Fishing Outlook & Conditions
Water Temp:
69
Orvis Manchester's Tip of the Week
Conditions: The Battenkill remains very low and clear, but thanks to this week’s cooler overnight temperatures, water temps are finally dipping back into a more trout-friendly range during the early morning hours. While still not ideal for aggressive fishing pressure, there’s an open window for ethical catch-and-release trout fishing, especially in shaded sections and spring-fed runs.
Directions open in app
Water Flow Data
5-Day Outlook as of 8/2/25
Water Temperature: Early morning: low to mid-60s°F Midday: rising toward 68–70°F — please monitor with a thermometer Best Times to Fish: Dawn to mid-morning (before 10:30 AM) Evenings are cooler but stress levels may still be high for trout after a warm day
Techniques & Tips as of 8/2/25
Insect Activity & Hatches: Tricos in the morning (size 20–24) Light Caddis activity (size 16–18) Terrestrial season is in full swing — ants and beetles can be productive, especially tight to the banks and under overhangs Tactics: Target shaded areas, deeper pools, and areas with inflow from springs or feeder creeks Approach with stealth — water clarity is high and fish are spooky Consider barbless hooks and keep fish wet — quick releases are critical this time of year
Local Species Available Vermont and New York OPEN
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Trout
Orvis Manchester's Recommended Fly Patterns
"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:
Name: | Colors: | Size(s): |
---|---|---|
Tunghead Pheasant Tail | brown/Rust | # 12-16 |
Bead Head Hare's Ear Nymph | Natural | #12-14 |
Bead Head Stonefly | N/A | #14-16 |
Zonker | White | 4-8 |
Parachute Adams | Rust | 12-14 |
Rust Spinners | rust | 12-14 |
Sulphur Parachute | White | 14-16 |
Mosquito Dry Fly | Olive | 14-16 |
Sulpher | Pale Yellow | 16 |
Tunghead Pheasant Tail
Adding tungsten beads to mayfly patterns is relatively new.
2.99
Item #144J
Orvis Manchester's Recommended Gear
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Best Leader:
Super Strong Plus Leaders
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Best Tippet:
SuperStrong Plus Tippet in 30- and 100-meter spools
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Best Fly Fishing Rod:
5-Weight 9' Fly Rod
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Best Floating Fly Line:
WF Trout Fly Line
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Best Sinking Fly Line:
Bank Shot Sink Tip Fly Line