THE SUMMERTIME SLOWDOWN July 25, 2003 - Traditionally the month of July has never been kind to central Mass cold water anglers. River flows are dismal, water temperatures are soaring and oxygen levels are no longer sufficient enough to sustain optimum trout habitat. Even during modestly temperate summers, much like the one we are experiencing in the northeast this year, anglers are limited to tailwaters and diminutive freestones that are often shielded by canopies of foliage, sheltering them from the damaging July sun. Despite these less than perfect water conditions, a few area zealots have been venturing just a double haul from downtown Worcester and have had some relatively reliable fishing. Due to poor water quality, Tom Schofield of Hardwick has all but abandoned the pursuit of trout on his home water, the Ware River, in lieu of frequent visits to the Deerfield's C&R sections. The Ware's celebrated hexagenia hatch is now a distant memory often signaling a temporary end to the cold water season on this watershed. Tom recently departed the shop with a fistful of brown drake spinners (14) only to return a few days later to replenish his depleted supply. Despite the lack of abundant insect activity on the Deerfield, particularly concerning our larger mayflies, it took me by surprise to hear of his good fortune with such an ample pattern. Worcester resident, Jim Howe reinforced his fly selection, during his recent visit to The Lower Forty. Just by coincidence, Howe also reports modest success with a pattern strangely resembling the brown drake spinner (14). Frank Puma, of Hudson, has been focusing his attention on the Swift River's C&R section in Belchertown. With unverified reports of a waning late afternoon sulfur hatch (16), a few BWO's (22), and a Pale Evening Dun (16) to contend with, Puma has been enjoying his success with a size 14 Prince nymph of all things. Incidentally things have taken a turn for the better on this river. After a lengthy period low water and poor to fair success ratios the fish census seems to be rounding into shape according to many regs. The traditional summertime water discharge has been initiated so expect the river to maintain a somewhat high, but very fishable level throughout the balance of the summer. SUBSTANTIATED RUMORS In acknowledging rumors that have been circulating for several weeks, Sage today confirmed that they have acquired the assets of Redington Tackle Company. Sage also disclosed that as part of the restructuring of Redington, they would be closing the Stuart, Florida location and consolidating the operation in Sage's Bainbridge Island, Washington facility. The Redington brand, however, is to remain distinct from Sage and will operate largely on its own footing. "Where it makes sense to do so we will combine operations, primarily in the accounting, ordering and shipping arenas," said Travis Campbell, Sage's Manager of Business Development who will initially oversee the entire Redington operation, "and we should be in place and running here at Sage by August 11th." Other key developments in regard to the acquisition include the following:
Good fishing and safe
wading, |
