North Hartland Reservoir tailwateron Ottauquechee River
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Cool
- 01Cool, clear conditions with a noticeable chill in the air at 47°F.
- 02Potential for fall Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches, especially on overcast days.
- 03Expect the impressive October Caddis hatch, a substantial meal for hungry fish.
- 04Look for Mahogany Dun activity, another important fall mayfly.
- 05Focus on deeper pools and slower runs where fish conserve energy and find subsurface forage.
- 06Use slower presentations for nymphs and streamers to entice colder-water fish.
What to tie on at North Hartland Reservoir tailwater
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Hopper
Summer is prime terrestrial season, with grasshoppers providing a substantial food source along grassy banks for opportunistic trout and bass.
Tungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs
Used as a heavy lead fly to reach the bottom quickly in deep winter pools. It imitates stonefly nymphs that remain active under rocks throughout the winter.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge
The primary food source in Vermont freestones during winter. Black or red colors in small sizes mimic midge larvae and pupae that are active year-round.
Buy at AmazonYellow Sally
Yellow Sally stoneflies are abundant along freestone streams in summer, drawing aggressive strikes from trout.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
A reliable year-round streamer, effective for imitating leeches and baitfish, a consistent food source for both trout and bass.
Elk Hair Caddis
Caddis activity is consistent from spring through fall, making this an effective dry fly for rising trout during summer.
Buy at AmazonClouser Minnow (Bass) (Chartreuse/White)
An excellent baitfish imitation, effective for smallmouth bass in warmer summer waters.
Isonychia Dun
Isonychia are actively hatching now on freestone rivers, making this a prime pattern for rising trout during summer.
Pheasant Tail Nymph
A versatile nymph imitating various small mayfly nymphs, including BWOs which are expected to be active in August. Effective year-round.
Buy at AmazonVermont season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.