Chilly nights have been a blessing recently, but their positive impact has been (at least) balanced out by how low our rivers have been. The drought from this summer has continued; however, hopefully conditions and the fishing will continue to improve as fall comes into swing.
The fishing on the upper elevation tributaries for brook trout has been very solid, as well as in some of the lower sections (for browns and rainbows). Cooler temperatures will continue to improve the quality of fishing on these lower sections as the year progresses. With the current water conditions, I would suggest going lighter and smaller in your presentations. Many of the pools are nearly completely still with almost no surface disturbance to conceal your motions or fly line. Try to find cover and walk subtly, and avoid casting large shadows on the water.
Due to this, the fish are spooky and can be somewhat nippy and reluctant to fully commit to larger patterns. Size down leaders and tippets down to 5x or 6x when possible, and shift from fishing size 10s or 12s to 16s and 18s. Furthermore, I tend to favor more natural patterns such as hare's ears, pheasant tails, birds of prey, and soft hackles, instead of worms, mops, and other “junk” flies. If wishing to fish streamers or larger patterns, I would use lighter colors of tan, olive, and white, instead of black or other bright colors that strike a strong contrast in this clear water.
For those hoping to fish dry flies, the main bugs that we’re seeing hatch are small, dark colored caddis flies, as well as a few small mayflies and some midges. There are also still a number of hoppers in the grass on the banks. However, the fish have seemed slightly more reluctant to chase them as of late. I have seen a few fish sipping caddis in the evenings, although they have been somewhat sporadic. We’ve started to see the first few October caddis, which should appear more consistently towards the end of the month, along with the Isos, and hopefully some Baetis if we end up getting some rain (fingers crossed).
While the cooler nights are slowing dropping the water temperatures, make sure to carry a thermometer with you on the river and take regular water temperatures if you’re fishing the Otter or the lower sections of the tributaries. Once the water exceeds 68 degrees, it is impossible to practice catch and release, as any fish that is hooked will die from the stress of being caught.
As the temperatures continue to drop, some of the browns and brook trout will be beginning to stage to spawn. If wading in the river, be cognizant to avoid treading on or below reeds (circular, cleared out, patches of gravel where the fish lay their eggs). Additionally, with how low and clear the water is this fall, pairs of spawning fish will likely be clearly visible. Make sure to avoid targeting these fish, especially with how low and hot the water has been this year, it is crucial to allow these fish to reproduce without obstruction.
If you have any questions, want to book a guided trip, or need to pick up some flies please swing by the shop on Main Street in Middlebury. We have a full table of flies and will be happy to assist you however we can.
Good luck on the water and make sure to do your rain dance,
Jake
