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Fall Brown Trout Float Trip | Vermont Flyfishers

  • Published Date: July 18, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Arlington, VT
  • $325 - $900 price range

Summary

Fall in Vermont is prime time for big brown trout, and this guided float trip puts you right in the action. As the water cools, these hefty fish get more aggressive and take on their vibrant spawning colors. We'll float the river, targeting browns with a mix of terrestrials, nymphs, and streamers. While you might not catch as many fish as in spring or early summer, the potential for landing a trophy-sized brown is at its peak. Our experienced guides know just where these lunkers hide and how to entice them. Whether you're an seasoned angler or new to fly fishing, we'll tailor the trip to your skill level. Expect a full day on the water, surrounded by Vermont's stunning fall foliage. It's a perfect blend of challenging fishing and scenic beauty that makes for an unforgettable day on the river.
Fall Brown Trout Float Trip | Vermont Flyfishers

Fall Brown Beauties

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Photograph of a sea trout caught while fishing in Arlington

Big Big Battenkill Brown Trout on a 3wt. rod!

Impressive rainbow trout caught in VT

VT Battenkill 25" Wild Brown 4/2024!

A group of 4 people fishing in Arlington

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A person fishing in Vermont

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A sea trout caught while fishing in VT

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A scenic Vermont landscape with fishing gear

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Scenic view of Arlington landscape

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Angler holding 17-inch sea trout in Arlington

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Fishing for a Rainbow Trout in Arlington

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Fishing in Arlington

Male Battenkill Brown Trout Spring 2024

Photograph of a sea trout caught while fishing in Arlington

Big Big Battenkill Brown Trout on a 3wt. rod!

Impressive rainbow trout caught in VT

VT Battenkill 25" Wild Brown 4/2024!

A group of 4 people fishing in Arlington

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A person fishing in Vermont

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A sea trout caught while fishing in VT

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A scenic Vermont landscape with fishing gear

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Scenic view of Arlington landscape

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Angler holding 17-inch sea trout in Arlington

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Fishing for a Rainbow Trout in Arlington

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Fishing in Arlington

Male Battenkill Brown Trout Spring 2024

Photograph of a sea trout caught while fishing in Arlington

Big Big Battenkill Brown Trout on a 3wt. rod!

Impressive rainbow trout caught in VT

VT Battenkill 25" Wild Brown 4/2024!

A group of 4 people fishing in Arlington

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A person fishing in Vermont

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Fall Big Brown Trout Float Trip in Vermont

Get ready for some serious trophy trout action on our guided fall float trip in Vermont. As the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisp, those big browns get fired up and aggressive. We're talking about the chance to hook into some absolute monsters sporting their gorgeous spawning colors. This ain't your typical numbers game - we're going quality over quantity here, folks. If you've been dreaming of that fish of a lifetime, autumn in Vermont is where it's at.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll be floating some of Vermont's prime big brown habitat, hitting all the sweet spots where those lunkers like to hang out. Your guide's got years of experience reading these waters, so we'll put you right where you need to be. We'll be slinging everything from chunky terrestrials to weighted nymphs and big, meaty streamers. It's all about matching what gets those browns fired up this time of year. The float trip lets us cover tons of water, giving you the best shot at finding those trophy fish. Just be ready - when a big fall brown decides to eat, it can be explosive!

Fall Fishing Techniques

This time of year, it's all about adapting to what the browns want. We might start the day tossing hoppers along grassy banks, switch to drifting nymph rigs through deeper runs, then finish up stripping streamers as the light fades. Your guide will have you dialed in on the hot patterns and techniques. We'll be using 5 or 6-weight rods to handle those bigger flies and fish. Don't be surprised if we break out the sink tips for getting those streamers down deep where the real monsters live. The name of the game is versatility - be ready to switch it up as conditions change throughout the day.

Customer Stories

"John is the best guide. He really knows the water and works really hard to make sure you have a most successful day. He's also a delightful personality" - Gary

Target Species: Brown Trout

Vermont's brown trout are the stuff of legend, and fall is prime time to tangle with a true trophy. These fish can easily push past the 20-inch mark, with some real giants in the 5 to 10-pound class lurking in the deeper pools. Fall brings out their most aggressive behavior as they prep for spawning. Their normally golden-brown sides take on rich orange and red hues, with those iconic black and red spots really popping. Browns are known for their selective feeding and wary nature, making them a true test of an angler's skills. When you do connect with a big one, be ready for some serious runs and head-shaking jumps. There's nothing quite like watching a massive brown trout bulldogging at the end of your line in the crisp autumn air.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, if you're serious about landing the brown trout of your dreams, our fall float trips are where it's at. We've got the knowledge, we've got the spots, and we've got the flies to make it happen. But here's the deal - these autumn trips fill up fast. Like, really fast. Anglers know this is prime time, so don't sleep on booking your day. Whether you're a seasoned pro or looking to notch your first trophy brown, we'll put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it. So what are you waiting for? Give us a call, lock in your date, and get ready for some of the best big brown action Vermont has to offer. Trust me, when you're watching that fall sunset with a cooler full of big brown pictures, you'll be glad you did. Let's do this!

Customer Review

John Knows Best

quotes

John is the best guide. He really knows the water and works really hard to make sure you have a most successful day. He’s also a delightful personality

GL
Gary L

September 22, 2023

Learn more about the specie

Brown Trout

Brown trout are the big, wary trophies of Vermont's rivers. These fish average 12-20 inches but can reach over 30 in prime spots. They love deep pools, undercut banks, and submerged logs - anywhere they can ambush prey. Fall is prime time as browns get aggressive before spawning, chasing streamers and nymphs with abandon. Their golden-brown sides with red and black spots make for stunning photos. What makes browns special is their crafty nature and powerful fights. Hooking one often means an epic battle of wits and muscle. Many anglers consider them the ultimate fly fishing challenge. Their taste is excellent too - mild and sweet when properly prepared. For best results, focus on dawn/dusk periods and fish slower, deeper water. A local secret: try swinging large, dark streamers on cloudy days. Browns can't resist the wounded baitfish imitation. Just be ready when they hammer it - these fish don't mess around!

Brown Trout

About the Drift Boat

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2

Fall in Vermont brings cooler temperatures and hungry brown trout looking to fatten up before winter. This guided float trip takes you down scenic rivers in search of those big, aggressive browns decked out in their vibrant spawning colors. While you may not catch as many fish as during the spring and summer, the potential for landing a trophy-sized trout is at its peak. Your expert guide will help you target these beauties using terrestrials, nymphs, and streamers - matching the hatch and the trout's fall feeding patterns. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fly fishing, you'll appreciate the crisp autumn air, colorful foliage, and chance to battle some of Vermont's largest brown trout. It's a perfect way to experience the beauty of a New England fall while chasing that fish of a lifetime. Just remember to bring your camera to capture the vivid colors of both the landscape and your catch!
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On Sabbatical for Spring 2025.

Let's get out and chase some trout and enjoy the beauty southern Vermont has to offer. Questions? jssr1958@gmail.com

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