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SWIFT DROPPED

July 30, 2010 - The state's water officials continue to frustrate fly anglers that frequent the Swift River in Belchertown. On Friday, July 23rd water levels were dropped to a meager, but manageable, 54 cfs. To add insult to injury the water level was reduced to a mere 38 cfs on Tuesday, July 27th. Prior to these last rounds of discharge reductions anglers enjoyed a few weeks of near perfect flows (110 cfs). I have yet to get a legitimate explanation as to why water releases continue to be in flux even through this relatively stable weather pattern. Water levels in the 38 cubic feet per second range does account for some tedious, as well as frustrating fishing conditions.
Despite the low water we are still in anticipation of the infamous red flying ant hatch that could occur at any time. This hatch accounts for much less discrimination in feeding habits and even erudite trout are likely to make routine mistakes. Look for this to occur on humid days accompanied by an afternoon rain shower. A #18 cinnamon flying ant pattern should serve you well throughout the event that usually endures between 2-3 hours.

I recently spoke with trout zealot, Mike Dame on his return from his latest campaign on the Farmington River in Connecticut. He spent the better part of two days laboring through a nearly insufferable Needhami (#26) hatch with only a few takes to his credit. While nymphers seemed to fare a bit better, dry fly aficionados took their lumps despite numerous surface feeders.

Automobile inspection stickers intimidate me and I am sure they have the same impact on a number of you. Despite my yearly pledge to dispense with this chore during the early stages of July (I am a month #7), it always somehow gets deferred until the last few days of the month (are you relating thus far?). So I'm at my local sticker purveyor located on the banks of the Ware River in my hometown of Barre waiting for the young man to dispense with his duty and send me on my way, a new blue decal my only compensation. While passing the time I became enamored with a squadron of Isonychia Bicolor adults (conceived in the nearby Ware River) that were chilling on the façade of this humble establishment. I failed to notice that my automobile awaited my occupancy, task complete.

I chuckled as I drove away thinking what my young friend perceived as he viewed his rather mature customer staring at a stonewall for over 15 minutes.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB