THRILLERS ON THE MILLERS May 20, 2005 - If you don't already consider the Millers River the premier watershed in the state of Massachusetts you really should reconsider. Based on reports we have received during the previous week, anglers have been experiencing exceptional fishing on this river from Bearsden Road in Athol to Wendell Depot (Rt. 2A) in West Orange and west to the Erving Paper Mill (Rt. 2). Water levels have dramatically subsided and the river in now approaching optimal wading condition. During the mid-May period the watershed is notoriously famous for intense caddis hatches which can be mimicked nicely by darker adult patterns in sizes 14-16. We favor parachutes, Hemmingway, slick water or other low riding patterns. During higher water or non-hatch periods anglers have been scoring will with brighter streamer patterns, Millers River Special (8-10), Light Edson Tiger (8-10) and Colonel Bates (8-10) as well as olive and black wooly buggers (8-10). Other productive patterns include black stone fly nymphs (6-8) and hellgrammite patterns in 6's and 8's. While this watershed is dramatically influenced by even modest rain events, you won't have to contend with sudden water level fluctuations, as is the case with a tailwater fishery like the Deerfield River to the west. Another positive feature of the river is the lack of considerable fishing pressure. While access is reasonably easy throughout it's western journey to the Connecticut, it is uncommon to find even modest pressure, and in many cases you may find miles of unexplored water. TU TO THE WESTFIELD The river is federally classified wild & scenic and contains both stocked and native trout with miles of riffles and pools to peruse. The campground is a beautiful meadow on the bank of the river with washrooms, hot and cold water and showers for both men and women. The June Monthly meeting will be held on Thursday, June 9th and will entail an evening of fly-fishing on the Quinnapoxet River in Holden. For more information on any of these events please contact Paul Bakstran at bakstran@charter.net or 978.838.7345. NEW PUBLICATION Good fishing and safe
wading, |
