About Battenkill Outfitters
Battenkill Outfitters is a guide service built around the art of fly fishing and the practice of being present in nature. Our home water is the storied Battenkill River, and we live alongside it—learning its moods, following its seasons, and sharing that rhythm with the people we guide. At our core, we’re passionate anglers who value thoughtful instruction and helping others develop the skills to read water, cast with intention, and fish confidently in wild, technical rivers like the Battenkill. But it’s never just about the fish.
Our trips are rooted in the full experience—wading into a cold run at first light, watching the bugs begin to move, hearing the kingfisher’s call or catching a glimpse of an eagle overhead. For us, fly fishing is as much about those quiet moments between casts as it is about the take. Whether you're chasing rising trout or joining us for a guided Wild Walk, we create tailored experiences that celebrate the act of being outside. We believe in learning, slowing down, and noticing what’s happening around you—and in doing so, becoming better anglers, better stewards, and more connected to the natural world.
Andrew Walker – Owner, Fly Fishing Guide & Naturalist
Andrew Walker lives along the iconic Battenkill River, where his deep connection to nature fuels his passion for guiding fly fishing trips and leading immersive Wild Walks. With a naturalist’s eye and a talent for storytelling, he enriches every outing by pointing out bird calls, native wildlife, and the seasonal rhythms of the river and forest, offering clients a deeper appreciation for Vermont’s wild landscapes.
As a patient and encouraging instructor, Andrew helps anglers of all levels—especially beginners—build confidence with the fly rod, ensuring each trip is a blend of fun, learning, and discovery. Beyond fishing, his Wild Walks invite guests to explore mountain trails, meadows, and even wade into the Battenkill River, uncovering the intricate world of aquatic insects, native fish, and diverse ecosystems.
Whether casting a fly or trekking through Vermont’s backcountry, Andrew ensures every experience is memorable, enriching, and deeply connected to the outdoors—the heart of Battenkill Outfitters' mission..
Phone: 802-379-9887
Margie Kaat - “Troutlady”
Margie Kaat is most at home in a pair of waders, fly rod in hand and eyes on the water. A Vermont native and lifelong athlete, she grew up fishing local streams with a spinning rod before discovering fly fishing. For much of her adult life, Margie was immersed in competitive golf and worked as an assistant teaching pro, but everything changed when she picked up a fly rod.
After moving to Manchester with her husband, Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Kaat, she enrolled in the Orvis Fly Fishing School and quickly became hooked. Since then, fly fishing has become a daily part of her life, earning her the nickname “Troutlady.”
Margie guides anglers of all experience levels with patience, focus, and thoughtful instruction. She knows a wide range of water on the Battenkill and surrounding rivers, and especially enjoys exploring mountain streams that hold wild brook, brown, and rainbow trout. She also specializes in Euro nymphing (contact fishing) and is happy to teach or include it in guided trips for those looking to learn.
She serves as a trustee of the American Museum of Fly Fishing in Manchester, helping preserve the story of a sport that’s become central to her life. For Margie, guiding is about more than catching fish—it’s about sharing the joy, rhythm, and quiet beauty of fly fishing.