Hi Folks, One of the things I really enjoy with fishing is how fluid it can be. A week of extreme heat followed by a cool down with some rain and the fishing turns on. The big water trout fishing is still not an option due to warm water temperatures above 70 in the Lamoille and Winooski. However, the small tributary brooks and streams are in nice fishing shape. I have recorded water temps. in the high fifties to low sixties. The water is still low and we could use rain. Just be careful how you move in the small brooks so as to not spook fish! Not only does Vermont offer up 6000 miles of trout water we have plenty of still water options and big river fishing for other species besides trout. I love fly fishing and guiding smallmouth bass on the fly. We have been catching walleye lately while river fishing for bass. In addition, a variety of pan fish like pumpkin seed, rock bass, and blue gill. It is not uncommon to tangle with large pickerel and pike while bass fishing. If you river fish it is inevitable that you will catch Fall Fish. It is nice as an angler to be able to enjoy the multitude of various species living in Vermont waters. We have been casting popping bugs at smallmouth. A #8 black popping bug has been very effective in the river as well as the lake. Seeing some nice sized smallmouth rising to the surface to eat. A slow retrieve has been the best method allowing the fly to sit for a bit after being cast. We were watching bronze backs emerge on the popper in clear water the other night. River fishing for bass the other day my guests were swinging a #6 orange cone head black bunny bugger and catching nice looking walleye. All of the walleye were holding in eddies. On the lake from, the giant #4-#8 Hexagenia mayfly is now hatching at dark. Not an easy hatch to fish but really a great shot with a fly rod in a lake for a large trout. Staying positive on the water and understanding that conditions change have served me well. I’m okay changing directions due to water conditions in order to pursued other fish besides trout in Vermont. Looks like a nice weather pattern for the next week. Remember to clean your gear and keep the non-native species at home. Have Fun, Willy
