Montpelier Area (upstream)on Winooski River (Upper)
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Chilly
- 01Chilly, overcast fall conditions with temperatures around 46°F.
- 02USGS flow data is currently unavailable; observe water levels visually.
- 03Expect active Cinnamon Caddis hatches, particularly in the late afternoon.
- 04Look for consistent Baetis (Blue-Winged Olives) emergence on overcast days.
- 05Focus on deeper pools, current seams, and slower eddies in the Upper Winooski.
- 06Employ slow, deliberate retrieves for subsurface patterns to entice lethargic cold-water trout.
What to tie on at Montpelier Area (upstream)
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Hendrickson
Hendricksons are a key early spring hatch, and the adults will be emerging in the afternoon, providing prime dry fly opportunities.
Buy at AmazonMother's Day Caddis
The prolific Mother's Day Caddis hatch is expected now through May, making this dry fly a perfect imitation for adult caddis and triggering aggressive surface strikes.
Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph
An excellent general searching nymph for early spring, mimicking various active mayfly nymphs, including early emerging BWOs and March Browns.
Quill Gordon
The Quill Gordon hatch is one of the first reliable dry fly opportunities of the spring, mimicking the active Blue Quill adults on the water.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive Comparadun
Blue-Winged Olives are actively hatching in early spring, especially on overcast days like today, making this low-profile dry fly excellent for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults.
Hendrickson Nymph
Hendrickson nymphs are highly active subsurface before their emergence, making them a primary food source for trout actively feeding in the current.
Tactical Peeping Caddis TH Jig
Caddis pupae are actively emerging in the spring, and this jig nymph is highly effective for targeting larger fish holding on undercut banks where caddis are prevalent.
Woolly Bugger (Black/Olive)
A versatile streamer pattern that imitates leeches and baitfish, excellent for enticing aggressive strikes from trout in the colder spring flows, especially when stripped slowly through deeper runs.
Light Cahill
Your go-to for the active Light Cahill hatch, a critical pattern for selective feeders.
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.