The Batten Kill River, is a 50-mile long river rising in the Green Mountains town of East Dorset, Vermont and then flowing into New York State where it empties into the mighty Hudson River. The Batten Kill is one of the top choices and one of the most famous of the Eastern Streams in the USA; and if that is not enough, it flows through Manchester which is the home of Charles F. Orvis the founder of the Orvis Company. Orvis is well known to anglers as a manufacturer and retailer of fly fishing and outdoor products.
The State of Vermont keeps the Batten Kill pristine and “pure” and since they have not stocked the creek since 1971, the trout you see will all be wild. These wild brook and brown trout as well as the rich New England history and the beauty of the area merit a trip to this great trout stream.
As the Batten Kill flows out of East Dorset, northeast of Manchester, it tumbles along Route 7 through Dorset. This upper part of the Batten Kill before Manchester is small with a soft bottom and is characterized by small pools, deep runs, and riffles. Union Street crosses the stream at the head of a mile of fly fishing only waters. Brook trout are the predominate species but some small browns populate this section of the river.
After Manchester, the Batten Kill becomes larger by picking up the additional water from the Lye Brook, Mill Brook and Roaring Branch and it continues to flow in a south and westerly direction. The water is wider and shallower with a few rapids, long riffle sections and long pools in this section before reaching West Arlington. The browns become more dominate in this stretch and they can average 15 inches or more.
This lower part of the Batten Kill in Vermont is considered by many as the best area to fish and although there is some public access along the way, much of the property is privately owned. After leaving West Arlington, the Batten Kill follows Route 313 as it leaves Vermont and heads into New York. From the border of New York, there is a 4.4 mile long special regulations area limited to artficial flies, lures, and a daily creel limit of 3 fish over 10 inches. This special-regulations section is stocked by the state with browns, which can be caught in this area, but elsewhere the trout are wild. Since this is a catch and release portion, the trout have had an education making them well aware of the imitation flies. Also, the gradient of the creek is much less and the water moves slower which gives the trout ample time to closely examine your fly.
Fishing the Batten Kill:
For the most part, the Batten Kill is easy to wade with a shallow depth and an easy gradient, but be aware of the muddy bottom which can at times be slippery. The river can be floated by canoe as well and the canoe traffic at times can be troublesome.
After the browns grow to about fourteen inches long in the Batten Kill, or any other stream for that matter, they do not rise to hatching insects as readily, making them more difficult to locate. Your approach and presentation is especially important causing sloppy wading and casting to be unproductive. Great stealth and cunning is required in this challenging portion of the Batten Kill. If you are the angler that takes pride in studying the trout to determine what they are eating, then matching it with a good imitation fly, and then making a good first time presentation, then you must try the Batten Kill at least once in your life.
Spring:
Hatches are prolific in the spring and the Hendricksons, blue quills and the red quills will be plentiful in the spring followed by the caddis and the stoneflies.
Summer:
There are many springs that keep the Batten Kill cool throughout the summer months making the summer a productive time to fish. The blue winged olives and the trico hatches remain prolific during the late summer. Also the banks are filled with overhanging branches making the terrestrials a good bet as well.
Fall:
Autumn comes early to this portion of the country and as the water cools, the trout become more active making streamers a good choice. Tricos will continue to be effective as the year rolls on into October.
There are several access points for the nearly 50 miles of river, including Benedict's Crossing, VT 30 Bridge, and the 7A Bridge. Also the Vermont State Department of fish and Wildlife Access near Arlington as well as numerous pullouts along Route 313, River Road, Eagleville Bridge, and Hickory Hill Road, as well as Robinson Road and NY #29.
Be on the lookout for the private land which is usually well marked but most landowners are willing to grant permission to access the river if you ask politely.
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