SWIFT RIVER HEATS UP

June 12, 2002 - With all the high water plaguing our freestones and the promise of more precipitation on the immediate horizon the only constant remains the Swift River. Water conditions have remained low and cold due to the conservative water release of Winsor Dam. The area south of Rt.9, adjacent to River Rd., recently received a healthy planting of fish from the Belchertown Hatchery and in the words of one river reg "fishing has been spectacular."

Sulfurs (16) along with a smattering of Pale Morning Duns (16-18) seem to be turning the trick on the surface, while lighter colored emergers and pheasant tail nymphs in similar sizes are the choice of subsurface aficionados. As is generally the case with "fussy feeders," you will fare much better with parachute, thorax or camparadun style flies that rest in the surface film rather than on it. Twelve-foot leaders tapered to 7 or 8X are also highly recommended due to the clarity of the water. Keep in mind that the watershed below the Rt. 9 bridge reverts back to catch-and-release, artificials only on July 1st and will remain so until the year is spent.

DOWN CAPE WAY
Local trout partisan Fred Moriarty of Worcester continues to haunt Goose and Schoolhouse Ponds in Chatham and despite the emergence of late spring (a time when trout angling typically begins to wane), he continues to report of consistent surface action. Weekday as well as weekend angling pressure is virtually nonexistent and both ponds sport a more than reliable diptera hatch as evening ensues. Try smallish wets (16-18 Quill Gordon, Coachman, Dark Cahill) retrieved deliberately just subsurface on a floating line to mimic the midge's emerging stage. A Griffith's Gnat (18), Parachute Adams (18) or Parachute Black Gnat (18) will serve you well when laboring top water.

Both ponds have easy access and their entire shorelines can be fished quite effectively while wading. If no surface activity is evident probe the deeper drop-offs with darker woolybuggers (8-10) and leech patterns (8-10) in conjunction with an aggressive sinking or sink-tip line in anticipation of the evening bite.

THE HATCHES
When local waters finally begin to recede the predominant mayfly hatches will occur during dusk. Light Cahill (14-16), Pale Evening Duns (16-18) and BWO's (18-20) should dominate the dry fly theatre during mid-June. Where other species are concerned, the ever-present Black Caddis (16) would be my choice for best performing surface fly during this period. Ants, beetle patterns and other terrestrials should also begin to play a significant role in the trout's diet particularly during daylight hours.

Good fishing and safe wading,

JB