Cracking the Code on the Battenkill River with Doug Lyons

About this episode

Steve Haigh interviews Doug Lyons about fishing techniques and conservation efforts on the Battenkill River.

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…

People in this episode

Host: Steve Haigh

Guest: Doug Lyons

Topics covered

• fly fishing
• Battenkill River
• trout fishing
• conservation
• hatch chart
• wading techniques

Keywords

• Battenkill River
• fly fishing
• trout
• hatches
• conservation
• wading techniques
• Doug Lyons

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Fly Fishing Guide to the Battenkill

Places: Battenkill River, New England

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