THE SWIFT REBOUNDS

July 2, 2004 - The summer migration is in full swing so to speak. Our theory has always been that many of the river’s residents seek more conducive habitat downstream during middle and late spring making the more popular C&R area north of Rt. 9 virtually void of fish. Well things have changed in a dramatic fashion. Anglers are reporting the Y pool south to the bridge is holding ample amounts of fish as was witnessed by John McCarthy and friend Vic on a recent visit. The special regulation area south of the bridge is also littered with marauding pods of both rainbows and brookies with an occasional brown in the mix.

Keep in mind that the watershed is scheduled to receive it’s final stocking in the not to distant future, often presenting the best angling opportunity of the season, and in the middle of summer to boot. While this time of year can offer challenging fishing, it can also give the angler a chance to hone both dry fly and nymphing skills.

Just a note, the territory south of the Rt. 9 bridge to Cady Lane reverts to catch-and-release, artificials only on July 1^st and remains so until December 31^st. 

THE DEERFIELD
“Just like the old days” is the expression one angler used when describing the action he’s experiencing on the watershed. Witness this report we just received from a more than enthusiastic fly angler…

“Jim, river report for the Deerfield last Friday, June 25. Best fly fishing day ever. Landed one 20 1/2" rainbow and 11 brookies between 6" and 16". Lost several others. Used a sinking line and cone head muddler. Water temp was 61, overcast sky.” Gary Kolanda Sterling, MA

When water levels cooperate the fishing has been nothing short of sensational, and we don’t have the propensity to exaggerate.

THE MILLERS
We just chatted with Bob Thunberg who visited the Millers on Sunday and reports of blizzard caddis hatches (elk hair #16). Bob toiled on the Orcutt Brook area west to the boulder field and was able to entice 8-10 specimens to net. His mid afternoon sojourn was rewarded by a healthy mix of rainbow and browns that feel prey to his skated down-winged imitation. It is also worth noting that current water levels offer anglers the opportunity to prospect areas not often available during higher flows. I wouldn’t be surprised if the system didn’t give up another few weeks of prime angling before the summer doldrums set in, definitely worth a visit.

PENOBSCOT’S WEST BRANCH
Denise Northrup and Dale Mills recently returned from their annual pilgrimage to Maine’s Penobscot River and after engaging in a brief conversation I gathered that fishing was a bit off. While the duo usually dupes their share of fish, the fishing was lacking due to a persistent cold front that had them burdened with fleece attire for the better part of their stay.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB