Vermont trout and smallmouth settle into the cool-water fall pattern

What's biting

What's next

With a New Moon today, expect low-light feeding to matter more than moonlight windows. The bite should concentrate in the first and last couple of hours of daylight, when cool water and low sun keep fish less wary.

If the colder trend continues, Smallmouth Bass should move toward deeper rock and drop-offs and feed less often but more deliberately. Slow, compact jig presentations suit that mood. MidCurrent's recent Tying Tuesday roundups point to beaded nymphs and spare midge patterns for low-light, overcast days and for clear, pressured water, which fits the stable, cool flows on the small tributaries here. A purple beaded nymph is a reasonable choice on a grey day.

Gauge 01135300 shows only about 4 cfs and gauge 01135100 is near trickle flow, so the smallest streams are very low. Fish there will be concentrated in the few deeper pools and easily spooked. Approach quietly, keep casts short, and consider fishing the larger, steadier water instead. Gauge 01129500 at 356 cfs is carrying more water and offers more room to work.

Context

Mid October is typically the tail end of fall for northern New England freshwater. Water temperatures in the 40s are normal for this point in the calendar, so conditions are on schedule rather than early or late. Trout are generally in or approaching pre-spawn behaviour in cool streams, and anglers should check state regulations for closures and special rules on spawning waters. Weed beds are dying back, so bass and baitfish tend to relocate to remaining green weed and harder structure. Fish are keyed to baitfish and to stable cover rather than to broad shallow flats.