UNUSUAL CATCHES

September 5, 2002 - Unlike many contemporary fly anglers, Robbie Brown of Bolton, has resisted the temptation of saltwater and returned to his freshwater roots. It is apparent that this once ardent salter has revolved 180 degrees, consolidating most of his effort toward the sweet waters of western Massachusetts. On one recent visit to the Deerfield River's upper C&R section, Robbie was blessed with the catch of a lifetime. A rainbow trout of Herculean proportion fell victim to his dead drifted rabbit hair hellgrammite imitation. The brute measured 26 1/8" inches from beak to tail and supported a portly 12" girth. While recreating the events of the foregoing encounter, Brown acknowledged the fact that he was well aware of the fish's residence and had made vain attempts to tempt the prize to a fly on a number of occasions without success.

Some side notes.... Water releases on the Deerfield have maintained a somewhat routine schedule. Expect maximum flow to occur between 10AM and 4PM. For dry fly aficionados the proverbial black autumn caddis hatch (16) is now in full regalia. Ever here of a golden rainbow? Just ask Vic Dennett of Worcester. While toiling on the Swift River, just north of the Rt. 9 bridge, Vic hooked and landed what he presumed to be your average SR brown trout. On further inspection he observed the absence of prototypical brown trout markings along its flank, and in their stead appeared the scarlet horizontal demarcation common to hatchery reared rainbows. Now we've witnessed albino trout being present within this fishery in previous years but this is our first recollection of such a critter.

The Swift continues to hold a generous amount of trout throughout its entire length, just ask Gil Bail of Sturbridge.

SEPTEMBER 3^RD
If you spend this day on one of our central Mass watersheds I pray that you had a few size 16 red flying ants in your fly inventory. Was it me or did anyone else witness the late afternoon emergence of bazillions of these land bred buggers? This occurrence is relatively common subsequent to rain events during late August and early September and I have always made it a point to stock a few patterns prior to wandering afield during this period.

Despite the recent rain many of our freestones are still out of shape but have taken the first step too recovery. You can't expect to endure the consequences of 10 consecutive 90+ degree-days combined with an extended dry cycle without suffering some ill effects. In lieu of it all, local anglers are still traveling to destinations in their attempt to locate fly-fishing Valhalla.

Dr. Bill Dunn, of Southbridge, will be floating the Bitteroot River in Montana at the end of the month. This will be his first sample of what true western trout fishing is all about and we're quite confident it will not be his last. It's the West Branch of the Penobscot in Maine for Dale Mills and his better half Denise. We couldn't think of a better way to spend a week during the month of September than pitching dry flies to grazing landlocks in the land that started it all. We wish both parties much luck.

Good fishing and safe wading,

JB