SALMO SALAR

September 25, 2003 - In response to a number of calls we've received from fly anglers seeking information regarding the autumn landlocked salmon run on the Stillwater River in Oakdale, "yes we feel it's still a bit too early." Despite the recent precipitation we've experienced reliable angling for this species should not commence until the middle of October and continue until ice forms in the Stillwater Basin. Best fishing will occur during and immediately subsequent to rain events, as fish will take advantage of the cresting water to navigate upstream in their attempt to spawn. Even though the watershed is considered part of the Wachusett Reservoir domain, anglers are permitted wading access along the entire span of the river and into the basin proper itself. You will achieve the best success during periods of low light so regard overcast, cloudy or rainy days as periods of opportunity. We would consider pre-dawn and into sunrise (before the river receives it's initial visitors) to be the optimum period for planning a session.

Successful patterns from previous years have been… White or Yellow Marabou Muddlers, Joe's Smelt, Black Ghost, all in 6's or 8's and some of the more conventional weighted trout nymphs (hare's ear, prince, etc) in 8's or 10's. A 9'-4X leader tipped with a trace of fluorocarbon is pretty standard fare among river regs. Since most autumn landlocks generally run between 18-22" all that is required is your standard 5-6-weight trout outfit armed with a floating fly line.

Don't be surprised to encounter other species while targeting salmon as rainbows, browns, brookies, lakers and even some coarse fish have been known to frequent the system particularly adjacent to the tail out.

THE MIRAMICHI
With all the doom and gloom surfacing regarding the global condition of the Atlantic salmon stocks it was a pleasure to hear a word on the positive side. I recently had the opportunity to chat with Dr. Joe Sherer, longtime owner of Black Brook Lodge located at the confluence of the Cains River and considered to be one of the watershed's premier holding pools. In his enthusiastic manner, Doc Sherer recounted his most recent visit to the lodge and reports of record numbers of fish within the system. Not quite sure how many years Joe has owned the place (30-40?) but detailed fishing logs will bare witness that 2003 will be the finest year in their history in terms of total fish landed. As of this date Cains fish have already entered the river and should provide for some excellent sport as the season draws to a close.

FLY TYING
In my opinion October is the best time to purchase natural materials for the upcoming season. As with every year, we will be receiving our first hit (over 400 pieces) of dry fly necks and saddles from Whiting on or before, Monday, September 29th. These have proved to be very popular among the freshwater clan for tying Catskill, parachute and thorax style patterns. If it's an exotic color your in need of, or just want to replenish your supply of standard grizzly, the selection will not be better than the first week of October.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB