By TJ Dezotell, Northern Vermont Fly Fishing Guide, Photographer and Conservationist, Island Pond, Vt
There are rivers you visit and rivers you experience. The Nulhegan River, winding quietly through Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, is undeniably the latter. As a fly fishing guide and the chapter president of our local Trout Unlimited conservation group, I’ve witnessed firsthand the subtle beauty and wild character of this river. To those who’ve ventured deep into the Nulhegan’s remote stretches, it remains one of the finest wild brook trout fisheries in New England.
A River Rich with History
Long before fly rods and waders, the Abenaki people roamed the banks of the Nulhegan. The name “Nulhegan” itself originates from the Abenaki language, roughly translating to “river where the fish dwell.” This nod to abundant life was no exaggeration; the river historically teemed with brook trout, Atlantic salmon, and other native species. For the Abenaki, the river represented sustenance, spirituality, and survival. As modern stewards, understanding this heritage enriches our connection to the water.
European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, attracted by the fertile forests and abundant wildlife. Logging became predominant, and although it brought economic prosperity, it also disrupted the delicate ecological balance of the river. Decades of conservation efforts have begun to heal these wounds, and today, the Nulhegan once again thrives, its waters clean, clear, and vibrant with native fish.
The Nulhegan Division of the Silvio O. Conte Wildlife Refuge
One of the greatest conservation success stories in the Northeast Kingdom is the establishment of the Nulhegan Basin Division of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. Spanning over 26,000 acres, this refuge represents a profound commitment to land and water protection, creating one of the most significant contiguous forest blocks in the Northeast.
Named in honor of Silvio O. Conte, the refuge embodies his vision of landscape-scale conservation. The Nulhegan Division protects key headwaters that feed the river, safeguarding critical brook trout spawning habitat. As a result, the waters here remain pristine, providing a haven not only for fish but for rare species like Canada lynx, moose, pine marten, boreal birds, and an incredible diversity of amphibians.
Wild Brook Trout: Jewels of the Northeast Kingdom
Every fly angler dreams of pristine waters inhabited by wild fish, untouched and nearly unexplored. On the Nulhegan, Wild brook trout, Vermont’s state fish, dominate the river, providing challenging, spirited action. Their presence is a testament to the river’s health, as brook trout thrive only in clean, cold, oxygen-rich environments. Brookies are often referred to as an indicator species.
Each season, my clients at Gibbs Guides marvel at the brookies’ brilliant colors—fiery reds, striking blues, and vibrant greens. Unlike stocked trout, wild brook trout possess an undeniable toughness, shaped by survival in a dynamic wilderness environment. Landing one requires patience, skill, and an appreciation for the subtleties of the sport. They remind us why we fish: to experience nature authentically.
The Challenge of Access
Fishing the remote stretches of the Nulhegan is no easy task. While a few accessible spots provide entry points, the majority of the river snakes through remote, densely wooded areas. Trails are scarce, roads even scarcer. Here lies both challenge and opportunity; those willing to explore are rewarded with solitude and untouched waters.
At Gibbs Guides, we’ve developed specialized raft fishing trips designed specifically for rivers like the Nulhegan. Our custom lightweight rafts allow us to maneuver through shallow riffles, tight bends, and dense vegetation, accessing pools and runs seldom visited by others. These rafts not only make remote fishing possible but help us fish more sustainably, minimizing our footprint in sensitive areas.
Watch an 11 minute aerial view of one the wilderness drift stretches on the Nulhegan, so remote!
Wilderness Wildlife Encounters
Fishing the Nulhegan isn’t just about trout—it’s a full wilderness immersion. Wildlife sightings frequently enhance our fishing trips. Moose emerge silently from dense forest cover, a doe and her fawn come down to the bank for a drink, and osprey fly attentively overhead. The refuge is home to rare and elusive species, including Canada lynx and black bears, making each trip a potential wildlife viewing adventure.
Bird enthusiasts find paradise here, too. Boreal species like spruce grouse, black-backed woodpeckers, grey jays and boreal chickadees inhabit the refuge. Hearing their distinct calls while casting dry flies on a tranquil morning amplifies the sense of remote wilderness.
Conservation: Our Responsibility, Our Legacy
As anglers, we carry the responsibility of stewardship. The David & Francis Smith Northeast Kingdom Trout Unlimited actively supports conservation projects along the Nulhegan, partnering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Vermont Fish & Wildlife, Memphremagog Watershed Association and many other organizations. Projects like riparian buffer restoration, culvert replacement, habitat chop-and-drops, and fish passage improvements enhance habitat and ensure brook trout populations remain robust.
Serious anglers understand intimately the relationship between land use and water quality. Thus, our conservation efforts often revolve around education—empowering locals, anglers, and visitors alike to understand and value their environment.
Experiencing the Nulhegan: Practical Tips
Planning your trip to fish the Nulhegan requires preparation. Given the remote nature of the river, it’s wise to hire a guide or join a guided trip. At Gibbs Guides, we provide comprehensive experiences, including gear, local knowledge, and specialized rafts, ensuring your adventure is memorable and successful.
Essential gear includes 3- to 5-weight fly rods, floating line, and classic brook trout patterns like Elk Hair Caddis, Royal Wulff, and bead-head nymphs. Don’t overlook terrestrial patterns during summer months. Always pack for changing weather—rain gear, layers, and bug spray are crucial.
Looking Forward: Protecting a Priceless Resource
Reflecting on my years exploring and guiding the Nulhegan, I am reminded of the river’s fragility and resilience. Every angler who visits carries the responsibility of protecting this exceptional place. By practicing catch-and-release, minimizing impact, and supporting local conservation, we ensure future generations will experience the Nulhegan’s magic.
Fly fishing on the Nulhegan transcends mere sport; it connects us deeply to history, culture, conservation, and wilderness. It is my hope, as both a guide and conservationist, that the river remains not just a fishing destination but a living testament to what dedicated stewardship can achieve.
Bibliography:
1. Gibbs Guides. Gibbs Guides Fly Fishing Channel. YouTube. Accessed March 12, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/@GibbsGuides
2. Tour VT-NH. Northeast Kingdom Outdoor Adventures. Accessed March 12, 2025. https://tourvtnh.com
3. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Nulhegan Basin Division - Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. Accessed March 12, 2025. https://www.fws.gov/refuge/silvio-o-conte/nulhegan-basin-division
4. Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. Brook Trout Management Plan. Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. Updated 2021. Accessed March 12, 2025. https://vtfishandwildlife.com/brooktroutplan
5. Huden JA. Indian Place Names of New England. New York: Museum of the American Indian Heye Foundation; 1962.
6. Vermont Historical Society. Northeast Kingdom History. Accessed March 12, 2025. https://vermonthistory.org/northeast-kingdom
7. Trout Unlimited. Brook Trout Conservation Projects. Accessed March 12, 2025. https://www.tu.org/brooktrout
8. Deen, David. Vermont’s Connecticut River Watershed: History and Conservation. Charleston, SC: History Press; 2017.
Comentários