only big fish.