Current River Conditions

May  6,  2008

 The  White  River:

Water Temperature:   52 Degrees

River Flow:    2610 cfs  >  Falling

Water Clarity:   Clearing

Wading Conditions:   Difficult
 

The  Ottauquechee  River:

Water Temperature:   53 Degrees

River Flow:    85 cfs  >  Falling

Water Clarity:   Clearing

Wading Conditions:   Difficult

Fishing Report   

Under 200 cfs:  During the fall, the dry fly fishing can be exceptional on the entire river at these flows, if you capitalize on the abundant BWO and midge activity.  In warm weather, water temperatures can become a major issue.  Fish early in the day and concentrate on the riffles that empty into deep pools.  The mouths of the tributaries and places where springs enter the river will hold trout when water temps creep into the 70's.  Don't forget about the smallmouth in the lower river, they are excellent sport on the fly rod!
200-500 cfs:  These are the conditions we see the most during the regular season.  Levels are optimum for wade trips, but float trips are confined to the lower river (below Royalton) where excellent populations of trout and big smallmouth bass exists.  Wading is relatively easy, but inexperienced waders will find a staff useful in the riffles.  The trout will be in their normal lies and fishing should be great.  Go for the bass when water temps are an issue.  Throw a big streamer and hold on!
500-1200 cfs:  Superb flows for a drift trip from Bethel downstream to West Hartford.  Wade fishing can be equally productive, but be prepared for some challenging river crossings when the river is at 750-1200 cfs.  The trout can be anywhere.  Large nymphs and streamers will consistently put trout in the boat.  These are common conditions during late spring/early summer.
1200-2800 cfs:  A drift trip is about your only option at these flows anywhere on the main stem of the river, unless you want to spot hop the pools.  At the upper end of these levels wading can be downright dangerous.  The good news is, the Third Branch and the Ottauquechee River are now options for floating in addition to our normal areas on the main stem.  Throwing big streamers to the banks or deep nymphing the runs can produce some impressive fish.  The angler who can cast quickly and accurately should see a great deal of action.  Five or six weight, fast action rods with heavy tippets and a lot of weight are the norm.  These are typical conditions during the early season and my favorite drift boat flows for big trout.  The wading angler should find a tributary or try the headwaters of the White or it's branches.