Spring fly fishing in Vermont, especially on iconic rivers like the Battenkill, presents both a rewarding challenge and a test of patience. With high water, unpredictable weather, and inconsistent hatches, anglers must adapt their techniques and mindset to make the most of the season. For wade fishermen, either fishing solo or with a Vermont fly-fishing guide, the dream is often casting a dry fly to rising trout. However, spring conditions ...Read More »
Battenkill Fly Fishing Guide Highlight: Tom Miller
Having fished the Battenkill River for over 30 years and residing along its banks for the past 20, Tom Miller has developed a deep understanding of its fish, the fishermen who pursue them, and the aquatic entomology unique to this prolific river. As the President and owner of Battenkill Sporting Co., he has built a reputation for crafting premium-quality custom flies that are highly sought after by Battenkill guides, local anglers, and fly shops ...Read More »
Trico Tips: Practice the Reach Cast for More Success on the Battenkill This Spring
Who's getting ready for spring hatches and rising trout on the Battenkill? As we approach another exciting trout season in Vermont, now is the perfect time to sharpen your fly casting skillsâespecially your reach cast. As any experienced Vermont fly fishing guide will tell you, presentation is everything when fishing dry flies to selective trout. And on technical rivers like the Battenkill, a drag-free drift is key to getting eats. If you ...Read More »
2025 Battenkill Fly-Fishing Festival
The fourth annual Battenkill Fly-Fishing Festival will be held May 1-4, 2025. I'm excited to share my local knowledge at this year's event with an on-the-water workshop focused on dry fly presentations and techniques to make your time fly fishing for trout more enjoyable. If you want to get on the water around the festival, you can find my latest availability online or contact me directly. ...Read More »
A Hunt for Opportunity: Early Season Fly-Fishing Challenges on Southern Vermont Trout Rivers
The trout rivers of Southern Vermont, particularly the Battenkill River, are some of the most cherished waters for fly fishing in New England. However, early-season fly fishing on these rivers presents a unique set of challenges. Success often depends on the delicate alignment of natural conditionsâwhere snowmelt, spring rains, cold water temperatures, and the timing of the first insect hatches all come together to create or hinder angling ...Read More »
Beyond the Riverbank: Personal Angler Ethics in the Modern Fly-Fishing World
While catch-and-release, and leave-no-trace are well known ethical practices within the fly-fishing community, I thought preseason would be a good time to remind us of our own personal angling ethicsâhow we interact with others on the water. As in any sport, fly fishing has its own set of rules, regulations and unwritten ethics. Each state posts its own fishing regulations, but as an Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing guide, I'm often asked, "What is ...Read More »