THE SWIFT

May 18, 2002 - The significant news making it's way around the local fly-fishing arena is obviously the reopening of the Swift River north of the Rt. 9 bridge. It is our understanding that the state restocked this section of the watershed on the afternoon of May 7th, complementing the already healthy population of holdover and native fish. As you imagine the fishing, in general, has been outstanding and should remain so despite the recent influx of precipitation. Keep in mind that the education process has been initiated and the student population should be receiving their entomology degrees in the not too distant future. In the meantime, enjoy.

FROM FARMINGTON WAY
We received an enthusiastic email from Bernie McGrath proclaiming the outstanding success he recently experienced on the Farmington River while being tottered by veteran guide, Jack Smola.

"Jim, I thought I would let you know how we did on the Farmington … we arrived in New Hartford around 7:30 AM … it was a sunny day, temps around 55-60, water temp around 50 degrees."

"Jack put us on fish within 10 minutes. We broke for coffee around 10:30 after landing 20 or so fish, including some big browns in the 20" range. We moved upstream a couple of miles and the fantastic fishing continued unabated. We landed another dozen fish."

"The next morning and early afternoon we fished weighted wooly buggers and hornbergs with sink-tip lines. The secret was getting the fly down to the bottom. About 2:20 PM the Hendrickson hatch started. Fish began rising all around us. Caught another dozen fish including a rare (on the Farmington) tiger trout on a Hendrickson #14 comparadun. All in all an incredible day!"… Bernie

This watershed has been enjoying one of its finest seasons in recent memory. If you have any interest in exploring what the Farmington has to offer we encourage you to contact Marla Blair @ www.marlablair.com or Jack Smola @ www.jacksmola.com for a first class experience.

THE STONE
It was once again a pleasure to here from Rhode Island resident, Tom Daniels who issued this report on the lower Blackstone River system… "The rains have raised the Blackstone River to more productive levels, and the fish, especially big browns are taking caddis emergers. The Surface activity has not started in earnest, but the evening caddis hatches are improving."

"Once again RI has stocked big fish in the Albion and Ashton areas. The area between Rt. 116 and the Martin St. Bridge in Cumberland is lightly fished, easily waded and full of big fish. Stick with caddis!"

"Mowry Meadow Pond in Burrilville, on the RI/CT border and close to the Mass line is providing excellent fishing. Browns are rising to caddis and caddis emergers here as well. Seems RI has stocked mostly browns so far as rainbows are few and far between, perhaps due to expected water levels and warmth. For those wanting a big river experience, the Blackstone will not disappoint. Access is easy from Rt 146/I-295 and Rt. 116."

THE HATCHES
We are in the process of anticipating our next group of significant mayfly hatches, Cahills and March Browns, which should commence in a week or two. In the meantime, as Tom Daniels reports, your focus should be on our abundant caddis, both in adult and pupae stages.

Good fishing and safe wading,

JB