Here's a mid-March fishing report for Vermont, packed with insights for anglers navigating the unpredictable spring conditions:
Welcome to the uncertainty of fishing in March in Vermont. By the end of last week, rivers were in great shape, especially the smaller freestone streams in the valley with excellent flows and visibility. If you had the chance to fish then, you may have enjoyed some prime conditions. However, expect things to shift quickly as we’re in for another round of rain and snow, which could change the game.
As anticipated, the larger rivers are running high and stained from a fast snowmelt. I’d expect these conditions to persist for the foreseeable future. The extended forecast, which often proves inaccurate in spring, predicts chances of rain every couple of days, with afternoon highs in the 40s and low 50s. With these conditions, fish will likely hold in the slower, deeper sections of rivers.
For those of you who prefer tight-line nymphing, try placing your heavier fly on the dropper and a lighter nymph on point. This setup helps keep both flies in the same depth range. As water temperatures rise, switch to putting the heavier fly on point to cover different depths in the water column. Streamers can also be a great option during this time of year. Fish that are willing to move to feed are more likely to target bigger food sources, as they need to justify the energy expenditure.
Don’t forget to stop by the shop to check out the latest flies and gear. And as always, if you have any fishing questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
