Missisquoi River
river in Vermont
An important river for both trout and warmwater species with diverse habitat and several public access points through Franklin County.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Cool
- 01Cool, overcast weather sets up classic fall trout fishing on the Missisquoi River.
- 02Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches are anticipated, especially on overcast afternoons.
- 03Subsurface nymphing with Pheasant Tail Nymphs and Flashback Hare's Ear Nymphs will be productive.
- 04Streamers like the Woolly Bugger (Olive) and Pine Squirrel Leech (Olive) are excellent for aggressive trout.
- 05Egg patterns, such as the Blood Dot Egg, are key during fall spawning periods.
Past reports week by week
10 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)
While often associated with western rivers, October Caddis can provide substantial dry fly action in eastern freestone rivers during the fall.
Buy at AmazonPheasant Tail Nymph
This classic nymph effectively imitates various mayfly nymphs, a consistent subsurface food source, especially during fall BWO activity.
Buy at AmazonPine Squirrel Leech (Olive)
Small leech patterns are effective for enticing strikes from larger, more lethargic trout as the Missisquoi's water temperatures drop.
Woolly Bugger (Olive)
A versatile streamer, ideal for imitating leeches and baitfish, which become a key food source for aggressive trout in the Missisquoi's cooling fall waters.
Blood Dot Egg
Fall signifies egg season on the Missisquoi, with trout keying into egg patterns below any spawning fish.
Buy at AmazonComparadun (BWO)
Blue-Winged Olives are a reliable fall hatch on the Missisquoi River, providing opportunities for selective trout feeding on adults.
Buy at AmazonFlashback Hare's Ear Nymph
This general searching nymph is excellent for probing subsurface, mimicking a variety of aquatic insects active in the Missisquoi's currents during fall.
Where to fish and who to ask
Enosburg Falls access
Central access point with good runs and riffles holding trout during spring and early summer.
Richford / upper Missisquoi
Upper freestone sections with native trout and accessible wading stretches.
Swanton / lower channel
Lower river flats and runs near the Lake Champlain delta that fish well for smallmouth and late-season trout.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Uncle Jammer's Guide Service
Tie By Night Fly Shop
Stone River Outfitters
The Silver Trout LLC
Get Missisquoi 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 Missisquoi River.
What flies work best on Missisquoi River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Missisquoi River right now are October Caddis (Dry) (80% confidence), Pheasant Tail Nymph (80% confidence), Pine Squirrel Leech (Olive) (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Missisquoi River?
Missisquoi River holds Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Missisquoi River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Missisquoi River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.