Fishing Season: Year round. Nov. 1 to Friday before 2nd Sat. in April, catch and release only

Black River - VT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

45

Woodstock Inn's Tip of the Week

The black is currently at 62.2 CFS as of 10/18 and dropping. This is a very fishable flow for wade anglers. Water temps are excellent for trout fishing. Ranging from the mid 40s-lower 50s as the day progresses. Brown trout spawning is already in progress on some rivers, so keep an eye out for redds (oval shaped lighter areas in shallow gravel riffles). These are where the trout deposit their eggs. Please leave the spawning trout alone, it’s unsporting to target them and only adds to spawning stress. If you do see a redd you are going to want to avoid walking anywhere near it. Those deposited eggs will drift around as flows increase and decrease until they hatch (typically in march). If you walk on the eggs you are killing future generations of wild trout. If you are looking to target trout this time of year targeting rainbows is a best way to avoid spawning trout. All tactics are in play this time of year. Go to nymphs this time of year are going to be isonychia, blue winged olive, and large/small stonefly patterns. These are going to be the most prevalent insect in the drift. Our guides have been having a lot of success on nymphs lately. For dry flies it's going to be isonychia's and blue winged olives as well. These hatches have been pretty prevalent so far this fall. Steamers of all sizes and colors have been producing. Pick your days when streamer fishing, overcast days when the water is off color is going to be your best bet. With low and clear water your approach needs to be slow and stealthy. Quality drifts is always better than quantity drifts when presenting your fly. Taking time to observe before stepping into the water is crucial. Midweek and Weekend updates can be found on Instagram/Facebook at @woodstockfishingguides. THE FLY SHOP @ THE WOODSTOCK INN & RESORT is open daily from 9am-5pm. We are located in our Spring/Summer/Fall location in the Activity Center (located behind the Woodstock Inn & Resort on Cross Street). Join our Orvis Endorsed Guide Team and learn Basic Fly Casting and other fundamentals (equipment, gear & strategy), plus a different advanced topic at each gathering! Interested in Fly Tying? Socialize and meet other anglers and “talk fishing.” These events are free and open to the public. Please RSVP, walk-ins are welcome as space allows! Call 802-457-5530 or email fish@woodstockinn.com These events are free and open to the public. Please RSVP, walk-ins are welcome as space allows! Call 802-457-5530 or email fish@woodstockinn.com

Directions open in app

Map of Black River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 10/18/24

Flows are low and water temps are going to continue to drop this weekend. Weather does look warmer next week with air temps ranging in the 60s-70s which will provide for some great fall fishing opportunity. Midweek and Weekend updates can be found on Instagram/Facebook at @woodstockfishingguides. THE FLY SHOP @ THE WOODSTOCK INN & RESORT is open daily from 9am-5pm. We are located in our Spring/Summer/Fall location in the Activity Center (located behind the Woodstock Inn & Resort on Cross Street). After Hours: September 19th 5:30-7 PM Join our Orvis Endorsed Guide Team and learn Basic Fly Casting and other fundamentals (equipment, gear & strategy), plus a different advanced topic at each gathering! Interested in Fly Tying? Socialize and meet other anglers and “talk fishing.” These events are free and open to the public.

Techniques & Tips as of 10/18/24

Dry fly fishing and nymph fishing has been good at these lower flows. Consider downsizing your tippet when the conditions are like this. These events are free and open to the public. Please RSVP, walk-ins are welcome as space allows! Call 802-457-5530 or email fish@woodstockinn.comcan be effective. Midweek and Weekend updates can be found on Instagram/Facebook at @woodstockfishingguides. THE FLY SHOP @ THE WOODSTOCK INN & RESORT is open daily from 9am-5pm. We are located in our Spring/Summer/Fall location in the Activity Center (located behind the Woodstock Inn & Resort on Cross Street).

Local Species Available Year round. Nov. 1 to Friday before 2nd Sat. in April, catch and release only

  • Fish Icon

    Trout

Woodstock Inn's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Flashback Scud Wet Hare's Ear Olive
Chernobyl Ant N/A
Hopper White
Cream Variant N/A
Stonefly Nymphs green 16
Wooley Buggers Black/Green 8
Quasimodo Pheasant Tail N/A
Bead Head American Pheasant Tail N/A
Streamers White/Green 4
Copper John N/A

Flashback Scud Wet Hare's Ear

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Woodstock Inn's Recommended Gear

Description: About Black River

One of Vermont’s “Trophy Trout” stocking program rivers. Fish the Black River along Route 131 in Weathersfield and Cavendish, from Downers covered bridge upstream (approximately 4 miles) to the next bridge across the river, the Howard Hill bridge. Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout: length limit, none; daily limit, 2 trout aggregate Open year-round from Howard Hill bridge downstream to CT River. Nov. 1 to Friday before the second Saturday in April, open ONLY TO TROUT FISHING (Catch and Release Only) using artificial flies and lures.

Nearest Airport:

Lebanon, NH, Rutland, VT, Boston, MA, Burlington, VT

Hatches:

Hopper Crayfish Sculpin Caddis

Best Time to Fish:

Early AM

Best Stretch:

Route 131 in Weathersfield and Cavendish, from covered bridge near Downer's Corners, upstream to Howard Hill Rd. bridge.

Best Access:

Trophy Section