Deerfield River (Upper)
The upper Deerfield River in Vermont offers excellent tailwater fly fishing below Searsburg Dam, with reliable hatches, technical dry fly fishing, and healthy populations of brown and rainbow trout. This section provides a challenging and rewarding alternative to the more famous Massachusetts sections downstream.
Current Conditions
Overview
The Deerfield River begins in southern Vermont and flows south into Massachusetts. The Vermont section below Searsburg Dam provides quality tailwater fishing with cold, clear water released from the reservoir. While the Massachusetts sections of the Deerfield are better known, the Vermont headwaters offer excellent fishing with less pressure and beautiful mountain scenery.
Water Characteristics
Tailwater with cold, clear water released from Searsburg Reservoir. Consistent temperatures support year-round trout populations. Rocky substrate with good insect diversity.
Wading & Float Guide
Tailwater with rocky bottom and moderate to strong current below dam. Wading can be challenging during releases. Studded boots essential.
Below Searsburg Dam
Upper section is primarily wade-fished. Most floating occurs on Massachusetts sections downstream.
Rod & Tackle Guide
Deerfield River (Vermont)
- Rod
- 9' 5-weight
- Line
- Weight-forward floating
- Leader & Tippet
- 9-12' tapered to 4X or 5X
Standard trout setup for tailwater fishing. Longer leaders for selective fish in clear water.
Seasonal Fishing Guide
Spring
Spring fishing begins at opener. Tailwater provides consistent temperatures. Blue-Winged Olives hatch on overcast afternoons. Caddis begin emerging in May.
Summer
Summer brings diverse hatches including caddis, mayflies, and terrestrials. Water releases from dam affect fishing; check flow schedules.
Fall
Fall provides excellent Blue-Winged Olive hatches and streamer fishing. Brown trout become more aggressive as spawning season approaches.
Fishing Pressure & Local Tips
Moderate pressure, less than Massachusetts sections. Local anglers and those seeking less-crowded water visit this section.
Local Knowledge
Check dam release schedules before fishing. Water levels can change rapidly. Fish below dam during lower releases for best access and wading safety.
Species Present
Brown Trout
The brown trout is the most cunning and elusive trout species swimming in Montana's rivers, and it rewards patient, skilled anglers with some of the state's most memorable catches. Originally native to Europe and western Asia, brown trout were first introduced to North American waters in 1883 and arrived in Montana shortly thereafter. They have since established robust, self-sustaining populations in virtually every major trout stream in the state, from the legendary spring creeks of the Paradise Valley to the sweeping runs of the lower Madison and the deep pools of the Bighorn. Brown trout grow larger than any other trout species in Montana, and fish exceeding 24 inches are caught with regularity on premium waters. The lower Madison River, the Missouri River below Holter Dam, and the Bighorn River are particularly renowned for producing trophy-class browns. Unlike rainbows, brown trout spawn in the fall (October through November), and their aggressive pre-spawn behavior creates an exciting window for streamer fishing as large males become territorial and attack anything that enters their domain. Browns are notably more nocturnal than other trout species, and many of the biggest fish are caught during low-light conditions. What sets brown trout apart from other species is their wariness and selectivity. Large browns are notoriously difficult to fool, often refusing flies that are even slightly off in size, color, or presentation. They tend to establish and defend prime feeding lies (undercut banks, logjams, deep pools, and boulder gardens), and an angler who learns to read water and identify these holding spots will consistently catch more and larger fish. This combination of difficulty, size potential, and intelligence makes the brown trout the most prized quarry for many serious Montana fly fishers.
Rainbow Trout
The rainbow trout is Montana's most widespread and popular gamefish, celebrated for its explosive surface strikes, aerial acrobatics, and willingness to take a well-presented dry fly. Native to Pacific Coast drainages from Alaska to Mexico, rainbows were first introduced to Montana's waters in the late 1800s and have since established thriving populations in nearly every major river system in the state. On legendary waters like the Madison, Missouri, and Bighorn, wild rainbow trout grow fat on prolific insect hatches and provide some of the finest dry-fly fishing in North America. Rainbow trout in Montana display remarkable variation depending on their home water. Fish in nutrient-rich tailwaters like the Missouri River below Holter Dam can exceed 20 inches with regularity, their deep bodies and broad tails reflecting the abundant food supply. Freestone river rainbows, such as those in the upper Madison and Gallatin, tend to be leaner and more athletic, shaped by faster currents and colder water temperatures. In many Montana rivers, rainbows spawn in the spring from March through June, and anglers should be mindful of spawning redds during this period to protect future generations of fish. Rainbows are arguably the most versatile trout species for fly anglers. They respond well to dry flies during hatches, aggressively chase streamers, and feed heavily on nymphs subsurface throughout the year. Their fighting ability is legendary: a hooked rainbow will often launch itself completely out of the water multiple times during a battle. Montana's catch-and-release regulations on many blue-ribbon streams have produced exceptional rainbow trout fisheries with high densities of large, healthy fish that continue to draw anglers from around the world.
Brook Trout
The brook trout is widely considered the most beautiful freshwater fish in North America, and catching one in a pristine Montana mountain stream is an experience that captures the essence of backcountry fly fishing. Despite their common name, brook trout are not true trout at all; they are a species of char (genus Salvelinus), more closely related to lake trout and Arctic char than to rainbows or browns. Native to eastern North America from Georgia to Hudson Bay, brook trout were among the first salmonids introduced to Montana's waters in the late 1800s and have since established self-sustaining populations in cold, high-elevation streams and lakes throughout the state. In Montana, brook trout thrive best in small, cold headwater streams and high mountain lakes where competition from larger trout species is minimal. In these environments, they are often the dominant, or only, salmonid present. The trade-off is size: Montana stream-dwelling brook trout typically range from 6 to 10 inches, with fish over 12 inches considered noteworthy in most waters. What they lack in size, however, they more than make up for in beauty and willingness to eat a fly. Brookies are aggressive feeders that will strike attractor dry flies, nymphs, and small streamers with enthusiasm, making them an ideal species for beginning fly anglers and a delightful quarry for anyone who appreciates small-stream fishing. Brook trout do present a conservation paradox in Montana. While they are a beloved and beautiful gamefish, they are non-native and can negatively impact native species, particularly Yellowstone and westslope cutthroat trout. In headwater streams, brook trout often outcompete cutthroats for food and spawning habitat due to their higher reproductive rate and earlier maturation. As a result, Montana FWP has implemented brook trout removal projects on some streams to restore native cutthroat populations. In many waters, liberal harvest limits for brook trout are encouraged to reduce their numbers and benefit native fish. Anglers can enjoy excellent brook trout fishing while actively helping conservation by keeping a few for the pan.
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Suggested Fly | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis) afternoon | BWO Emerger | ||||||||||||
Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis) afternoon | RS2 | ||||||||||||
Caddisflies (various) evening | Elk Hair Caddis | ||||||||||||
Midges morning | Zebra Midge | ||||||||||||
Hendrickson afternoon | Parachute Adams | ||||||||||||
Stoneflies (various) all day | Pat's Rubber Legs | ||||||||||||
Terrestrials (ants) afternoon | Chubby Chernobyl |
Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis): Spring BWOs in tailwater. Size 18-20.
Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis): Fall BWOs excellent. RS2 effective. Size 18-22.
Caddisflies (various): Summer caddis hatches. Size 14-18.
Midges: Tailwater midge activity. Size 18-24.
Hendrickson: Brief spring hatch. Size 12-14.
Stoneflies (various): Stonefly nymphs productive. Size 8-12.
Terrestrials (ants): Small terrestrial patterns. Size 14-18.
Recommended Flies
BWO Emerger
Top PickBWO emerger essential for tailwater fishing. Size 18-22.
Best in spring
RS2
Top PickRS2 deadly during fall BWO hatches in clear tailwater.
Best in fall
Elk Hair Caddis
Top PickCaddis dry for summer hatches.
Best in summer
Zebra Midge
Top PickMidge patterns important in tailwater. Size 18-24.
Best in winter
Pheasant Tail Nymph
Top PickPheasant Tail nymph tailwater staple.
Best in spring
Access Points & Boat Launches
Searsburg Dam Access
Wade AccessModerateAccess below Searsburg Dam providing entry to Vermont's section of the Deerfield River. Tailwater conditions with consistent temperatures and good trout populations. Technical fishing in clear water.
Somerset Road Access
Wade AccessModerateUpstream access providing fishing below reservoir. Cold water release supports good brown and rainbow trout fishing. Less pressure than Massachusetts sections downstream.
Regulations
Regulations
General trout regulations apply. Second Saturday in April through October 31. Vermont fishing license required. Check vtfishandwildlife.com for current regulations.
Always verify current regulations with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks before fishing.
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Quick Facts
- Region
- Southern Vermont / Windham County
- Water Type
- Tailwater
- River Length
- 8 miles of fishable water in Vermont
- Difficulty
- Intermediate-Advanced
- Best Seasons
- spring, summer, fall
- Trout Per Mile
- 500-800 below dam
- Record Trout
- Brown trout over 16 inches
- Species
- Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout
- USGS Gauge
- 01168500
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