Mad River
Waitsfield · Moretown · Mad River Valley
Central Vermont, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown, Rainbow, and Brook.
Stream gauge: 04282000. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
Mad River is running at 372 cfs with clear to slightly stained water and temps climbing into the upper 50s to low 60s. Prime early summer conditions with strong caddis activity and emerging pale evening duns. The Fly Rod Shop reports productive fishing on Elk Hair Caddis #12-16, X Caddis, and Parachute Adams #10-14. Light rain Friday could freshen things up, but overall stable flows make this an excellent week for dry fly fishing through the Waitsfield stretches.
- Flow: 372 cfs — ideal early summer levels with clear to slightly stained water. Stable conditions expected despite light Friday rain.
- Hatches: Active caddis emergence with pale evening duns starting. American grannom caddis peaking — fish Elk Hair Caddis and X Caddis #14-16.
- Water Temp: 52-61°F range perfect for sustained hatch activity. Caddis threshold crossed, PMDs warming into prime emergence zone.
- Best Window: Late afternoon through dusk as water temps peak. Morning nymphing productive before surface activity kicks in mid-day.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Freestone
- Best months: May–Sept, peak May–June
The Mad River in central Vermont runs through the Mad River Valley between the Green Mountains' main spine and the Granville Gulf. The river is small but productive — wild brook and brown trout in classic Vermont freestone character, with stocked rainbow trout in the lower reaches. Public access along Route 100 is generous. The river fishes well from late May through early fall; summer thermal stress can affect productivity in dry years.
The Mad River runs through the heart of Vermont ski country — its valley anchored by Sugarbush and Mad River Glen — making it one of the few trout rivers in America accessible directly from major ski resort base areas.
January Outlook
January on the Mad River in central Vermont is deep winter. The freestone stream flows through the Mad River Valley ski country. Wild brown, rainbow, and brook trout are present year-round in this Green Mountain stream.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Hare's Ear
- Soft Hackle
Tips
January on the Mad River in Vermont is cold and quiet. The Mad River Valley is ski country in winter — Sugarbush and Mad River Glen draw visitors for skiing while the river holds fish. Wild trout year-round in the cold Green Mountain stream.
Water Notes
Water 34–42°F. Deep Vermont winter. Mad River Valley is ski country. Road access via VT-100 maintained.
February Outlook
February on the Mad River continues the deep Vermont winter. The ski resorts are in peak season while the river holds wild trout in cold, clear water. A planning month for spring fishing.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Baetis Nymph
- RS2
- Soft Hackle
Tips
February is planning season for the Mad River. The ski area base towns of Waitsfield and Warren make for pleasant winter visits even before the fishing season peaks. Wild trout are present but inactive in February's cold water.
Water Notes
Water 36–44°F. Winter. Ski country Vermont. VT-100 maintained. Wild trout present but cold.
March Outlook
March on the Mad River brings the first signs of spring. Early Baetis hatches begin on warm afternoons. Pre-runoff conditions offer good water clarity. Vermont's 'mud season' begins in March.
Productive Patterns
- Baetis Nymph
- RS2
- Hare's Ear
- Soft Hackle
Tips
March is transitional on the Mad River. Vermont mud season begins and the rivers are waking up. Pre-runoff Baetis hatches on warm afternoons can produce good fishing. The first dry fly action of the year approaches.
Water Notes
Water 40–52°F. Pre-runoff. Vermont mud season. Early Baetis beginning. Spring approaching rapidly.
April Outlook
April on the Mad River sees the season opening with first Hendrickson and caddis hatches. Vermont spring in the Green Mountains is spectacular. Some high water from snowmelt but early April can be excellent.
Productive Patterns
- Hendrickson #12-14
- Little Black Caddis
- Baetis Dry
- Hare's Ear
Tips
April is an exciting month on the Mad River — the Hendrickson hatch signals spring in Vermont. The mad river valley in early spring is beautiful. Fish early April before snowmelt peaks. The river has excellent wild trout in the section from Moretown to Waitsfield.
Water Notes
Water 44–56°F. Season opening. Hendrickson hatch begins. Snowmelt possible in late April.
May Outlook
May on the Mad River is prime spring season. March Brown, Caddis, and Sulphur hatches overlap. Wild brown, rainbow, and brook trout are actively feeding. Vermont spring is spectacular.
Productive Patterns
- March Brown #10-12
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Sulphur #16
- Soft Hackle
Tips
May is the Mad River's finest spring month. Multiple overlapping hatches and wild trout in prime condition. The Mad River Valley is spectacularly green. Fish the Moretown to Waitsfield section for the most productive water.
Water Notes
Water 50–62°F. Peak spring hatches. Wild trout prime. Mad River Valley in full spring bloom.
June Outlook
June on the Mad River is early summer with PMD, Caddis, and early terrestrials. Wild trout are actively rising. The Green Mountain setting is beautiful in early summer.
Productive Patterns
- PMD Dry
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Hopper
- Soft Hackle
Tips
June is excellent on the Mad River. PMD and Caddis hatches continue and terrestrials begin. The river section through Waitsfield and Warren is scenic and productive. Early morning and evening fishing is most consistent.
Water Notes
Water 56–66°F. Spring hatches transitioning to summer. Good conditions. Green Mountains spectacular in June.
July Outlook
July on the Mad River is summer with terrestrials and evening caddis. The Green Mountain stream stays cooler than lower-elevation rivers. Morning and evening fishing is most productive.
Productive Patterns
- Hopper
- Ant
- Evening Caddis
- PMD
Tips
July is excellent on the Mad River with terrestrials. The Green Mountain elevation provides cooler water than Vermont's lower rivers. Hopper-dropper rigs work well in the riffle sections. Wild brook trout in the upper headwater sections are beautiful in July.
Water Notes
Water 60–68°F. Summer. Green Mountain elevation moderates temps. Fish morning and evening.
August Outlook
August on the Mad River continues summer terrestrial fishing. Evening caddis hatches are excellent. The Mad River Valley is spectacular in late summer. Wild brook trout in the headwater tributaries.
Productive Patterns
- Hopper
- Evening Caddis
- Beetle
- Ant
Tips
August evenings on the Mad River are excellent. Evening caddis hatches and the cooling temperatures make this a productive late-summer month. The headwater tributaries hold wild brook trout in beautiful late-summer condition.
Water Notes
Water 62–70°F. Late summer. Evening fishing best. Headwater brook trout excellent.
September Outlook
September on the Mad River is one of Vermont's finest months. BWO hatches return, temperatures cool, and the Green Mountain fall color begins. Wild trout are actively feeding.
Productive Patterns
- Baetis Dry
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Hopper
- Soft Hackle
Tips
September on the Mad River is superb — the Green Mountains begin their famous fall color display and the wild trout are actively feeding. This is when Vermont fly fishing reaches its peak. The Mad River Valley is one of Vermont's finest fall settings.
Water Notes
Water 54–62°F. Cooling temps. Excellent conditions. Vermont fall color beginning in the hills.
October Outlook
October on the Mad River is peak Vermont fall color — one of the most spectacular fall foliage settings in New England. Baetis hatches are excellent. Wild brown and brook trout are pre-spawn and aggressive.
Productive Patterns
- BWO Parachute
- Streamer
- Hare's Ear
- Egg Pattern
Tips
October on the Mad River in the Mad River Valley with peak Vermont fall foliage is one of the finest fly fishing experiences in New England. The combination of fall color, excellent Baetis hatches, and aggressive pre-spawn trout is extraordinary.
Water Notes
Water 46–54°F. Peak Vermont fall foliage. Excellent clarity. Brown and brook trout pre-spawn.
November Outlook
November on the Mad River is late fall. Post-spawn brown and brook trout. Midge and Baetis hatches on warmer days. The Mad River Valley transitions toward winter ski season.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- BWO Nymph
- RS2
- Soft Hackle
Tips
November is a quiet and productive month on the Mad River. The ski resorts begin preparations for opening, but the river holds wild trout year-round. Post-spawn fish are recovering and feeding. Late fall in the Mad River Valley is beautiful.
Water Notes
Water 40–50°F. Late fall Vermont. Post-spawn wild trout. Ski area preparations beginning.
December Outlook
December on the Mad River is the beginning of Vermont ski season. The river holds wild trout year-round. Midge fishing for the dedicated winter angler in a beautiful Green Mountain valley.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Soft Hackle Midge
- Hare's Ear
Tips
December fishing on the Mad River is for the adventurous — ski season opens in the Mad River Valley and the river holds fish year-round. The wild brown, rainbow, and brook trout of the Mad River are there whether the ski lifts are turning or not.
Water Notes
Water 34–42°F. Vermont winter. Ski season opening. Wild trout year-round. VT-100 maintained.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hendrickson Ephemerella subvaria |
May | Apr, May | #12–14 |
|
| Caddis (American Grannom) Brachycentrus spp. / Hydropsyche spp. |
May, Jun | Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | #14–16 |
|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis tricaudatus |
May, Oct | Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | #18–20 |
|
Access & Approach
Waitsfield and Warren, VT are the main bases. Public access along Route 100. Vermont fishing license required.
Nearby Fly Shops
- The Fly Rod Shop
- The Fly Rod Shop (Stowe)
- Hungry Trout Fly Shop
Regulations & License
Fishing in Vermont requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Vermont fishing regulations & license →
Nearby Waters
Closest Waters
About Current
Mad River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
Mad River is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
Open the live forecast for today's numbers and the 7-day outlook, or download the iOS app to carry it with you on the water.