Townsend Sectionon West River
River flow last 30 days
Low and clear flows (11
- 01Low and clear flows (11.5 cfs) concentrate fish, but demand stealth.
- 02Fall hatches of Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) and Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) are possible, especially later in the day.
- 03October Caddis may also be active, particularly towards evening.
- 04Deeper pools, slower runs, and undercut banks are key holding spots for trout.
- 05Subsurface patterns like midges, BWO emergers, and streamers are highly effective, alongside egg patterns.
- 06Stealth, long leaders (9-12ft), and light tippets (5x-7x) are crucial for success in these conditions.
- 07Precise, drag-free drifts and slow streamer retrieves will maximize your chances.
What to tie on at Townsend Section
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Comparadun
Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) begin to hatch in early spring, especially on overcast days. This low-profile dry fly is excellent for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults.
Elk Hair Caddis
Caddis activity is picking up in late spring; this pattern is excellent for imitating adult caddis on the water.
Buy at AmazonSoft Hackle Wet (Partridge & Orange)
Caddis pupae are actively emerging in spring; swinging this wet fly through currents effectively imitates them.
Buy at AmazonFlashback Pheasant Tail Nymph
An excellent general searching nymph for early spring, mimicking various mayfly nymphs that are active year-round and particularly as BWOs begin to emerge.
Hopper Juan
Terrestrials like grasshoppers are a key food source for opportunistic trout during summer months.
Buy at AmazonOctober Caddis (Dry)
The largest caddis hatch of the year in many regions occurs in fall, making this dry fly a prime pattern for enticing aggressive strikes from trout on the West River.
Buy at AmazonPMD (Pale Morning Duns)
Pale Morning Duns are actively hatching in fall, providing a key food source for opportunistic Brown and Rainbow Trout on the West River.
Little Black Stonefly
Little Black Stoneflies are often among the first stonefly hatches of the year in early spring, making this a relevant dry fly.
Buy at AmazonHendrickson Nymph
Hendricksons are a key early spring hatch in the region; nymphs are active subsurface and a primary food source for trout in early May.
Vermont season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.