THREE RIVERS FOR JULY

June 21, 2002 - As we bid adieu to what developed into a rather capricious spring season, we continue to entertain enthusiastic reports from anglers that are enjoying a high degree of success on three central New England watersheds. Two critical elements, water flow and water temperature have stabilized due to the current weather pattern and all three rivers should offer anglers more than modest fishing opportunities as we enter the summer season.

FARMINGTON RIVER
I recently had the occasion to interview a number of longrodders returning from daylong sojourns to the Farmington River in Connecticut, and to the letter, all reported positive experiences. Case in point, Worcester resident, Ed Bissell, toiled on the section south of the "Boneyard" and was able to entice a medley of browns and landlocked salmon smolt to his dry fly offerings. While a few sulfurs (16) and black summer caddis (16) flitted about, Bissell occupied his 6X tippet with a black fur ant that was fervently masticated. Water conditions remain near perfect and fishing pressure, with the exception of the more pronounced pools, has been tolerable. While your tactics will dramatically change, this is one watershed that will typically hold up throughout the entire summer and deserves recognition when planning your July ventures.

WESTFIELD RIVER
With chronic flow problems plaguing the Deerfield it has puzzled me why more anglers are not taking advantage of this handsome watershed. While not noted for it's legendary mayfly activity, the Chesterfield Gorge area south to Indian Hollow Campground (in the town of Chesterfield) remains a nymph-o-maniac's paradise. Gin clear pools accompanied by gentle glides and bolder-strewn riffles yearn for a dead drifted black stone or bead head hare's ear. A few Westfield zealots checked in recently and frankly couldn't contain their enthusiasm for the river. While conditions at present are optimum, the watershed is highly susceptible to the arid climate that often accompanies mid-summer, so it would be advisable to get your shots in now. Tandem rigs, i.e. a weighted stone (black or brown 8-10) point fly with a standard nymph (12-14) dropper is highly recommended when prospecting for early summer residents. With any reasonable rainfall the river could continue to offer good to excellent fishing throughout July. We will report on this at a later date.

THE SWIFT RIVER
Yes, the Swift River. To clear up any misconceptions there are few fish, if any, from the Rt. 9 bridge north to the 'Y Pool." There are heavy concentrations of rainbows and brook trout (to an incredible 20") that have taken up housekeeping in the pool itself. The section south of Rt. 9 to Cady Lane is strewn with clusters of rainbows with an occasional brookie or brown trout in the mix. Water conditions are low and cold with fishing pressure on the low to modest side (for the Swift). Many anglers have been experiencing good fortune with black ants (18-22), black caddis (18), PMD's (16-18) and probably the most notorious mayfly on the watershed, Sulfurs in size (16-18). The river is due for it's final hatchery stocking (probably June 28-29) prior to the July 1st C+R regulations kicking in.

Good fishing and safe wading,

JB