NEW HAMPSHIRE
Lower Androscoggin River
The upper Androscoggin River around Errol is well-known for its trout resources. But the downstream stretch from Berlin to the border with Maine is coming into its own as one of the best in northern New England. Of particular interest is the water above and below the Shelburne Dam in Shelburne. Here are several miles of mixed trout water suitable for wading and drifting, with big browns and rainbows a good possibility.

The stretch above Shelburne Dam sometimes suffers from low water and high temperatures, but the area below the dam is managed as part of New Hampshire's Quality Trout Program, which means that special catch-and-release, artificial lure/fly-fishing regulations are in effect.

The river is also fed by several tributaries, including the Leadmine, Peabody and Austin Mill brooks on the north side and the Rattle River on the south. The mouths of these feeders generally hold fish.

Access to the river is possible at several points along Route 16 above Shelburne Dam. A trail leads from the Gorham Highway Department facility to where the Peabody River enters, and there is also upstream access at the dam to Reflection Pond, where canoes may be launched. Below the dam, there is public access from the state land on Route 2 leading to some good water, but Hogan Road runs parallel to the river upstream on the north bank after departing Route 2.

There is also a set of double bridges farther downstream in Shelburne off Meadow Road, which leads to North Road. The road travels upstream to eventually connect with Hogan Road or downstream toward Maine, opening up even more productive water.

For available lodging and other services in the area, contact the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-367-3364, or visit www.mtwashingtonvalley.org.

Gorham Hardware and Sports Center offers fishing tackle and locally popular lures and flies. Reach them at (603) 466-2312.

For more information, contact the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department at (603) 271-3421; or visit them at www.wildlife.state.nh.us.

VERMONT
Winooski River System
Rising in the foothills of Cabot and draining more than 1,000 square miles, the Winooski River system is the largest watershed in Vermont. Along its 70-mile course to Lake Champlain, the fabulous main stem and its myriad of smaller, cooler tributaries offer brook, brown and rainbow trout in every conceivable habitat imaginable. Throw in some picturesque scenery, and you have a combination that's difficult to beat.

In its headwaters from Cabot down through Marshfield and Plainfield to about East Montpelier, the river is relatively small, but it's good brook trout water with some rainbows adding to the mix. Route 2 and Route 215 parallel the river nearly the entire way and provide easy access at many points and crossings.

At Montpelier, the North Branch enters and offers a mix of brookies and browns. It may be accessed at spots from Route 12. Below Montpelier, the Dog River enters from the south. One of the state's true Blue Ribbon trout streams, it offers good cover and water through much of the season, along with some trophy-class browns. Access is along Route 12 heading toward Northfield.