KID'S DAY ON THE QUINNIE

April 22, 2003 - The Greater Worcester Chapter of Trout Unlimited has earmarked Saturday, May 10th (Noon-5 PM) as it's first annual "Kid's Day." The event will be held at Holden's Trout Brook Park located on Manning St. and is open to the general public. The main goal of the event is to introduce youngsters (target ages 10-15) to the rudimentary discipline of fly fishing while establishing a greater appreciation for our natural resources in general. There is a small pond located on the premises that lends itself to fly casting and chapter members will be on hand to help out with instruction. You are encouraged to tote along your own gear or take advantage of one of the loaners that will be provided on site. Contact event coordinator Gerry Blouin at gblouin@charter.net if you have any questions.

STOCKING UPDATE
Virtually every impoundment within Massachusetts' borders has been stocked at least on one occasion. Beginning this week, and for the subsequent ten days state crews will be focusing on replenishing stocks in many of the remaining watersheds. It would be wise to assume that by Saturday, April 26th, every watershed, including all of the state's rivers and brooks, would have received at least its initial dose.

GORDON QUILL/HENDRICKSON/RED QUILL
While I have personally witnessed the Quill Gordon hatch on my home water the Ware many times, it generally occurs prior to the river receiving fish, or under distressed water conditions (cold, high and dirty). Fish, when present, will display no interest in the adults due to their slow metabolism and the hatch is virtually of no consequence. In our opinion the first hatch of critical significance will be the Hendrickson (14)/Red Quill (16). This should occur during the waning stages of April and continue with varying degrees of intensity for a 7-10 day period. The adult emergence cycle will vary from river to river but will generally commence anytime from midday to early afternoon and progressively later as the hatch matures. While both insects hatch concurrently, savvy trout will show preference to the male or female of the species often-displaying partiality toward the smaller male. It is one of the most enjoyable and recognized hatches of the early season. I have witnessed this species on my home water as early as April 10th and as late as May 12th. The Red Quill (14-16), while it was initially intended to mimic a specific mayfly adult, is an superb "prospecting" pattern during non-hatch periods or masking hatch situations since it resembles many of the insects common to New England trout streams.

IT'S YOUR DUTY
Just received a very disturbing phone call from an angler regarding her concerns over the poaching problems that seems to be surrounding the C+R section of the Swift River in Belchertown. We implore you to take an active roll in reporting any violators that you witness abusing this popular fishery. The state has set up a 24/7 toll free poachers hot line number 1.800.842.4357 where offenders can be reported.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB