Matthew Dickerson, Addison Independent, July 30, 1998
Silver Lake, Goshen Dam and Sterling Pond. There it is, in print: three of my favorite places to fish. And as long as the cat is out of the bag, I'll even tell my favorite way to fish them: from a float tube.
Though more famous for its trout streams (esp. the Battenkill)
and its (almost) Great Lake, the state of Vermont is blessed with an equally
valuable resource in its myriad of mountain ponds. These range in size and
elevation from 7 acre Sterling Pond atop Smuggler's Notch at 2920',
to the 70' deep, 103 acre Silver Lake at 1250'. One thing many of
these have in common (in addition to trout) is that they are accessable
only by foot. This, as well as their sizes, makes them ideal for a float
tube.
For those who have never seen one, a float tube is a simple though elegant contraption. Start with an inflatable tube. Add an outer fabric layer--the important part of which is a seat inside the tube just below water level. End with another inflatable compartment for a backrest, and as many pockets, compartments, D-rings and other gadgets as you want. The result is a float tube, which anglers propel through the water by kicking a pair of fins.
Float tubes have become popular with trout anglers over the past few years, but "belly-boats" have long been in use by bass-fishermen. By whatever name you call them, they have several advantages over boats. They are lightweight and portable. They are propelled by foot leaving the hands free for fishing. And though slower than canoes, they are even quieter and less obtrusive. Their low profile in the water seems not to spook fish. I have had 14" trout take a fly just 4' away from my tube. Even at Goshen Dam where it is possible to drive in a canoe, I often fish by tube.
To get started float-tubing you need only three things: chest high waders (waist-high is not enough), force fins, and a tube. I've tested several tubes. The best for the money is the $99 Deluxe tube sold by L.L.Bean (1-800-221-4221). It is a lightweight sturdy tube, with a large zipper pocket on each arm and various D-rings for other attachments. Add force fins for under $30 and you're on your way. Or step up to Bean's heavier duty Predator. Retailing for $219, the Predator boasts several additional features: bigger pockets, a large fly-patch and drink holder, a nicer skirt with velcro pouch, and a more comfortable padded seat. My only complaint was that the valves require a pump for inflation and are slow to deflate. But both ride very well in the water and are backed by Bean's unconditional warrantee which is the best in the business.
For comparison, Orvis (1-800-548-9548) sells an Easy Entry Float Tube for $229. As the name suggests, entry is easier. It is built around a u-shaped tube so you just sit down and strap in rather than having to step through the tube or slide it over the head. It is also lightweight (6 lbs) which makes it a good choice for backpacking, and its deluxe valve allows faster deflation. However because the tube is open in front I felt less stable in the water, especially when I leaned forward.
Though most of the time I prefer streams to flat-water, a small mountain
pond can provide a great fishing experience, especially in October or late
September when the trout are near the surface, the surrounding hillsides
are vibrant with color--and the rivers are clogged with dead leaves. But
even in the dog-days of August when rivers are low and warm, a mountain
pond is an alternative worth exploring. For more information, try The
Atlas of Vermont Trout Ponds (Dick Leyden, Northern Cartographic).