Gone Fishing: Planning Your Next Fall Fishing Trip To Vermont
September 4, 2018 by PARKER WRIGHT, THE FLY ROD SHOP
Fly fishing in Vermont in September is one of the best times of the year to be on the water. Just when the weather starts to cool off, the fishing heats up! The two best options for trout fishing this time of the year in Vermont are either the smaller brook trout streams or larger rivers like the Winooski and Lamoille rivers.
Brook trout fishing among the Green Mountains can keep you occupied all day – and coming back for more. In late August, the males usually start to display their exuberant spawning colors before the foliage peaks. During September, these fish will readily take just about any dry fly that’s well-presented and floating at the same speed of the current. What these fish lack in size they make up for in numbers and willingness to take a fly.
Best Times To Fish
The larger rivers in Central Vermont, including the Lamoille and Winooski rivers, typically start to fish well. As water temperatures cool, the bugs start to become more active and the fish typically follow suit. Blue Winged Olives tend to be active and usually hatch midday, making 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the best times to fish. No need to get up early unless, of course, you want to enjoy some of the many other activities and attractions in the area while you’re in town.
Access Points
Route 15 between Morristown and Wolcott provides excellent access for anglers to fish the Lamoille River. There are several fishermen access points along with plenty of other pull-offs that provide excellent river access. River Road in Waterbury provides anglers with approximately 10 miles of fishable water along the Winooski River. Dirt pull-offs along River Road are everywhere—most are unmarked, but will provide anglers with good starting points.
Recommended Flies
There are several productive flies based on insects that are more active this time of year, including: Parachute Adams (#12-18), Grey Wulf (#10-12), Royal Wulf (#12-16), Hoppers (#8-12), Pheasant Tails (#12-18), Red Copper Johns (#14-16), Anderson’s Bird of Prey (#14-16), Hare’s Ear (#14-16), Prince Nymphs (#12-16), Hotwire Caddis (#14-16), Kyle’s BH CNC (#14-18), Muddler Minnows (#4-10),Olive Zonkers (#6) and Wooly Buggers in Olive, Black or Brown (#4-8).
The Fly Rod Shop helps fishing enthusiasts from all over the world to locate the best fishing spots in the Stowe area. Call or stop in and visit us with any questions about fishing in Vermont. We’re located right on Route 100 in Stowe. We also have supplies and gear to outfit your fishing excursion, and offer free fly fishing casting clinics as well as other instructional tours, scenic boat charters and even ice fishing tours in the winter.
About the Author
Parker Wright is a seven-year veteran with The Fly Rod Shop. He’s enjoyed the outdoors since he can remember, fishing since he was old enough to hold a rod and started to fly fish at the age of 12. Parker loves to hike a wild brook trout stream with a 3wt and a box of dry flies.