Waits River
river in Vermont
The Waits River is a true hidden gem, offering solitude and excellent fly fishing. Its clear, unpolluted waters wind through verdant valleys, providing a natural habitat where wild trout thrive on a rich insect diet.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Chilly
- 01Chilly, overcast fall weather at 46°F, with light east winds.
- 02Expect typical early October water levels on the Waits River, though specific USGS flow data is unavailable.
- 03Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) are hatching intermittently, particularly on overcast days.
- 04October Caddis hatch is in full swing, offering opportunities for both pupa and adult imitations.
- 05Target deeper pools, slower runs, and structured areas with cover on the Waits River.
- 06Prioritize a slow, patient subsurface presentation with nymphs and streamers; be quick and precise with dry flies for rising fish.
Past reports week by week
6 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)
Fall is prime time for the largest caddis hatch of the year. This pattern imitates the large adult caddis.
Buy at AmazonBaby Brown Trout
This streamer is particularly effective in fall when larger brown trout become more aggressive, targeting smaller baitfish.
Hare's Ear Nymph
An essential and versatile searching nymph, effective year-round for imitating various aquatic insects.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
A reliable year-round streamer, effective for imitating leeches and baitfish in the cooling fall waters.
Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun
Consistent BWO hatches occur in fall, especially on overcast days, making this low-profile dry fly effective for selective trout.
Buy at AmazonPheasant Tail Nymph
A classic and versatile nymph, excellent for imitating active BWO nymphs during fall hatch periods.
Buy at AmazonSchroeder’s Parachute Hopper
Terrestrial activity can still be strong in early fall, and hoppers are a substantial food source along grassy banks.
Blood Dot Egg
Fall is egg season for trout below spawning areas, making egg patterns a relevant food source.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Bradford Section
Accessible waters near Bradford, offering a good mix of runs and riffles.
East Corinth Area
Upper reaches with more intimate fishing, ideal for stalking wild brook trout.
South Ryegate Section
Good stretches with public access, known for consistent hatches.
Fly shops within 40 miles
TBC Guides
First Stop Board Barn (in partnership with Endless Brook Outfitters)
Vermont Fly Fishing Orvis Endorsed Guide Service
Stream and Brook Fly Fishing
Get Waits 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 Waits River.
What flies work best on Waits River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Waits River right now are Comparadun (80% confidence), Haystack Caddis (80% confidence), Hendrickson (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Waits River?
Waits River holds Brook Trout, Brown Trout. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Waits River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Waits River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.