Brown Trout

If you're looking to hook into some beautiful Brown Trout in Vermont, Essex Junction offers some excellent opportunities. The nearby Winooski River is a prime location, holding a healthy population of browns that thrive in its cool, well-oxygenated waters. Spring and fall are generally considered the best times to target them. During the spring, newly stocked fish are more readily available, while the fall sees browns becoming more aggressive as they prepare for spawning. For bank access, try the areas along the Winooski River Walk, which offers several entry points and decent wading opportunities. Be aware that water levels can fluctuate rapidly, especially after heavy rains, so check conditions before heading out. A local tip: try using small spinners or nymphs in the slower-moving sections of the river, especially near submerged logs or undercut banks. The browns here can be quite selective, so experiment with different presentations until you find what they're hitting.