Hi Folks, It has been one of the strangest Octobers for fishing that I can remember. Just unusually warm and sunny with no rain. I am having an extremely busy guiding month and the nice weather has certainly helped. However, I keep waiting to have to put on the long underwear and multiple layers to deal with cold weather and it is not happening. The trout fishing has been decent but rather tricky as well. I have been mostly guiding the Winooski. Water levels are so low that I prefer the Winooski over the Lamoille with the current conditions. The water temperature has ranged between 48 degrees to 51 degrees. I have been putting guests on rising fish. Like clock work everyday the trout rise to est tiny #20 BWOs. The rising activity has varied depending ont he weather. The cloudy afternoons have been way more productive. More insects on the cloudy days and the larger fish seem more willing to rise. We have been nymphing as well with #12 copper john nymph and #20 BWO emerger as a dropper. On the sunny days I have been trying to fish in shady stretches of river. Many of the larger trout are rising in slow water within the foam line and require perfect casting and mending. These fish have a PHD in studying your presentation. Many of the rise forms have indicated that the trout are eating the bugs in the film line. You can see their dorsal fin and tail on the rise. A #20 spotlight emerger with a #20 soft hackle dropper has worked well. The trick is to respond to the rise when you see the push of water even if you think it is not on your fly but close. Can be tricky. Anyway, I love this technical type of trout fishing. We need rain big time. I am off to guide today and about a week left in the season. Remember to clean your gear and keep the non-native species at home. Have Fun, Willy
