5/17/13- Allot has happened over this last few days that is quite notable. First and foremost the freezing, literally freezing, nights in the mountains caused a sharp water temperature drop. We found that the fishing though still alright, did slow down a bit at times throughout the last few days. Reports were spotty from different areas in the county. More then 10 degrees in some places. Along with the cooler water temps a few more insects have come into the mix while a few have stepped out. Otter Creek tends to have the first appearances of new species in the year, and over the last few days we have seen the Pale Evening Duns(small sulphers) and the Sulpher Dun begin to hatch. They have joined the March Browns and Baetis still present. The Caddis continues to blast away, with Cinnamon Spotted, Grannoms, and Green Caddis. The Hendrickson Spinners have all but disappeared on Otter Creek, however can still be found present on the tribs like the Midd, New Haven, Neshobe and Furnace. With all of these bugs above the water now, dry fly opportunities are getting more and more available. Most of the dry fly fishing I have had, has been in the evening after a warmer day, and sight fishing to risers. We have done very little prospecting with dries yet. However the subsurface game has been good for those in the right place at the right time. After 3 straight days of guiding I was able to have the day to fish, and I found that the fish were changing their food preference throughout the day. I has a switch from Baetis to Caddis to PED nymphs and emergers in the course of a couple hours.
The Lake Tribs are still seeing lots of Bass action and I even heard of a steelie being landed just a few days ago. With the lower water, the Bass tend to get a bit tentative. If you fish in the lower light hours you will probably have a more productive day on the water.
Pike fishing slowed just a bit with the cooler water and weather, but this morning I saw a picture of Stever Bartlett holding massive Pike. Top-water has started to pick up on the local ponds as well.
The shop just a whole new load of flies, including dry flies, streamers, and some Vermont Fly Guys' warmwater fish snacks. Stop in and check out the best speciality fly selection in central Vermont.
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Guiding season is in full swing and if your looking to spend sometime on VT's waters, let us show you around. Whether you want to learn some new water, take a VT driftboat trip, work on your nymphing technique, or try chasing some new species with a fly rod, like Bass or Pike. GMA guides are ready to help you.
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Middlebury Mountaineers FULL SERVICE fly shop can help you with all of your fly fishing needs. We have gear from Simms Fishing Products, Patagonia, Sage, Nautilus, Temple Fork Outfitters, Fishpond, RIO, Loon Products, Cliff Outdoors, Umpqua, Montana Fly Company,