SLOOOOOW…

August 23, 2002 - This most recent oppressive weather predicament has put a temporary hold on cold water angling and most fly guys are scrambling to locate better water conditions. To say that our central New England freestones are in distress would be a gross understatement. Even the infallible Farmington River in Connecticut has suffered from the lack of precipitation and afternoon water temperatures have been approaching the mid-to-upper 70's according to some reports.

Serious anglers requiring a late summer fix have been finding solace on the Swift River tailwater, but even here the fishing can only be rated fair to good. Favorite flies have been black ants (16-18), inch worms (16-18), parachute Adams (22) and midge emergers (20-22). Fishing pressure has been modest depending on the day.

Charlie Peters of Worcester is off to the Alaskan wilderness for a couple of weeks. Not a bad alternative considering our present local situation. Dave Armstrong of Hudson gathered up his fly rods and stowed away enough Dylan CD's to get him half way across the country. Dave will be enjoying a few weeks (+ or -) of R+R in the company of Colorado's Front Range. A September junket to Montana is still in the works for Armstrong along with Worcesterite, Bob Thunberg. It's the San Juan in New Mexico for Bob Thomas of Leominster. Be sure to tote along enough SJ worms, brassies and midge emergers, Bob.

We have turned the corner regarding the heat, however the draught is still of concern. More autumn like weather in conjunction with liberal amounts of precipitation could still make for a successful fall season.

Good fishing and safe wading,

JB