The mountain streams of the Pemigewasset watershed are characterized by fast flowing currents which create endless stretches of “pocket water” that are constantly fed cold mountain water that trout relish; so, even in the warmest of months, the fish are healthy, lively and hungry.

The turbulent, fast-moving waters add to the challenge and the reward, as a drift on your dry fly is short and sweet, and when you hook a 10-inch trout and battle with the current, it feels like a 15 incher that is determined to escape your net. After fishing a location for 15 minutes, if the fish aren’t there, we simply move up or down the river and try another spot.

You will learn how to “read” the water, select the appropriate fly and determine whether to fish it dry or wet depending on the location. We practice catch and release fishing but are not opposed to keeping one or two. If you want to savor the taste of your catch streamside, we’re equipped to fry them up for lunch with some wild mushrooms and, depending on the time of year, top it off with a wild fruit crepe for dessert.

The shallow rivers are perfect for wading. For those who are new to fly fishing, we offer fly-casting instruction on Corcoran Pond before heading out to the river. The mountain rivers do not require long casting skills; and yet, even the most seasoned angler will enjoy the challenge of the rapid current. The rivers are easily accessible and don’t receive too much fishing pressure. There are very few well-worn paths and plenty of unchartered forest floors that lead you to the river.

For those who are interested in fishing flat water, there are plenty of trout ponds in the area in which you can wet your fly. Instead of a boat, which can get blown around by the wind and requires an anchor that you have to haul up and tote around every time you see a rise that’s beyond your cast, we use float tubes. They are lightweight and easy to maneuver, so when the ring of the rise is just out of reach, you simply kick your way over to the spot and cast.

In addition to holding beautiful brook trout, rainbows and some browns as well, these remote ponds provide a spectacular woodland setting: mountains, streams and wildlife, such as beavers and moose. In the spring, the wildflowers are blooming in profusion, and the mushrooms that appear in the summer and fall are not only fascinating and beautiful to photograh, but some are also delicious to eat! When you add it all up, a day fly-fishing with White Mountain Nature Adventures offers a complete wilderness experience.

• For adults and children ages 12+. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Children 16+ need a fishing license, which can be purchased at the Waterville Valley Recreation Department, (603) 236-4695.
  
  
• Trips begin @ 9:00 AM on selected Fridays and Saturdays in June, July and August. For more information, see the Calendar on the Home Page, or call Dan Newton @ (603) 236-9203.
  
  
• $95 per person. Half-day outings, $50 per person.
  
  
• We meet Fridays [for pond trips] and Saturdays [for river trips] at the Town Square gazebo in Waterville Valley.
  
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