White River: The White is unique in that it drains a huge part of the state and offers tremendous variety. The flows are totally natural with no dams on the main stem of the river. Although the river is stocked by the state, there are self sustaining populations of brown, rainbow, and brook trout. The primary species caught is rainbow trout, but the possibility of catching large brown trout exists. Nothing beats a float trip on the White. May and June offers strong insect hatches and good dry-fly fishing. During July and August, the lower river offers excellent small mouth bass fishing. In September and October, the waters are low and gin clear with hatches of tiny olives. With its three branches and many cold-water tributaries, a lifetime could be spent learning these waters.

Battenkill River: This famous and historical river is the home of Orvis. There have been volumes written about fly fishing on these waters. The Battenkill is a wild trout river known for its brown and brook trout populations. The temps run cooler in the summer months when other waters are too warm to fish. Be forewarned, the fishing is not easy here. The fish are wild and spooky and the river is heavily fished. Because of the river’s low gradient, the glassy pools demand the most careful stalking skills. Those with good skills can reap great rewards. There are many smaller streams near the Battenkill that offer cold flows all summer and more opportunities to catch wild trout.

Otter Creek: The Otter Creek runs south to north, starting as pristine brook trout water. This river drains the western part of the state and is fed by many cold and warm water tributaries before entering Lake Champlain. Much of the river is remote and best fished by canoe or a small boat. Every year, stories circulate of very large fish pulled from this river and its tribs.

Black River: The Black originates in the Green mountains and flows through a series of lakes to the Connecticut River. The trophy section produces large rainbows and browns through June, and again in the fall. Lower sections fish well for bass and other warm water species.

The Lakes: We love our lakes for their diversity, beauty, and the fact that they fish very well. Many have prolific midge hatches that bring the trout up when the conditions are right. This kind of fishing requires advanced skills and is a great way to work on your presentation. If the trout aren’t there, simply change rigs and fish for bass. Most of these lakes are small and under-fished, and shall remain unnamed.