Updated October 15, 2026

    Mettawee RiverFishing report · river in Vermont

    The Mettawee River originates in the Green Mountains and flows westward, providing miles of productive water for fly anglers. Its varied structure, from faster riffles to deep, slow pools, supports a thriving ecosystem of wild trout.

    Conditions right now

    No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.

    Weather now
    44°F
    Mainly Clear, wind 11 mph NW
    Bite report · week of Oct 4

    Excellent early fall fishing on the Mettawee River

    1. 01Excellent early fall fishing on the Mettawee River.
    2. 02Blue-Winged Olives, October Caddis, and Mahogany Duns are active.
    3. 03Subsurface midges and egg patterns are highly effective.
    4. 04Large baitfish and leech imitations will entice aggressive trout.
    5. 05Focus on cooler upper sections, slow runs, current seams, and deeper pools.

    Past reports week by week

    7 weeks

    What to tie on

    Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.

    dry

    October Caddis (Dry)

    October Caddis (Dicosmoecus) adult
    #6#8#10

    A classic fall dry fly, imitating the largest caddis hatch of the year. Trout will aggressively target these larger insects on the surface.

    Buy at Amazon
    egg

    Blood Dot Egg

    Salmon/trout egg
    #10#12#14

    With trout spawning activity increasing, an egg pattern can be incredibly effective for opportunistic feeders below redds.

    Buy at Amazon
    dry

    Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun

    #18#20#22

    This low-profile dry fly is crucial for selective trout sipping emergers and adults during the fall BWO hatches.

    Buy at Amazon
    nymph

    Zebra Midge

    Midge pupa (Chironomidae)
    #18#20#22#24

    Midges are a consistent food source throughout the year, and this weighted nymph is excellent for getting down to feeding fish, especially in cooler water.

    Buy at Amazon
    streamer

    Woolly Bugger

    Leech/baitfish
    #2#4#6#8#10#12

    This reliable streamer imitates leeches and baitfish, enticing aggressive strikes from larger trout looking for a substantial meal.

    Buy at Amazon
    dry

    Mohogany Dun

    #14#16

    As a significant fall mayfly, this pattern is excellent for targeting rising trout during active hatches.

    nymph

    Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph

    #14#16#18

    This versatile nymph effectively mimics a variety of aquatic insects, including active BWO nymphs, and is a year-round producer.

    Where to fish and who to ask

    FLY HAUS · Manchester CenterThe Reel Angler · Manchester CenterOrvis Manchester Retail Store · ManchesterThe FLY HAUS · Manchester Center1Dorset Village SectionDorset Village Section2Pawlet Branch ConfluencePawlet Branch Confluence3Rupert Covered Bridge AccessRupert Covered Bridge Access
    AccessFly shopGuide trips
    1

    Dorset Village Section

    Accessible stretches near Dorset with public access, known for good dry fly fishing.

    43.251°N 73.109°WDirections
    2

    Pawlet Branch Confluence

    Area where the Pawlet Branch meets the Mettawee, often holding good fish due to varied currents and food sources.

    43.344°N 73.236°WDirections
    3

    Rupert Covered Bridge Access

    A picturesque access point with varied water, including runs and deeper pools.

    43.309°N 73.189°WDirections

    Fly shops within 40 miles

    22mi

    FLY HAUS

    Manchester Center, VTGuide trips
    22mi

    The Reel Angler

    Manchester Center, VT
    22mi

    Orvis Manchester Retail Store

    Manchester, VTGuide trips
    22mi

    The FLY HAUS

    Manchester Center, VTGuide trips

    Get Mettawee River reports by email

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    Vermont season by season

    What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.

    Quick answers

    Common questions about Mettawee River.

    What flies work best on Mettawee River?

    Our top scored fly patterns for Mettawee River right now are Haystack Caddis (80% confidence), Mother's Day Caddis (80% confidence), March Brown Dry (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.

    What fish species are in Mettawee River?

    Mettawee River holds Brown Trout, Brook Trout. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.

    Is Mettawee River fishing well right now?

    We publish a fresh bite report for Mettawee River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.