Battenkill River – 04/27/2026

Flows have finally backed off from that punchy 1,000 CFS range, and the river is starting to show some life again. Bugs are waking up—Hendricksons and black caddis are popping in the mid-afternoons—but the fish haven’t quite committed to the surface yet. We’re still early in the hatch cycle, so think of it as the pre-game. Once those bugs start dropping eggs, expect heads to start poking up.

In the meantime, the name of the game is getting down. Fishing deeper runs with bigger yellow stone nymphs and Hare’s Ear patterns has been moving some fish, though it’s been a bit hit-or-miss. Focus on those deeper channels and softer seams where trout are hanging out and waiting.

A few warmer days and some spinner falls will flip the switch—and when that happens, it’s go time for dry fly season.