Mad River - Vermont
Nestled in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, the Mad River winds its way south to north through the Mad River Valley, eventually joining the Winooski River in Middlesex. Stretching roughly 26 miles from Granville to its confluence near Montpelier, this freestone river is as beloved for its swimming holes as it is for its fly-fishing opportunities. With its blend of pocket water, deep pools, and classic riffle-run sequences, the Mad River offers diverse habitat and access for anglers pursuing wild and stocked trout in a quintessential Vermont setting.
The Mad River is home to wild brook trout, wild and stocked brown trout, and rainbow trout, with some stretches also occasionally holding smallmouth bass during the warmer months. While the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department stocks the river annually, especially near public access points in Waitsfield and Moretown, the most rewarding fishing is for the wild fish in the river system's upper reaches.
Fly fishing on the Mad River is best in the spring and fall, with snowmelt and autumn rains providing the cool flows that trout prefer. Summer can bring warm water temperatures, especially in lower sections, so anglers should fish early in the day and find another activity when water temps exceed 65°F. Our most productive days have been while nymphing, with our go-to green Walt's Worm pulling most of the notable catches.
Access along the Mad River is generally good, with multiple pull-offs along Route 100 and bridges that provide entry points to the water. The towns of Warren, Waitsfield, and Moretown serve as convenient hubs for lodging and supplies, and the river’s close proximity to Sugarbush and Mad River Glen ski areas makes it a popular destination for outdoors enthusiasts year-round. While there are no special fly-fishing-only sections, Vermont regulations require artificial lures only in some stretches, and general trout limits apply unless otherwise posted.
Conservation efforts by local groups like the Friends of the Mad River have helped protect water quality, riparian buffers, and stream bank stability through community-based restoration and land-use planning. These efforts are vital as climate change and increasing development pressure threaten Vermont’s cold-water habitats. Ongoing projects include stormwater management, erosion control, and public education campaigns aimed at preserving the river’s ecological integrity and recreational value.
For fly anglers seeking wild trout in a classic freestone setting, the Mad River delivers the kind of small-stream charm that defines New England fly fishing.
