Winooski River (Upper)
river in Vermont
The upper Winooski River, flowing through rural Vermont, transforms into a premier trout stream. Anglers can find a good mix of riffles, runs, and pools, supporting a healthy population of wild and holdover trout.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Chilly
- 01Chilly, overcast fall conditions with temperatures around 46°F.
- 02USGS flow data is currently unavailable; observe water levels visually.
- 03Expect active Cinnamon Caddis hatches, particularly in the late afternoon.
- 04Look for consistent Baetis (Blue-Winged Olives) emergence on overcast days.
- 05Focus on deeper pools, current seams, and slower eddies in the Upper Winooski.
- 06Employ slow, deliberate retrieves for subsurface patterns to entice lethargic cold-water trout.
Past reports week by week
4 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)
Matches the significant October Caddis hatch, which is a primary focus this time of year.
Buy at AmazonCopper John
A versatile attractor and general mayfly nymph imitation, effective year-round in faster water and great as a point fly in nymph rigs.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun
Baetis are active, and this low-profile dry fly is excellent for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults during fall BWO hatches.
Buy at AmazonBlood Dot Egg
Fall is prime egg season for trout, as Brown, Rainbow, and Brook Trout may be spawning or feeding on eggs.
Buy at AmazonTravis Hi-Vis BWO Para Emerger
BWO emergers are crucial during fall hatches, and this high-visibility pattern helps spot subtle takes from trout.
Muddler Minnow
An excellent sculpin imitation, effective on the swing through riffles, especially in fall for aggressive trout.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
A versatile streamer pattern imitating leeches and baitfish, effective year-round and particularly good for aggressive trout in fall.
Pheasant Tail Nymph
A classic and versatile mayfly nymph imitation, effective year-round and especially during BWO periods in fall.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Marshfield Section
Further upstream, known for good trout habitat and less pressure.
Montpelier Area (upstream)
Stretches just upstream of Montpelier can be good, especially during hatches.
Plainfield Section
Accessible water near Plainfield, offering diverse structure for nymphing and dry flies.
Fly shops within 40 miles
The Fly Rod Shop
Great Drake Angling & Outdoor Adventures LLC
First Stop Board Barn (in partnership with Endless Brook Outfitters)
Vermont Fly Fishing Orvis Endorsed Guide Service
Get Winooski River (Upper) 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 Winooski River (Upper).
What flies work best on Winooski River (Upper)?
Our top scored fly patterns for Winooski River (Upper) right now are Hendrickson (80% confidence), Mother's Day Caddis (80% confidence), Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Winooski River (Upper)?
Winooski River (Upper) holds Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
What are current flow conditions on Winooski River (Upper)?
Live USGS streamflow readings for Winooski River (Upper) are charted in the sidebar of this page and updated automatically from the nearest gauge.
Is Winooski River (Upper) fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Winooski River (Upper) each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.