MAYHEM ON THE MILLERS May 23, 2003 - With the exception of a few of our more imposing watersheds, conditions may have achieved optimum levels earlier in the week and it was a long time coming. Sporadic insect activity on area rivers has made predicting hatches difficult too impossible in recent weeks with the cooler than normal air and water temperatures. We are finally beginning to receive sterling reports from many local zealots with many originating from the Millers River. I honestly believe that this watershed has surpassed all contenders in the quest to become that state's most prestigious trout fishery. Distinguished fly tyer,
Steve Cullen, recently stopped by the shop ranting about the generous
inventory of well-proportioned trout the state has allocated to the
watershed. This has been confirmed by a number of anglers who frequent
the Millers as well. Witness this report filed by Barre resident Craig
Peterson… Two of the more noteworthy areas are located between Orcutt Brook and the downstream boulder field along Rt. 2A west of Orange, and the Wendall Depot bridge downstream, an area that includes roughly 2-3 miles of wadable water. These sections are somewhat remote by Massachusetts's standards and often times a more adventurous angler can find complete solitude during mid-week sessions. The Millers has long been a caddis river but that is not to entertain the notion that mayflies are not present, they are, but to a lesser degree. The well-armed angler would be wise to inventory a selection of darker caddis adults (14-16), parachute adams (14-16) and PED parachutes (14-16) during the middle and late spring. Darker nymphs and leech patterns will serve you well during non-hatch periods. Local favorites include; black and olive wooly buggers (8-10), zonkers (8-10) and darker stones (6-8). TU YOUTH DAY Good fishing and safe wading, JB |
