Fly-Fishing Adventures with Great Drake Angling in Vermont - Burlington, VT

Fly-Fishing Adventures with Great Drake Angling in Vermont

Burlington, VTmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

4–8 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should have moderate fitness to handle walking along riverbanks and standing for extended periods.

Overview

Great Drake Angling & Outdoor Adventures invites anglers to master fly-fishing on Vermont’s Connecticut River. Learn from expert guide Josh and experience some of the region’s finest trout waters.

Details

Set in the rugged heart of northern Vermont, Great Drake Angling & Outdoor Adventures, LLC offers a hands-on gateway to the Connecticut River’s renowned fly-fishing waters. Located near Hyde Park in Lamoille County, this outfitter specializes in tailor-made angling excursions that connect anglers of all skill levels with the region’s wild trout habitat. Here, the river carves through glacial valleys framed by rolling hardwood forests and spruce stands, creating dynamic currents and deep pools teeming with brook and brown trout. The cold, clear water carries life beneath a sky often brushed with clouds or sharp New England sunlight.

Owner and guide Josh brings a patient and knowledgeable approach to each trip, transforming first-timers into confident anglers by sharing techniques refined through years on these waters. His service includes comprehensive gear support—participants can borrow waders, eliminating extra packing hassle—and personalized instruction focused on local fly patterns and river-reading skills. The experience complements Vermont’s outdoor ethos: low impact, skillful, and immersive. Trip itineraries usually center on full-day sessions that balance serene drift boat rides with moments of focused casting.

Great Drake Angling holds a special place in the local adventure landscape by promoting responsible fishing practices and encouraging deeper understanding of river ecosystems. Situated close to Hyde Park, a short drive from Burlington’s airport and amenities, it blends accessibility with the wilderness feel of Vermont’s backcountry. Anglers leave with more than fish—they gain insight into one of New England’s premier trout streams and the rhythms of a working river.

Whether you’re gifting a milestone outing or seeking to sharpen your fly-fishing craft in verdant surroundings, Great Drake Angling offers tailored excursions that capture the challenge and beauty of Vermont’s outdoors.

Adventure Tips

Book in Advance

Angling trips with Great Drake fill quickly, especially in peak season. Secure your spot early.

Dress for Variable Weather

Layered clothing and waterproof gear help adapt to Vermont’s unpredictable river conditions.

Use Local Fly Patterns

Ask your guide for recommended flies—local insects dictate which patterns are most effective.

Waders Available On-Site

To lighten your load, borrow waders from the outfitter instead of packing your own.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Quiet backwaters near McIndoes Falls
  • Small feeder streams off the main Connecticut River

Wildlife

  • Bald eagles soaring overhead
  • River otters moving along the banks

History

The Connecticut River has supported native communities and early settlers for centuries and remains a vital ecological corridor.

Conservation

Great Drake Angling encourages catch-and-release practices to protect trout populations and maintain water quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Early morning
Golden hour before sunset
Overcast midday

Best Viewpoints

  • Riverside bends with reflective water
  • Upstream from shallow riffles
  • Open river sections with forest backdrop

What to Photograph

Casting action
Trout in clear pools
Detailed shots of local insect life

Recommended Gear

Lightweight Waterproof Jacket

Essential

Protects against rain and wind while fishing on the river.

spring|summer|fall specific

Waders

Available to borrow from the outfitter, useful for wading through colder sections of the river.

spring|summer|fall specific

Polarized Sunglasses

Essential

Reduces glare on water to spot fish and read currents more effectively.

spring|summer|fall specific

Fishing Vest or Pack

Essential

Keeps flies, tippet, and tools organized and easily accessible.

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