White River - VT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

36

Woodstock Inn's Tip of the Week

The White is currently at 498 CFS as of 12/3 and dropping. This is a very fishable flow for wade anglers. Ice has been present in the river more apparent in the lower river compared to the upper. That is a pretty standard rule on most systems throughout the winter. Water temps are are ranging from low to mid 30's and usually spiking in the afternoon. Winter fishing is all about windows. The best days to fish in the winter is when the water temperature spikes this often gets the bugs going which gets the fish going. Brown trout spawning is coming to an end but still be mindful of spawning areas so keep an eye out for old redds (oval shaped lighter areas in shallow gravel riffles). These are where the trout deposit their eggs. Sometimes the spawn will continue into December 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 march). If you walk on the eggs you are killing future generations of wild trout. Targeting deeper and slower pools is a proven tactic this time of year but even on very cold days fish will slide up into slower riffles. Nymphs of all sizes have been producing as well as jigged streamers. 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 Fridays 12-3pm and Saturdays 8-4pm (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 White River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 12/3/24

Flows are medium and water temps will remain pretty consistent through the weekend. Weather does look warmer next week which will provide for some great winter 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 12/3/24

Local Species Available

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    Smallmouth Bass

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    Rainbow

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    Brown

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    and Brook Trout

Woodstock Inn's Recommended Gear

  • Best Fly Fishing Rod:

    3-Weight 10' Fly Rod

  • Best Floating Fly Line:

    Freshwater Bass WF Fly Line

  • Best Sinking Fly Line:

    Bank Shot Sink Tip Fly Line

Description: About White River

The White River is open year-round for trout fishing for Catch & Release with only artificial bait, lures and flies. Important tributaries are closed for the month of May. Check state fishing regulations for more info. White River: From the Connecticut River boundary upstream to the bridge on Route 107 in Bethel. The sections of streams listed below are open to trout fishing year round according to the following rules: Only artificial flies or lures are permitted outside of the open season for trout (2nd Sat. in April – Oct. 31). Catch and release only (trout must be immediately released where caught), except during the open season for trout. During open season for trout, follow normal size restrictions, daily limits and possession limits. The White River is a free-flowing, undammed, 60mile long tributary of the Connecticut River. It begins near the crest of the Green Mountains, flows east through the towns of Granville and turns south along Route 100 through the towns of Hancock and Rochester. The river follows Vermont Route 107 through the town of Stockbridge downstream to the town of Bethel, where the Third Branch enters the White River. The main stem of the river will continue past the Second Branch in Royalton and the First Branch in South Royalton. Brooks will feed the White from South Royalton to the confluence with the Connecticut River in White River Junction, VT.

Nearest Airport:

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

Best Time to Fish:

10-Dark