Ready to chase some of the East Coast's wiliest trout? Strap on your waders and hop aboard our 14' Smithfly raft for a day you won't forget on Vermont's legendary waters. Whether you're casting flies on the famed Battenkill or one of our local honey holes, this 6-hour float trip serves up prime spots that'll make any angler weak in the knees. With Vermont Flyfishers, you're not just fishing - you're tapping into decades of local knowledge and techniques that'll put you on fish when others come up empty.
Picture this: You're drifting down a pristine Vermont river, mist rising off the water as you cast to rising trout. Our seasoned guides know every bend, riffle, and undercut bank where the big ones lurk. We'll mix it up between fishing from the boat and hopping out to wade the most promising runs. No cookie-cutter approach here - we adapt our tactics to match the day's hatch and fish behavior. From nymphing deep pools to tossing dry flies on glassy flats, we've got a few tricks up our sleeve to entice even the most finicky trout.
Forget about crowded sections of river - our raft gets us to the good stuff that's out of reach for most anglers. We're talking pristine water where the trout haven't seen a thousand flies this week. Our guide's arsenal includes time-tested patterns, some old-school techniques your grandpa might recognize, and a few secret weapons we've cooked up over the years. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, we'll tailor the day to your skill level and make sure you're dialed in on the right approach. Expect to pick up some new tricks that'll up your game long after the trip's over.
"Fun day chasing trout. Tough conditions with heavy flow on the river and muddy water but John put me on fish. Great trip, location and day. Highly recommend!" - David
"We had a great time even that the trout didn't cooperate that day. Beautiful river the Hoosick, full of pools." - Emilio
"John is the best guide I've ever had which is why whenever I'm fishing in New England, he's my guy. Knowledge, enthusiastic, positive and very hard working. I always catch a lot of fish with him." - Gary
Brook Trout: These native beauties are the jewels of Vermont's rivers. Known for their stunning colors and feisty attitudes, brook trout thrive in the colder, oxygen-rich waters of our mountain streams. They might not be the biggest fish in the river, but what they lack in size, they make up for in fight and sheer beauty. Spring and fall are prime times to target these guys, when water temperatures are just right and they're actively feeding. There's nothing quite like the rush of seeing a brookie slash at your dry fly in a tumbling pocket water.
Brown Trout: The crafty browns are the challenge many anglers come looking for. These fish grow big and wise in our rivers, often holding in deep runs and under cut banks. They're known for being selective feeders, so matching the hatch and presenting your fly just right is key. Fall is trophy brown season, when these fish get aggressive before the spawn. Hooking into a 20+ inch brown is the stuff of Vermont fishing legends, and it's a real possibility on our waters.
Rainbow Trout: The acrobats of the trout world, rainbows are known for their spectacular fights and airborne leaps. These fish thrive in our faster-moving water sections and are often eager to take a well-presented fly. Spring sees some great rainbow action as fish key in on hatches like the Hendrickson mayflies. Don't be surprised if you hook into a chunky rainbow that takes you for a ride downstream - it's all part of the thrill!
Look, we could go on all day about the joys of fly fishing these Vermont waters, but nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. Whether you're looking to scratch that fishing itch, learn some new techniques, or just spend a day soaking in the Green Mountain scenery, this trip delivers. Our spots fill up fast, especially during prime seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call, and let's get you out on the water for a day of world-class fly fishing you'll be talking about for years to come. The trout are waiting - are you ready to meet them?
July 4, 2022
John is an excellent guide, a master of the the Vermont waters, and such a joy to be around. For as much knowledge (and hopefully fish) as you will collect on your trip, the most valuable aspect will be the time on the water with John.
October 4, 2022
Fun day chasing trout. Tough conditions with heavy flow on the river and muddy water but John put me on fish. Great trip, location and day. Highly recommend!
November 1, 2022
We had a great time even that the trout didn't cooperate that day. Beautiful river the Hoosick, full of pools.
April 23, 2023
Great trip & John was very knowledgeable!
July 5, 2023
John is the best guide I’ve ever had which is why whenever I’m fishing in New England, he’s my guy. Knowledge, enthusiastic, positive and very hard working. I always catch a lot of fish with him.
June 4, 2024
Vermont's native jewel, the brook trout, is a small but feisty fighter. These beauties usually run 8-12 inches, with vibrant colors that'll knock your socks off. You'll find 'em in cold, clear streams and rivers, often hiding near fallen logs or undercut banks. Early spring and fall are prime times, when the water's cool and they're most active. Anglers love 'em for their striking looks and the challenge of coaxing them out of tight spots. They're also mighty tasty if you decide to keep a few. Here's a local tip: when the water's low and clear, try a small dry fly with a dropper nymph about 18 inches below. Gets 'em every time.
Brown trout are the heavyweights of our local rivers, often growing to 20 inches or more. These crafty fish love deep pools and undercut banks, especially in the Battenkill. They're most active at dawn and dusk, feeding on everything from insects to small fish. Fall's the best time to target big browns as they get aggressive before spawning. Anglers prize them for their hard-fighting nature and the skill it takes to fool one. They're also excellent table fare. If you're after a trophy, try this: use larger streamers or mouse patterns at night. The bigger browns often come out to hunt after dark, and that's when you might hook into something truly special.
Rainbows are the acrobats of Vermont's rivers, known for their spectacular leaps when hooked. They typically range from 12-20 inches and love fast-moving water. You'll find them in riffles and runs, often holding in seams where fast water meets slow. Spring and early summer are great times to target them, especially during insect hatches. Anglers love rainbows for their hard fights and willingness to take a fly. They're also excellent eating if you're looking for a fish dinner. Here's a tip that works well on our local waters: when fishing nymphs, try using a dropper fly about 18 inches below your main fly. Often, the rainbow will take the smaller, trailing fly.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
My husband and I went out for a float trip with John. We had never been fly fishing before. John started our session out of the river teaching us the basics of fly fishing which was extremely helpful. Once we were in the water, John was a patient and encouraging teacher. It was fun to learn about something we had never done before from an expert with a wealth of experience and knowledge. During the whole trip, John was attentive and gave very helpful feedback to grow our skills. The best part of the trip was putting everything we had learned into action and catching our first trout. Overall, he took us from no experience fly fishing to being comfortable out on the river. We both want to keep up this new found hobby! Thank you to John for a truly excellent first experience. I would highly recommend taking a trip with John to anyone. 10/10.