RAGS TO RICHES

April 19, 2005 - Dropping water levels and moderating temperatures have heightened the spirits of sweet water anglers across central New England. Many medium to smallish watersheds that were unfishable just a week ago are now rounding into shape and are fishing quite well. The state's major drainage systems such as the Ware, Millers, Deerfield and Westfield still have a ways to go but barring any major rain events, could be approachable in a week or so (longer in the case of the Millers).

As of this writing virtually every body of water within the state has been visited at least once by MassWildlife stocking crews. We did speak with one angler that actually spent an afternoon on the Millers and did quite well despite the water. We would recommend aggressive sink tips (type 6) in conjunction with weighted nymphs or bead head wooly buggers (earth tones) if tackling one of our major watersheds is on your docket.

CAPE COD
With all the high water many anglers are scratching their itch by fishing one of the many impoundments located on Cape Cod. Here to wading anglers may discover high water making it difficult to work drop-offs (that are usually located adjacent to beachfronts) with leech and baitfish imitations. During the week we spoke with a number of fly guys that experienced success on Big and Little Cliff Ponds in Nickerson State Park, Brewster, Herring Pond in Eastham and Sheep Pond in Brewster. The reoccurring theme among all of the anglers was the generous proportion of the fish, many touching the 16-18 inch mark.

When surface activity is not evident, aggressive 10' sink tip lines in conjunction with darker wooly buggers (8-10) is getting it done. Be prepared to convert to floater once midge activity commences, usually late afternoon into the evening.

THE HATCHES
Within the week I would expect to encounter Hendrickson (14), Red Quill (16), BWO (18-20), and darker caddis (14-16). All of these hatches should be prevalent during mid to late afternoon with some doodling until nightfall. We are in a period that the warmest part of the day will produce the best insect activity and therefor the best fishing opportunities.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB