fly fishing school

Hi folks, Concluded a 2 day fly fishing school on the Winooski watershed.  We mixed it up yesterday and cast flies to smallmouth bass and then brook trout.  A lot of fun exposing people new to fly fishing the various species that can be caught on a fly.  Water temperatures ranged from the low sixties fishing for smallmouth to mid fifties in the brook trout water.  Even with the cooling water temperatures we were able to get bass to eat flies off the surface.  Not a fast and furious surface bite with the poppers but just enough to keep us interested.  We also worked a few #8 chartruse/white clauser minnows and had bass chase but turn off.  I think it was due to the fly not being moved fast enough and the fish got a really good look at the fly.  Brook trout fishing was good and we got all of our brookies to eat big bushy attractor dry flies.  Saw some nice size fish in full spawning colors.  Also spooked a few brook trout who were holding in some secondary lies and we just did not expect to see a fish in those spots.  Off to chase trout with guests this afternoon on the Lamoille.  Remember to clean your gear and keep the non-native species at home.  have fun, Willy