moderate
4–8 hours
Participants should have moderate fitness to handle walking along riverbanks and standing for extended periods.
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.
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.
Angling trips with Great Drake fill quickly, especially in peak season. Secure your spot early.
Layered clothing and waterproof gear help adapt to Vermont’s unpredictable river conditions.
Ask your guide for recommended flies—local insects dictate which patterns are most effective.
To lighten your load, borrow waders from the outfitter instead of packing your own.
The Connecticut River has supported native communities and early settlers for centuries and remains a vital ecological corridor.
Great Drake Angling encourages catch-and-release practices to protect trout populations and maintain water quality.
Protects against rain and wind while fishing on the river.
spring|summer|fall specific
Available to borrow from the outfitter, useful for wading through colder sections of the river.
spring|summer|fall specific
Reduces glare on water to spot fish and read currents more effectively.
spring|summer|fall specific
Keeps flies, tippet, and tools organized and easily accessible.