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THE MIGHTY GREEN

October 13, 2011 - With the mess that was bestowed on the Deerfield River from Hurricane Irene, anglers have been seeking other venues as we enter the latter stages of the season. Tom and Dan Harrison (www.harrisonanglers.com) have been floating tribs of the both the Deerfield and Connecticut rivers and are experiencing some pretty stellar. Walt Wilke of Holden and an angling bud recently floated the Green River and files this report…

"A buddy and I floated the Green River above near Leyden, MA with Tom Harrison this week. What a gorgeous river! Between us we got nearly 20 rainbows to the net using streamers, nymphs, and big fat dries. The fish were of good size, in great condition and fought well - certainly no significant fish kill here from the ravages of Irene. It's pretty incredible seeing the amount of flood damage on even a small river like this. There was enough water to have a good float and clear enough for the fish to find our flies. Thanks to Tom for a great day (as usual)."

This proves that there remain some great potential for fly anglers willing to cope with the deteriorating weather conditions. Both the recently stocked Millers and North Rivers (a real sleeper and a shop favorite) are rewarding anglers with extraordinary opportunities. Entering the northern border of Massachusetts in Leyden, the East Branch of the North River is easily accessible from Rt. 112. Here it possesses the characteristics of a classic freestone stream meandering through fields and farmland almost beaconing for a fly. It maintains the much-desired pool-riffle-pool integrity found in similar western Mass watersheds. From here it strays south through the hamlets of Elm Grove and Foundry Village finally joining up with the West Branch of the North River (also a sleeper) near the village of Griswoldville. The increased water volume now resembles a substantial watershed and is still accessible from Rt. 112 prior to terminating its journey in Deerfield River near Shelburne Falls. It wouldn't be uncommon to scare up a few native book trout in the upper reaches however the entire system, from the Vermont border to the confluence, is supplemented by stocked fish (mostly rainbow trout).

OSWEGO
A contingent of fly anglers including Carl Swanson recently initiated a pilgrimage to Oswego, NY and received our rave reviews. Carl landed 8 salmon in the 20lb range and pledged to return in the near future. The salmon spawning migration is beginning to mature and will be followed by a prolonged steelhead run lasting well into April. If it's anything like the previous few years the fishing will be stellar for anglers willing to brave the elements.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB