August 26th, BattenKill River, W. Arlington VT

What a beautiful summer we have had since my last report! Lots of sunny days but not the heat like we had in early July! Days are beginning to get shorter, so the longer cool nites have allowed water temps. to be very good considering the lack of rain. In looking at water flow data for the last 45 days, yes waters are a little lower than normal, but all in all not bad. The Batten Kill is running about 165 cfs, the Walloomsac 60 cfs, these levels are a little off the median, but not bad! Only the Mettawee is very low with VT levels probably in the 15-20 cfs range as I write this. We had rises of water from rain event on the 25th July and August 6th. The fishing was definitely the best for several days after the rains.

Most of my fishing and guiding has been in the mornings, though I am starting this week to fish late afternoons. For hatches, we are still seeing fair numbers of tricos (22-24), some Blue Wing Olives (18-20) and several species of Caddis, especially the smaller cinnamon/tan caddis (16-18)and the start of our fall Caddis. Last week I saw the first Isonychia cases (Slate Wing Mohogany Dun, size 12) on streamside rocks, so its Isonychia time! Boy, I love swinging zug bug or Isonychia nymphs in fast water areas anticipating the jarring strikes! A great pattern is tied by local guide and fly tyer Chuck Kashner. Check out his fly offerings, nothing better than a local tied pattern!

We are coming into one of my favorite times of year to fish. Opportunities are in both mornings and evenings, so plan your fishing accordingly. We are starting to get a number of new hatches,all good leading into September.

If planning on coming up this way soon and want to fish, contact me soon. I do have some prime weekend dates open. Interestingly, as of late have been guiding more during weekdays so this leaves most weekends at least partially open.

Tight lines!!! See you on the water

Peter Basta