Dirt crunches under the car tires as I drive down a country road that parallels a small-but-mighty Vermont stretch of water. That sound paired with the downstream flow and blur of green on either side of the road swallows me up in anticipation. I am always enticed to stop at the first pull-off, but find the patience to drive a little farther and settle on a less-fished spot down the road.

Green maples form canyon-like walls, and this stretch is littered with boulders, making pristine pools prime for catching fish. Be it big rainbows or small brookies, they all have that strong Vermont fight.

Once the rod is strung up and boots tied, most fishermen go up or down stream, but sometimes the most overlooked spot is the first. So I cast my fly lightly to the seam of water that looks darkest. The fly floats in sync with the water til the snap of a trout breaks the surface.

—Words + Photos by Justin Cash