It finally feels like fall, and we’ve gotten some significant rain at last. The high water has the fish taking advantage, and the bite has been better for it.

Tomorrow looks a bit cold, but air temperatures should climb back into the 50s and 60s next week, which should warm the water back up. Water temperatures have been fairly consistent in the mid 50s across most of the water I’ve been on recently. The New Haven is at 100 CFS as I write this, but with rain continuing through the afternoon, I’d be shocked if it doesn’t bump back up to at least a couple hundred. The Otter in Middlebury is running at 900 CFS and will likely hover around 1,000 through the weekend, which is probably too high to fish the lower stretches. Down in Rutland it has dropped to 350 CFS and is in much better shape.Visibility is slightly better than I expected, with two to three feet in the tributaries, though you’ll need to stay conscious of your drifts so they land in the right slots to find feeding fish.

Fish are shifting into slightly slower holding water, so be sure to get your flies down to the middle of the water column and be persistent with your drifts and rigs in likely areas. They don't seem to be quite as opportunistic right now and may need a little coaxing. Making sure your drift moves at a slow enough pace seems especially crucial to picking up eats. I’ve had a couple of fish eat on the 7th or 8th drift in the same spot. Midday and early afternoon may be a better option than early morning or late evening, since sun on the water tends to increase bug activity and makes fish more willing to move and feed.

In late season muddy water, dark streamers, eggs, worms, mops, and other junk flies will likely be the ticket. When I fish a natural pattern, I usually go with something bright, with some added color, in a size 14 or so. If the water clears up, prince nymphs, October caddis, and smaller olive streamers have all been working for me recently prior to the rain.

Keep in mind that it’s spawning season for the browns and brookies, so please avoid stepping or casting near redds while you wade. Lookout for clean, cleared out gravel patches, especially in the tributaries. Giving them space lets the fish spawn and keeps the population healthy.

Stop by the shop at 56 Main Street if you need to pick up some flies or any other gear. If you need some recommendations about what water to target or what tactics to use, please feel free to ask. We’ve moved some of the larger packs and other fishing equipment next door to make room for winter gear, but if there’s something you’re looking for, we can help you find it over there. We’re also coming into the final two weeks of the guiding season, so if you’d like to fish in the fall foliage or pick up some late-season tactics, call the shop to book a trip as soon as possible.

Tight Lines,

Jake