Classic New England Waters


NEW HAMPSHIRE-VERMONT



Connecticut River

Few places in western New Hampshire and eastern Vermont offer more for trout fishermen than the Connecticut River. From Murphy Dam at the foot of Lake Francis downstream to Lyman Falls in Columbia, you will find just about every type of trout water, with plenty of easy access.

Despite warm temperatures and low water levels at times, especially during periods of little rain, lunker browns, rainbows and brook trout are always possible for the patient angler.

Below Murphy Dam in Pittsburg. The stretch is stocked annually, but the area also holds some wild fish. There is plenty of good water here, and under the right conditions, it's possible to wade from below the dam to the bridge in West Stewartstown. In between are good access points at the N.H. Fish and Game pull-off kiosk near the state garage on Route 3 and at the Clarksville covered bridge on what the locals call Bacon Bridge Road south of town.

The river is bigger downstream in West Stewartstown below Canaan Dam, and generally holds some good fish.

The stretch of water below the breached dam at Lyman Falls in Columbia is prime water, too. Browns and rainbows are the primary targets, but brook trout are a possibility. Foot access is off Route 3 via a private dirt road. Keep in mind this is catch-and-release water where only artificial lures and flies may be used. Check the current freshwater fishing digest for regulations governing river anglers.

NEW HAMPSHIRE


Lower Androscoggin River

The upper Androscoggin River around Errol is well-known for its trout resources. But the downstream stretch from Berlin to the border with Maine is coming into its own as one of the best in northern New England. Of particular interest is the water above and below the Shelburne Dam in Shelburne. Here are several miles of mixed trout water suitable for wading and drifting, with big browns and rainbows a good possibility.

The stretch above Shelburne Dam sometimes suffers from low water and high temperatures, in summer but the area below the dam is managed as part of New Hampshire's Quality Trout Program, which means that special catch-and-release, artificial lure/fly-fishing regulations are in effect.

The river is also fed by several tributaries, including the Leadmine, Peabody and Austin Mill brooks on the north side and the Rattle River on the south. The mouths of these feeders generally hold fish.

Access to the river is possible at several points along Route 16 above Shelburne Dam. A trail leads from the Gorham Highway Department facility to where the Peabody River enters, and there is also upstream access at the dam to Reflection Pond, where canoes may be launched. Below the dam, there is public access from the state land on Route 2 leading to some good water, but Hogan Road runs parallel to the river upstream on the north bank after departing Route 2.

There is also a set of double bridges farther downstream in Shelburne off Meadow Road, which leads to North Road. The road travels upstream to eventually connect with Hogan Road or downstream toward Maine, opening up even more productive water.

For more information, contact the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department at (603) 271-3421; or visit them at www.wildlife.state.nh.us.

VERMONT


Batten Kill

Vermont's Batten Kill River is born in the Green Mountains and flows for nearly 50 miles, crossing the border into New York State. In Manchester, the headquarters for the Orvis Corporation sits on the banks of the Batten Kill along historic Route 7A. The Batten Kill is an all-year fishery. Cold underground springs help provide cool water throughout the summer months. It has not been stocked since 1971, and wild browns proliferate along with beautiful brook trout, some
reaching 12 or more inches long. Flowing out of East Dorset just a few miles northeast of Manchester, the Batten Kill is small. It tumbles and meanders along Route 7, which splits into Route 7 and old Route 7A just below Dorset. The top end of the river, from East Dorset into Manchester, is characterized by its short riffles, runs, and pools. It holds some nice
brook trout and a few browns.

Just below Manchester, Union Street crosses the river and offers a section of "fly fishing only" water from the bridge south for approximately one mile. Below Manchester, the Battenkill slightly increases in size with the help of Lye Brook, Mill Brook, and a couple of other small feeder creeks. Larger pools are prevalent here and it's easier to find holding water. Below Manchester, the river flows through the town of Arlington. Here it makes a sharp bend towards the west and flows for approximately three miles until it reaches West Arlington. With faster runs and good oxygenation, this portion of river is a little wider and shallower, making it a good stretch of river to fish.
Just west of West Arlington, the Batten Kill crosses the New York border. There is a special regulations area at the NY border downstream. Fishing on the New York side is as good as in Vermont and offers some nice places to pull over and fish. Here, Route 313 follows the river from West Arlington across the border. The river flows through a few towns in New York, until finally reaching the Hudson River.

Hatches are prolific due to the cold water throughout the year, and insects are able to survive the hot summers here, unlike many freestone rivers. Hendricksons, Blue Quills, and Red Quills can be found early in the year. As the year wears on, many other types of Mayflies will keep you busy. You'll also find many Stoneflies and Caddis hatching from April to July. By August, terrestrial fishing can prove to be very good.

Winooski River System

Rising in the foothills of Cabot and draining more than 1,000 square miles, the Winooski River system is the largest watershed in Vermont. Along its 70-mile course to Lake Champlain, the fabulous main stem and its myriad of smaller, cooler tributaries offer brook, brown and rainbow trout in every conceivable habitat imaginable. Throw in some picturesque scenery, and you have a combination that's difficult to beat.

In its headwaters from Cabot down through Marshfield and Plainfield to about East Montpelier, the river is relatively small, but it's good brook trout water with some rainbows adding to the mix. Route 2 and Route 215 parallel the river nearly the entire way and provide easy access at many points and crossings.

At Montpelier, the North Branch enters and offers a mix of brookies and browns. It may be accessed at spots from Route 12. Below Montpelier, the Dog River enters from the south. One of the state's true Blue Ribbon trout streams, it offers good cover and water through much of the season, along with some trophy-class browns. Access is along Route 12 heading toward Northfield.

Downstream in the main stem are miles of prime trout water, all the way to Waterbury along Route 2.

Another prime trout tributary is the Mad River, which is downstream from Middlesex and home to both stocked and wild fish. While it receives its share of attention, it is worth getting to know.

Farther downstream at Waterbury, the Little River enters on the north side from Waterbury Reservoir. The waters from the impoundment keep the river cool throughout the summer, and there are always trout worth pursuing in the main stem near the mouth of and into the Little River. The Little River Road offers access.

For information on fishing in Vermont, contact the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department