Where We Fish
Big Rivers
In Southern Vermont, we’re fortunate to be located right in the center of three major watersheds. This means endless miles of big water and big trout. Here, it’s especially helpful to have a local guide who can bring you to the right spots.
Battenkill river
Fish the famous Battenkill! Almost 60 miles long, the Battenkill river’s headwaters are located in our backyard of Dorset, Vermont. It winds throughout farms, fields, and forest in Southern Vermont and then into New York where it eventually empties into the Hudson River. The Battenkill has been a world-renowned destination for fly fishing for more than a century. The Vermont side of the river is all catch-and-release and is known for its mystical wild brown trout trophies.
Nearby Vermont Towns: Dorset, Manchester, Arlington
Nearby New York Towns: Cambridge, Albany
Walloomsac River
Trophy trout water! Need we say more? The Walloomsac begins in the Green Mountains of Woodford, VT. Only 16.5 miles long, the river has an abundant amount of fish for its size. This river also features many scenic covered bridges and old textile mills and dams. If you’re looking for a great background with that big rainbow or brown, this is the river for you! A two-mile section of the Walloomsac features trophy trout ranging 16 to 20 inches which can feed aggressively. Fairly easy to wade and shallow, this is a great river for beginners or less mobile folks.
Nearby Vermont Towns: Woodford, Bennington, North Bennington
Hoosic river
Revered by locals and intimidating to others. In our opinion, the Hoosic is hands-down the best river for brown trout. Yes, there are many great opportunities on this river and it has a great population of wild trout. If you’re serious about fishing or looking to land a personal best, then the Hoosic is calling you.
Nearby Vermont Towns: Pownal
Nearby Massachusetts Towns: North Adams, Williamstown, Berkshire County
Small Streams
These waters offer some fun places to indulge the adventurer in you and be rewarded with some beautiful, wild brook trout along the way. Most of these river trips involve walking (a .3 mile to a mile or more, climbing over boulders and stepping on loose rocks). But we can also find flat, easier-to-access but just-as-scenic fishing points to accommodate different levels of mobility. Great brook trout during the fishing season are generally in the 4- to 6-inch range. An 8-inch trout is considered a trophy. But don’t let that deter you: this is some of the most sought-after fishing in the whole state. It’s especially exciting with a 2-wt rod!
Roaring Branch, Kelly Stand Road
Starting in Green Mountain National Forest, this unbelievably scenic mountain stream winds its way down Kelly Stand Road in Sunderland and Arlington. This little stream is known to hold some beautiful native brook trout.
Nearby Vermont Towns: Arlington, Sunderland, Manchester, Stratton
mettawee river, upper section
Starting in the foothills of Dorset, Vermont and minutes from Manchester, this little river holds some great native fish. Most are in the 6- to 10-inch range. The upper section of the Mettawee is a great place to cscape if you have limited time or want to keep your day close to Manchester.
Nearby Vermont Towns: Dorset, Manchester, Pawlet
big branch, otter creek
If climbing over giant boulders or scenic river pictures are your thing, Big Branch is the place for you! Located in Mt. Tabor near Danby, VT, Big Branch holds some nice fish before it empties into Otter Creek. The lower section is popular with swimmers through the summer months, but pristine pools and waterfalls await the intrepid angler. This is a great nearby trip if you’re in town for the Horse Show.
Nearby Vermont Towns: Dorset, Danby, Landgrove