General Fishing Report April 2,2021

Happy April All!  Can only mean one thing: that much closer to Vermont opening day and OCC 13!  And seemingly right on cue: back to winter! At least for a few days!  Few Items of note:  OCC 13 and VT opening day are just a week away. The raffle for the Orvis Recon 10ft 2 weight has been extended until this  Saturday (4/3) at 4:30 pm. Anyone who is registered for the OCC 13 by that time will be entered to win this fantastic nymphing rod. New York trout fishing season opened yesterday. The VT fish and wildlife board is still taking comments on the proposed fish regulations until April 7, 2021.  I was listening in on Monday and most comments seemed to lean toward further reducing the daily limit of trout, so if you want a say in our regulations, now is the time!  Again, these proposals, if adopted,  will take effect January 1, 2022. 

On the local waters, Steve reports seeing some fish being caught from Lewis, both the smaller stocked fish and a few nice returning fish.  Fishing pressure is big on the nicer days with decent clarity.  The pressure will ease a bit with the trout opener in a week and expect the steelhead to stick around until the combination of spawning and water temps send them back to the lake.  Our other local waters that are currently open, namely the Otter,  are running big.  Flow is a bit better towards Rutland, but still high. The forecast for the week leading up to opening day looks promising, with moderating temps and little precipitation. Look for a few things to happen with this forecast. On the Otter, from Rutland south,  could be fishable for opening day.  I think the Otter around Middlebury will still be too high to effectively fish. If you do go, wade safe and fish the edges of current. I suspect the White will be in similar shape, more fishable the higher one heads in the watershed.  Tributaries for both systems should be in great shape; maybe(?) dare I say a bit below average flow-wise for opening day. Having a mix of water types that you can fish for the OCC or opening day is going to be a key for getting into some fish.  Wintering areas will still be key, but also some spots with broken overhead cover (i.e. riffles with some slower seams) might be key with some possible lower flows. One of the most overlooked keys to finding fish on opening day is covering water.   Should be a great week ahead to get out and scout some water!

Look for a final 'pre-season' report next week sometime.  Mostly looking at conditions of local waters.  With the possible water conditions, its a good idea to have some more natural looking bugs in your fly box.  Not a tier? Steve has been busily filling the bins in the shop, as well as receiving more gear and apparel to make the time on the water more comfortable.  We appreciate all the support that you all have given the shop over the past year, as we look forward to things getting back to some normal conditions.  Any questions about items in the store or the OCC, feel free to give the shop a call (802)388-7245. Questions to me dave@mmvt.com. Stay safe in the week ahead as we get ready to ring in Opening Day and OCC 13! 

Cheers,

DK