WINDING DOWN

October 8, 2004 - As we begin to put the finishing touches on yet another freshwater season state trunks have replenished trout stocks for the final time. Barring negative water samples, which were garnered by MassWildlife crews, many impoundments's along with a few major watersheds received fish during the past week.
This year total of available trout is estimated to be in the vicinity of 52,000 (41,000 rainbows, 6,000 browns and 5,000 brookies) with an average of just about a foot in length. Worcester County waters were scheduled to receive 10,250 fish, predominately rainbows.

Central Massachusetts watersheds that were scheduled to receive fish are; the Quinebaug Ruver in Sturbridge; the Ware River in Barre, Hardwick and Ware; the Millers River in Royalston and Winchedon; the East Branch of the Swift River in Petersham, the Swift River in Belchertown, the Quinnie in Holden and the Stillwater in Sterling.

While we're on the subject of the Stillwater. Thus far we have received reports of only modest success regarding the landlocked salmon run despite the fact that the remnants of Jeanne recently deposited 2-3 inches of precipitation. While we have been graced with good water volume throughout the system, we feel it was a bit early to expect noteworthy angling. Should we receive additional rainfall sometime during the middle of the month things are destined to be a bit more positive.

Some of the favored flies when pursuing autumn salmon are; the Cardinelle (8-10), the Millers River Special (8-10), the Colonel Bates (8-10), the Black Ghost (8-10) and the Mickey Finn (8-10). Traditionally these streamers are fished with floating lines with terminal tackle of 9'-4X. More conventional trout nymphs such as the Hare's Ear, Prince Nymph and Red Squirrel Hair Nymph can also be effective.

TU MEETING
The next meeting of Central Mass Chapter of Trout Unlimited will be on October 14th, Thursday evening at Broad Meadow Brook Center of Mass Audubon, 414 Massasoit Road, Worcester, MA. Doors open at 6:30 PM with a fly tying demonstration by Ted Souris. The business portion of the meeting will take place at 7 PM followed by a special slide presentation by Mr. Jerry Peters of Maynard. Jerry is the founder of the North East Fly Anglers Network, a casual network for serious anglers. The Deerfield River, located in the western part of the state will be the focus of his presentation.

You will learn about location, tackle and techniques for tackling this watershed. The program concludes with information sheet authored by Mr. Peters.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB