FISH FOR FREE

June 4, 2003 - MassWildlife's Free Fishing Weekend is June 7 and 8. This gives potential anglers, young and old, the chance to wet a line in their local lake, pond, river or stream and experience the fun of fishing and being outdoors. No license is needed on those two days for freshwater fishing anywhere in the Bay State. Anyone wishing to keep their catch must still comply with length and creel limits as published in the Abstracts of the 2003 Massachusetts Fishing & Hunting Laws, available on the web at www.MassWildlife.org. Fishing license fees support fisheries research, angler education, fish stocking programs and many other wildlife related services provided by MassWildlife. MassWildlife's Angler Education Program will be part of a number of fishing events that are happening on or near the free fishing days.

THE WESTFIELD
Gary Kolanda of Sterling files this report concerning his recent excursion to the Westfield River.

"Just wanted to report that I fished two of the three branches of the Westfield with good success. There were 3 or 4 other fly fisherman on the main stem above Westfield and two others at Knightsville Dam. Caught and released 2 brookies on the West Branch above Huntington on bead head pheasant tails then moved below Knightsville Dam on the East Branch and took 3 rainbows between 14 and 17 inches on cone head muddlers with a sinking line. Finished up on the wild and scenic section of the Upper East Branch, which is beautiful indeed. Had no luck there but will go back once the water calms down again. These waters are also some of the best in the state, albeit further west than the Millers."

HATCHES
You're sure it's June 4th not May 4th? In our 16 years in business this truly has been the most perplexing hatch sequence we have ever encountered. It has been nearly impossible to predict insect activity with accuracy. Seasoned anglers are still reporting random red quill and hendrickson hatches and Eldon Colonies recently shuffled into the shop with a vile containing one of the largest march brown adults I have ever witnessed.

On a normal year we should be entering a period when lighter colored flies should dominate the fly fishing theater. This has certainly not been the case. One reoccurring theme, from anglers we've interviewed, has been the presence of an extraordinary abundance of caddis. I have long been a proponent of the little devils, which are present in virtually all of the state's water venues due to their adaptability.

Barring a dramatic climate reversal, which is likely to happen, central Mass fly anglers should enjoy a rather lengthy cold water season. This is due, in part, to the rather abnormal water temperature and the influx of precipitation throughout the spring season. As of this writing many of the states more extensive watersheds remain a bit out of shape due to high water conditions. This could be remedied by a modest period of more normal weather as we enter the middle of the month.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB