Hi Mike,

Mid-August isn't a bad time to fish the higher elevations in southern Vermont, but you're going to have to look for colder water if you want trout. There are a number of options in the Stratton Mountain area, including the streams that run right past the mountain, North Branch Brook and Kidder Brook. The higher up into the headwaters you go, the better off you're going to be. Of course, there is the Battenkill, but that would frustrate the heck out of a brand new fly fisherman, especially in low Summer flows. If you want a larger river, try the West River to the East. There are a number of tributaries that flow into the West River, too. As for ponds, there's Stratton Pond right in the area. You'll have to walk a little way to get in there, but that's part of the fun. If you want to try your hand at bass and other warmwater fish, there are plenty of options. Maybe the best thing for you would be to get / borrow the Delorme Atlas & Gazzetteer for Vermont. It includes topographical maps of the area showing all the streams, rivers and ponds, along with info on which rivers / streams hold a particular kind of fish.

The American Museum of Fly Fishing is pretty cool. Don't forget to check out the rural parts of Vermont, not just the super-quaint areas.

Have fun!

Karl