The Hatches: A Seasonal Guide to Fly Fishing the Battenkill

One of the greatest challenges—and rewards—of fly fishing the Battenkill River is matching the hatch. From early spring through late fall, the Battenkill sees diverse insect activity, with mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies hatching at different times of the year. Understanding these seasonal hatches and having the right fly patterns can be the difference between a slow day and an unforgettable one.

This guide breaks down the key hatches from April to November, along with fly recommendations to help you fool the Battenkill’s notoriously selective wild trout.

Want expert guidance on matching the hatch? Book a Guided Trip with Battenkill Outfitters

Spring Hatches (April – June)

As the weather warms and river levels settle, spring provides some of the best dry fly action of the year on the Battenkill. Water temperatures rise, and trout become more active after a long, cold winter. The first major hatches start in April, with some of the most classic Eastern mayflies making an appearance.

April – Early May

Key Hatches:

  • Blue Quills (Paraleptophlebia adoptiva) – Size 16-18

  • Quill Gordons (Epeorus pleuralis) – Size 12-14

  • Early Black Stones (Taeniopteryx spp.) – Size 14-16

  • Little Black Caddis (Chimarra atterima) – Size 16-18

Fly Recommendations:

  • Blue Quill Dry (Size 16-18)

  • Quill Gordon Dry (Size 12-14)

  • Black Elk Hair Caddis (Size 16)

  • Pheasant Tail Nymph (Size 14-16)

  • Soft Hackle Wet Fly (Dark) (Size 14-16)

Mid-May – June

This is prime time for Battenkill fly fishing. Water levels stabilize, and the most famous mayfly hatches of the season begin.

Key Hatches:

  • Hendricksons (Ephemerella subvaria) – Size 12-14

  • March Browns (Stenonema vicarium) – Size 10-12

  • Light Cahills (Maccaffertium ithaca) – Size 12-14

  • Sulphurs (Ephemerella invaria & dorothea) – Size 14-18

  • Tan & Olive Caddis (Hydropsyche spp.) – Size 14-16

Fly Recommendations:

  • Hendrickson Dry (Size 12-14)

  • March Brown Comparadun (Size 10-12)

  • Light Cahill Dry (Size 12-14)

  • Sulphur Sparkle Dun (Size 14-18)

  • X-Caddis (Tan or Olive) (Size 14-16)

Pro Tip: During Hendrickson hatches, start with a dun pattern in the early afternoon and switch to spinners in the evening.

Summer Hatches (July – August)

Summer can be challenging on the Battenkill due to lower water levels and wary trout, but with the right fly selection, you can still have great success. Early mornings and evenings provide the best action.

July

Key Hatches:

  • Sulphurs (Lingering Late Hatch) – Size 14-18

  • Yellow Sallies (Isoperla spp.) – Size 14-16

  • Terrestrials: Ants, Beetles, Hoppers – Size 12-18

Fly Recommendations:

  • Sulphur Cripple (Size 14-18)

  • Yellow Sally Stimulator (Size 14-16)

  • Foam Beetle (Size 12-14)

  • Parachute Ant (Black or Cinnamon) (Size 14-16)

  • Dave’s Hopper (Size 10-12)

Pro Tip: When trout aren’t rising to mayflies or caddis, terrestrials (ants, beetles, and hoppers) can be extremely effective along grassy banks and overhanging trees.

August

Key Hatches:

  • Tricos (Tricorythodes spp.) – Size 20-24

  • Late Summer Caddis (Olive/Tan) – Size 14-16

  • Flying Ants – Size 14-18

Fly Recommendations:

  • Trico Spinner (Size 22-24)

  • Olive Elk Hair Caddis (Size 14-16)

  • Parachute Flying Ant (Black or Red) (Size 14-18)

Pro Tip: Trico hatches happen early in the morning, so be on the water at dawn for the best dry fly action.

Fall Hatches (September – November)

As temperatures drop, trout become aggressive in preparation for winter, making streamer fishing and fall hatches a productive approach.

September – Early October

Key Hatches:

  • Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) (Baetis spp.) – Size 18-22

  • Slate Drakes (Isonychia spp.) – Size 10-14

  • October Caddis (Pycnopsyche spp.) – Size 8-10

Fly Recommendations:

  • Parachute BWO (Size 18-22)

  • Isonychia Dun (Size 10-14)

  • October Caddis Dry (Size 8-10)

  • Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail (Size 12-16)

Pro Tip: Fall is big trout streamer season. Pair nymphing with large streamers like the Olive Woolly Bugger (Size 6-10) or the Sculpzilla.

Late October – November

Key Hatches:

  • Blue-Winged Olives (Lingering Fall Hatch) – Size 18-22

  • Midges (Chironomidae) – Size 20-24

Fly Recommendations:

  • BWO Sparkle Dun (Size 18-22)

  • Griffith’s Gnat (Size 20-24)

  • Zebra Midge (Black or Red) (Size 20-24)

Pro Tip: As temperatures drop below 50°F, trout become more sluggish. Use nymphs and streamers to target fish in deeper runs and pools.

Not sure what’s hatching when you hit the river? Let us help.