Cracking the Code on the Battenkill River with Doug Lyons

Episode 172 of the Destination Angler Fly Fishing Podcast – June 5, 2026.  Our destination is the Battenkill River — one of New England's most iconic freestone stream, where wild brown and brook trout test even the most patient anglers. Joining me is Doug Lyons, author of The Fly Fishing Guide to the Battenkill, conservationist, and self-described "professional recreationist" who has fished this river for over 50 years. Doug breaks down the Battenkill's seasonal hatches, the wading techniques that make or break your day, and the habitat restoration work that's brought this river roaring back. In this episode: • Why the Battenkill's reputation as a "tough" river is earned — and why anglers keep coming back • The complete hatch chart: Hendricksons, Grannom Caddis, Sulfurs, Isonychias, Cream Drakes, Tricos, and BWOs • Wading and approach tactics that get you within 30-40 feet of feeding fish • How to read the rise — and why Doug carries binoculars on the river • The limestone influence that makes the Battenkill's bug life so rich • Conservation wins: how habitat restoration produced a 500% increase in fish numbers • Local intel: Wayside Country Store, Mulligan's, nearby blue lines, and more With host Steve Haigh | Destination Angler Podcast — THE podcast for anglers who travel. Be the first to know about new episodes.  Become a subscriber  Follow the show so you never miss a destination. Contact Doug:  [email protected]  | https://www.battenkillfishingbook.com/  Flies on the Fly — 123 Perry Hill Road, Perry Hill, VT (self-serve fly shop — 3 flies for $10) in Shushan, located a mile from the Spring Hole on the way to Salem and Rte 22. Destination Angler Podcast:   Website  |  YouTube  |  Instagram & Facebook  @DestinationAnglerPodcast  Please check out our Sponsors: Redd's Flies Premium flies, tied with purpose.  Redd's is a family-run company built around premium, hand-tied flies that actually hold up and flat-out catch fish, delivered to your doorstep in days, not weeks.   A portion of every order goes directly to organizations protecting trout habitat and restoring rivers.  Use discount Code DESTINATION for a good deal on your next order Facebook @ReddsFlies      Instagram @ReddsFlies TroutRoutes  The #1 Mapping Resource for Trout Anglers.  Podcast listeners can try one month of TroutRoutes PRO for FREE by clicking the link in the episode description. Explore 50,000 trout streams with TroutRoutes today.   Get 1 Month Free   Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes    Got Fishing  Crafting world-class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget.    Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing  High N Dry Fishing Where science and performance meet.  Check out the full lineup of floatants, line dressings, and sighter waxes at www.highndryfishingproducts.com    Facebook @highndryfishingproducts  Instagram @highndryfishing   Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected] Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Recorded Apr 25, 2026