Hi Folks, Summer fishing is in full swing. I am spending my time guiding between small brooks and big water. The Brook trout fishing had been very consistent. Brook temperatures have ranged from 60 to 62 degrees. Water levels are at seasonal levels. We could use steady light rain. The spook factor is in full effect. With clear low water it is important how you move around the stream, Focus on the soft water that abuts the heavy water. Fly patterns for Brook fishing are #10-#14 Royal Chubbies, #10-#14 Rubber Legged Royal Trude, #12 Peacock bodied GFA, #12-#14 Royal Wulff, #14 Goddard Caddis, and #10-#14 Stimulators in orange and green.
The bass fishing has been pretty good. The fish are certainly looking up. Early morning and late day are the prime time for the top water bite. Low light is the key to getting the fish to look up. I think that the Hexagenia hatch also gets the fish oriented to eating off the surface. The giant mayfly hatches through out the NEK lakes and ponds from the end of June through July. Plus, many juvenile fish are now in the shallow margins and terrestrials are coming into play. Surface lake water temperatures have ranged from 74 to 77 degrees. River temperatures have ranged from 73 to 76 degrees. The lower Lamoille and Winooski are slightly above seasonal flow averages. For smallmouth bass, we target hard bottomed areas and big boulders in the river. In lakes, any hard bottomed area with wood or weed can hold a smallmouth. Quick drop offs are always productive. Fly patterns: #4-#6 Boogle Bugs in chartreuse/black and Blue, #8 Chartreuse or Yellow Ms. Prissy popper, #4 Block Heads in Black/Red, Blue/Black, Chartreuse/Black, and #2-#4 Crease Flies in Fire Tiger and Blue/Silver.
lots of options for fishing currently. However, big water trout is not an option! The water is too warm. Leave the fish alone.Remember to clean your gear and keep the non-native species at home. Have Fun, Willy
