Mettawee River
The Mettawee River is managed by the VT Fish & Game as a wild fishery for: Brook, Rainbow and Brown Trout. The Mettawee headwaters start in Dorset Hollow and follows VT30 and VT 149 in New York State. South of Pawlet on VT 30 is considered small water and is relatively tight for casting. In Pawlet, Flower Brook joins the “Wee” and then becomes a medium sized river with better access especially on River Road.
Significant hatches on the Mettawee River include: Hendrickson, Yellow Sally, Sulfur, Caddis, Little Green Stoneflies, BWO, Tricos, Fall Caddis and flying ants.
Flower Brook a major tributary of the Mettawee has special harvest seasons and slot limit regulations
From its confluence with the Mettawee River extending upstream (approximately 1,000’) to the downstream edge of the Route 30 bridge in Pawlet.
Trout: length limit, 10” to 16” protected slot (all fish 10” to 16” must be released); daily limit, 2 trout, only 1 greater than 16”
The Mettawee has special harvest seasons and slot size limits
From the downstream edge of the Route 153 bridge in Pawlet upstream (approximately 16 miles) to the downstream edge of the first bridge on Dorset Hollow Road and including tributary: Flower Brook upstream (approximately 1,000’) to the downstream edge of the Route 30 bridge in Pawlet.
Trout: length limit, 10” to 16” protected slot (all fish 10” to 16” must be released); daily limit, 2 trout, only 1 greater than 16”
Most Vermont waters are open year around for catch & release fishing with flies and artificial lures. This includes Flower Brook and the Mettawee River.
TRIBUTARIES to the Mettawee River
Prentiss Brook
Herrick Brook
Flower Brook
Wells / Mill Brook
Access to the Mettawee is limited!!! So please respect its land owners and use only the access points provided below. Once you are below the high water mark, you can fish as far as you want without restriction. I moved to the Pawlet valley 30 years ago in order to gain access to the entire river system. This is dairy farm country so if you see cows near the river go to the next spot!
USGS Link for real time water levels
Public access spots in google map
Cutler Memorial Trail access headwaters of the Mettawee
Vermont F & G Fishing access VT30 North Rupert
VT 30 bridge junction of Towslee Hill Rd parking access to Mettawee south of Pawlet
Parking on River Road lower Mettawee River
