Mettawee River
The Mettawee River flows through western Vermont's agricultural valleys, offering accessible fly fishing for wild brown, rainbow, and native brook trout. Best fished where tributaries create pools and cooling water, the Mettawee provides a beginner-friendly introduction to Vermont fly fishing.
Current Conditions
Overview
The Mettawee River flows south through western Vermont's Champlain Valley before entering New York. The river passes through agricultural land and offers good trout fishing, particularly where cold tributaries enter and create thermal refugia. Wild brown, rainbow, and brook trout inhabit the river, with brook trout in cooler tributary sections.
Water Characteristics
Freestone river flowing through agricultural valley. Water quality good in upper sections. Gravel and sand substrate. Focus fishing where tributaries add cold water.
Wading & Float Guide
Easy wading with gravel and sand bottom. Moderate current. Accessible for beginning anglers and families.
Upper sections
Gentle float through valley. Primarily done by canoe or kayak.
Rod & Tackle Guide
Mettawee River
- Rod
- 9' 5-weight
- Line
- Weight-forward floating
- Leader & Tippet
- 9' tapered to 4X or 5X
Standard trout setup. Good river for beginning fly anglers.
Seasonal Fishing Guide
Spring
Spring fishing opens second Saturday in April. Focus on tributary junctions where cold water attracts trout. Caddis and mayfly hatches begin in May.
Summer
Summer fishing best in early morning and evening. Focus on pools where tributaries enter. Terrestrial patterns effective along banks.
Fall
Fall provides excellent fishing as temperatures cool. Blue-Winged Olives hatch on overcast days. Trout more active throughout the day.
Fishing Pressure & Local Tips
Light pressure overall. Local anglers frequent the river. Good option for uncrowded fishing.
Local Knowledge
Fish where cold tributaries enter the main river. These areas provide thermal refugia and concentrate trout. Standard freestone tactics work well.
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.
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.
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.
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Suggested Fly | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis) afternoon | Parachute Adams | ||||||||||||
Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis) afternoon | BWO Emerger | ||||||||||||
Caddisflies (various) evening | Elk Hair Caddis | ||||||||||||
Terrestrials (hoppers, ants) afternoon | Chubby Chernobyl | ||||||||||||
March Browns afternoon | Parachute Adams | ||||||||||||
Stoneflies (various) all day | Pat's Rubber Legs |
Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis): Spring BWOs. Size 16-20.
Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis): Fall BWOs. Size 18-20.
Caddisflies (various): Summer caddis. Size 14-18.
Terrestrials (hoppers, ants): Terrestrials along grassy banks. Size 12-18.
March Browns: Late spring hatch. Size 10-12.
Stoneflies (various): Stonefly nymphs. Size 8-12.
Recommended Flies
Parachute Adams
Top PickUniversal mayfly pattern for beginner-friendly water.
Best in spring
BWO Emerger
Top PickBWO emerger for fall fishing.
Best in fall
Elk Hair Caddis
Top PickCaddis dry for summer hatches.
Best in summer
Pheasant Tail Nymph
Top PickPheasant Tail nymph effective year-round.
Best in spring
Chubby Chernobyl
Top PickTerrestrial patterns along grassy banks. Size 12-18.
Best in summer
Also Effective
Access Points & Boat Launches
Pawlet Village Access
Wade AccessEasyIn-town access in Pawlet providing convenient fishing to Mettawee River. Focus on tributary junctions where cold water attracts trout. Good for beginners and families. Easy wading.
Route 30 Fishing Access
Wade AccessEasyRoadside access along Route 30 providing multiple entry points to Mettawee River. Fish where tributaries enter for best trout concentrations. Wild brown, rainbow, and brook trout.
Rupert Bridge Access
Wade AccessEasyAccess near Rupert providing wade fishing to Mettawee River. Gentle current and gravel bottom make this section accessible for all skill levels. Good brown trout fishing.
Regulations
Regulations
General trout regulations: second Saturday in April through October 31. Vermont fishing license required. Check vtfishandwildlife.com for current rules.
Always verify current regulations with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks before fishing.
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Quick Facts
- Region
- Western Vermont / Rutland County
- Water Type
- Freestone
- River Length
- 30 miles fishable in Vermont
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Best Seasons
- spring, summer, fall
- Trout Per Mile
- 150-350 depending on section
- Record Trout
- Brown trout over 14 inches
- Species
- Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout
- USGS Gauge
- 04280450
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