Mettawee River
river in Vermont
The Mettawee River originates in the Green Mountains and flows westward, providing miles of productive water for fly anglers. Its varied structure, from faster riffles to deep, slow pools, supports a thriving ecosystem of wild trout.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Excellent early fall fishing on the Mettawee River
- 01Excellent early fall fishing on the Mettawee River.
- 02Blue-Winged Olives, October Caddis, and Mahogany Duns are active.
- 03Subsurface midges and egg patterns are highly effective.
- 04Large baitfish and leech imitations will entice aggressive trout.
- 05Focus on cooler upper sections, slow runs, current seams, and deeper pools.
Past reports week by week
7 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
October Caddis (Dry)
A classic fall dry fly, imitating the largest caddis hatch of the year. Trout will aggressively target these larger insects on the surface.
Buy at AmazonBlood Dot Egg
With trout spawning activity increasing, an egg pattern can be incredibly effective for opportunistic feeders below redds.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive Comparadun
This low-profile dry fly is crucial for selective trout sipping emergers and adults during the fall BWO hatches.
Zebra Midge
Midges are a consistent food source throughout the year, and this weighted nymph is excellent for getting down to feeding fish, especially in cooler water.
Buy at AmazonMohogany Dun
As a significant fall mayfly, this pattern is excellent for targeting rising trout during active hatches.
Woolly Bugger (Olive)
This reliable streamer imitates leeches and baitfish, enticing aggressive strikes from larger trout looking for a substantial meal.
Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph
This versatile nymph effectively mimics a variety of aquatic insects, including active BWO nymphs, and is a year-round producer.
Where to fish and who to ask
Dorset Village Section
Accessible stretches near Dorset with public access, known for good dry fly fishing.
Pawlet Branch Confluence
Area where the Pawlet Branch meets the Mettawee, often holding good fish due to varied currents and food sources.
Rupert Covered Bridge Access
A picturesque access point with varied water, including runs and deeper pools.
Fly shops within 40 miles
FLY HAUS
The Reel Angler
Orvis Manchester Retail Store
The FLY HAUS
Get Mettawee River reports by email
Save this water and we'll email you a weekly summary of conditions, hatches and what's working.
Vermont season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Winter Fly Fishing: Essential Cold Weather Tips & Tactics
Master winter fly fishing with proven cold weather strategies, gear selection, and tactics for catching trout when temperatures drop.
How to Pick the Right Fly Rod Weight for Any Situation
Master fly rod weight selection with expert guidance on matching rod power to fish species, water conditions, and fishing techniques for optimal performance.
Fly Line Types Guide: WF, DT, Running & Shooting Heads
Master fly line selection with our comprehensive guide to weight forward, double taper, running lines, and shooting heads for every fishing situation.
Fly Fishing Pack vs Vest: Which Setup Is Right for You?
Compare fly fishing packs and vests to find the perfect gear setup for your angling style and fishing conditions.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Quick answers
Common questions about Mettawee River.
What flies work best on Mettawee River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Mettawee River right now are Haystack Caddis (80% confidence), Mother's Day Caddis (80% confidence), March Brown Dry (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Mettawee River?
Mettawee River holds Brown Trout, Brook Trout. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Mettawee River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Mettawee River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.