Fishing Season: Trout Season Opens, April 13 until October 31

Ottauquechee River - VT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

36

Woodstock Inn's Tip of the Week

The Ottaquechee is currently at 127 CFS as of 5/23 and coming up. This is a fishable flow for wade anglers all reaches of the river. Water temps at the start of the day are ranging from low to mid 50's and spiking in the afternoon, particuarly on warmer/sunny days. Rainbow trout spawning is in full force so be mindful of spawning areas redds (oval shaped lighter areas in shallow gravel riffles). These are where the trout deposit their eggs. Sometimes the spawn will continue into June so 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 June). If you walk on the eggs you are killing future generations of wild trout. With the increase of bug activity recently nymphs of all sizes have been producing (mayflies, caddis flies, and stoneflies). Steamers (large and small) of all sizes and colors have been consitently producing larger trout, espically in these higher flows. 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 coming soon your approach needs to be slow and stealthy. Quality drifts are 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 Monday-Saturday 9-5pm, we are located behind the Woodstock Inn & Resort on Cross Street. Call 802-457-5530 or email fish@woodstockinn.com to book a trip or get more info on our program.

Directions open in app

Map of Ottauquechee River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 5/23/25

Flows are somewhat high and dropping and water temps will remain pretty consistent through the weekend. Weather does look warmer next week which will provide for some great fishing opportunies. 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).

Techniques & Tips as of 5/23/25

Local Species Available Trout Season Opens, April 13 until October 31

  • Fish Icon

    Trout

  • Fish Icon

    Bass

Woodstock Inn's Recommended Fly Patterns

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

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer Black
Mickey Finn N/A
Light Hendrickson N/A
Elk Wing Caddis N/A
Adams Parachute Dry Fly N/A

Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer

Every angler needs an assortment of these weighted attractor Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer flies.

Woodstock Inn's Recommended Gear

Description: About Ottauquechee River

We break up the Ottaquechee into 5 sections, The Upper (Bridgewater to the Rec Center in Woodstock), Woodstock (Woodstock to the Taftsville Bridge), Quechee (Taftsville Bridge to Simon Pearce Dam), Simon Pearce Gorge (Below SP Dam to the Quechee Gorge Dam and the Quechee Gorge (Route 4 Bridge to end of the Gorge). The Ottau is open year-round for trout fishing for Catch & Release with only artificial bait, lures and flies.

Nearest Airport:

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

Best Time to Fish:

10-Dark