THE DEERFIELD REBOUNDS

July 11, 2003 - Well it took 3 or 4 years but we are finally beginning to field some very promising reports originating from this watershed. Due to inconsistent water releases and the lack of prolific insect activity the river will never be what it was during the latter part of last century however the fortunes of many local anglers seem to have taken a turn toward the positive. Virtually every angler we've interviewed over the previous few weeks that has made the trek to western Mass had nothing but praise, not only for the quantity of fish they witnessed but also the quality as well. Look for "typical" water discharges to occur mid-morning and conclude sometime late afternoon. The Deerfield hotline number for obtaining current water release information (for what it's worth) is 1.888.356.3663.

Due to the lack of adult insect activity, fly selection has run the gamut. Incidentally the theory for the lack of bugs that is being championed by river regs has roots in the fact that the entire watershed has suffered from immense water discharges that have literally scoured the river undersurface dislodging insect habitat as well as insects themselves. Anglers that have fared the best have obviously employed subsurface offerings. Weighted darker stone flies (6-8), bead head prince nymphs (10-12), bead head zug bugs (10-12), earth-tone wooly buggers (8-10) and weighted hare's ear nymphs (10-12) along with a battery of baitfish imitations (8-10) seem to account for the lion's share of the take.

BATTLE OF THE DEERFIELD
Barry Coppinger, President of the Millers/Deerfield Chapter of Trout Unlimited is spearheading a campaign to gain some control regarding the water discharges on this watershed. "We need TU chapters and members from all over the state to contact their legislatures and enlist their support in these efforts. These people are always interested in the concerns of their constituents, especially if they perceive those concerns to be broad based. The more pressure we can put on Beacon Hill, the better our chances of achieving our goals."

In past years, water releases have been at the discretion of the power company with a tilt toward the white water rafters that also utilize this resource. Not to speculate that the intent of TU would be to control the entire water discharge agenda, but simply to have a better say in it.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB