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Rivers & Streams

Battenkill River Fishing Guide

Vermont

A classic Vermont trout stream near Manchester, home of the American Museum of Fly Fishing.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to Battenkill River for brown trout and brook trout. The best months overall are Mar to Nov. In October, brown trout and brook trout are in season, and Parachute Adams, Blue-Winged Olive and Pheasant Tail Nymph are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 60 miles (5 fly, 7 bait and tackle); the closest is Orvis Manchester in Manchester, 3 mi away. Deerfield River is 35 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.

Best Months

Mar to Nov

In October

Brown Trout, Brook Trout

Methods

Fly fishing

Season at a Glance

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What You'll Catch

Battenkill River Species

Plan by Month

What to Use

Month
Fish

7 picks for October. ● means in season that month.

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Rod & Reel

Recommended Setups

Brown Trout

Fly 9 ft 5 or 6 wt rod, floating line for dries and nymphs, sink-tip with 0X to 2X for streamers.

Spin / Cast 6.5 to 7 ft light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 6 to 8 lb line. Jerkbaits and inline spinners.

Brook Trout

Fly 7 to 8 ft 3 or 4 wt rod, floating line, 7.5 ft 5X leader.

Spin / Cast 5 to 6 ft ultralight spinning rod, 1000 reel, 2 to 4 lb line.

Matched to These Species

Gear for Battenkill River

Fly Rods

Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod

A smooth, moderate-action rod that is forgiving for new casters and protects light tippet.

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Fly Rods

Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Outfit

A complete rod, reel, and line outfit that covers most trout water and small-stream bass.

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Fly Reels

Redington Behemoth Fly Reel

A strong, sealed drag at a modest price, made in sizes from trout to saltwater.

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Fly Lines

RIO Gold Fly Line

A trout line that casts dries delicately and turns over nymph rigs.

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Fly Lines

Scientific Anglers Mastery Infinity Fly Line

A smooth-shooting, all-around freshwater line.

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Leaders & Tippet

RIO Fluorocarbon Tippet

Low-visibility tippet for nymphs and wary fish in clear water.

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Leaders & Tippet

RIO Tapered Trout Leaders

Nine foot tapered leaders in 3X to 6X for dries and nymphs.

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Waders & Boots

Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders

Durable, breathable waders that hold up to seasons of wading.

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Within 60 Miles

Shops Near Battenkill River

Make It a Trip

Nearby Water