ON THE MOVE

August 18, 2004 - While our local rivers and streams are realizing their best season in many years, a host of central New England anglers are practicing their craft at localities throughout the globe.

It's the Madison Valley Ranch in Montana for Frank and Chris Puma of Hudson. Frank is treating the family (wife included) for a few days of guided fishing with the Yellowstone River his primary target.

Dennis Alakoski of Sturbridge just returned from his annual western swing and reports that the dry fly fishing in many of the spring creeks has held up despite lower water levels.

We just fitted John McCracken with a new pair of Simms breathable waders, that he will be christening on the Shetland Islands of Scotland. Sea trout and Atlantic salmon are the quarry for this Scottish national who has promised to return to the states with epic tales of conquest.

Jon Shakour, along with fishing companion Joe Flemming are returning to the lovely confines of the Gaspe Peninsula to fish the St. Jean River. I'm sure Jon will tote along enough of his secret weapons (white muddler) to supply the entire camp.

UNUSUAL CATCH
I wish more fly rod anglers would take advantage of the outstanding warm water fishery that is available on our doorstep. Many central Mass lakes and ponds offer delightful angling for small and largemouth bass as well as other species.

Just ask Scott Powell. On a recent outing Scott found himself on Upton's Pratt Pond, which in it self is not consider unusual. Scott hooked a rather rambunctious sunfish, which in it self is not considered unusual. Scott hooked and landed a 21" largemouth, that he guestimated to be in the 7-8 lb. bracket, on the sunfish… now that's unusual! Here are the pictures to prove it.

THE FARMY
A number a locals have been frequenting the Farmington River's C&R section located near Pleasant Valley, Connecticut and report that the population of fish exceeds anything they have experienced in recent in recent memory. While the summer angling can be quite technical, which is certainly the case with other New England tailwaters, your success or failure will depend on your ability to identify the insect, the stage of emergence, your ability to adeptly handle lengthy (fine) leaders and presentation.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB