General Fishing Report for September 4, 2019

Hello Anglers! I hope that everyone has successfully transitioned into end of summer, back to school mode, or whatever September brings to you.  One thing is for sure, the weather has been hinting at fall, with several cool, if not cold nights, especially in the mountains. I got to fish the Otter in the MIddlebury and Rutland areas last weekend. Temps were ok, although lower 60’s seem to really get the fish moving.  It was also before the rain, and they were pretty low.  I’d still suggest taking temps on the Creek before you trout fish, just to be sure though.  Mornings will still offer the coolest temps on on the Creek.  The fishing on the Creek was slow, as it usually is at the end of summer, but we picked up a few fish on some small mayfly imitations and small Walts Worms.  I also fished an Otter trib that was full of happy wild brown and rainbows.  Pretty much one fly did the trick; a  quilldigon in size 16.  I find that as the Fall fishing moves on for trout, fly selection can become pretty easy for me.  I can usually have on some sort of small Baetis nymph, in size 16-20, some tan Caddis in 14-18 and maybe and Isonychia mayfly imitation if I need something with a bigger profile and/or weight.  Some Baetis nymphs that worked well for me in the past include Perdigon and Quilldigons, Iron Lotus, JuJu Baetis and Pheasant Tails.  Oftentimes I’ll pair the smaller nymph with a bit bigger pattern as an anchor on my Euro rig and most times a 14 iron lotus or pheasant tail fills that spot. I’m also reaching for my dry box more this time of year, especially on the Creek.  Dry/dropper or double dry, I’ll run a larger dry on the double rig, paired with a more imitative emerger or dry.  The dry/dropper rig usually has something that’s active but that I can also see.

With cooler water temps around, the pike fishing is improving as well.  After a summer in the deepest holes, Pike are going to be on the feed for the next couple months.  You can get away with a bigger fly this time of year, but flies in the 4-7 inch range will do just fine and not get you tired out as quick.  Again, match the forage, which on the creek is primarily fallfish and perch, but having some brown/yellowish flies to imitate bass and suckers is smart as well.  Many friends have had some awesome days with mostly orange flies as well.  

It’s also a good time to mention that hunting seasons have started and will continue through the remainder of the regular fishing season. Just something to keep in mind.  I’ll update the report as often as conditions and my schedule allow, but always feel free to reach out to dave@mmvt.com or check in the shop with Steve.  Have a great start to September and we’ll see you on the water. Cheers,

Dave