Shushan / Millbrook Accesson Battenkill River
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
What's working on Battenkill River
- 01Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) and Pale Morning Dun (PMD) hatches are active, especially on overcast days, providing dry fly action for selective trout.
- 02Trout are actively feeding on nymphs subsurface, with Baetis nymphs and general mayfly imitations being highly effective.
- 03Egg patterns are becoming productive as some trout begin their pre-spawn activities or feed on dislodged eggs in the current.
- 04Aggressive brown trout and smallmouth bass are targeting larger food sources like baitfish and crayfish, making streamers and crayfish imitations excellent choices as water temperatures drop.
What to tie on at Shushan / Millbrook Access
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Olive Woolly Bugger
A highly versatile streamer, the olive Woolly Bugger imitates leeches and baitfish, which are consistent food sources for aggressive trout and smallmouth bass in cooling fall waters.
Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph
A classic and versatile searching nymph, effectively mimicking various active aquatic insects, particularly mayfly nymphs common in fall.
Clouser Crayfish (Bass)
Crayfish are a primary food source for smallmouth bass in rocky river environments, making this a crucial subsurface pattern in the fall.
Glo Bug
Fall is prime egg season as trout and salmon begin spawning or feeding on dislodged eggs.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive Comparadun (BWO)
Blue-Winged Olives are a key fall hatch. This low-profile dry fly is excellent for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults, especially on overcast days.
Isonychia Dun
Isonychia hatches extend into the fall on freestone rivers, making this a prime pattern for rising trout.
Zebra Midge
Midges are the most consistent food source in the Battenkill during February. A black or red Zebra Midge in sizes 18-22 is a winter staple.
Buy at AmazonBlack Woolly Bugger
Leeches remain active in cold water. Dead-drifting or very slowly stripping a small black bugger through deep holes can trigger strikes from larger, predatory browns.
Little Black Stonefly nymph
Winter stoneflies begin to move toward the banks for emergence in late February. This is one of the few large protein sources available to trout right now.
New York season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.