T.S. CINDY

July 8, 2005 - The prospect of a significant rain event this weekend due to the remnants of tropical storm Cindy has many freshwater anglers running for cover. While precipitation is always welcome during the torrid mid-summer months the promised 3 to 4 inch soaking will definitely alter weekend plans.

If you are concerned about flows pertaining to a particular watershed we've stumbled on a statewide site that could serve as an aide when planning trips. The address of the easily navigated site is http://water.usgs.gov/cgi-bin/waterwatch?map_type=flood&state=ma. The site gives up to the minute date and is accompanied by a "flood and high flow" map showing the locations of stream gages where water level is currently at or above flood stage or at high flow.

THE SWIFT
Prior to the most recent rain events the Swift River was finally rounding into shape. During the entire spring season and into the initial weeks of summer the river has been sporting higher than normal flows due to the overflow water conditions of Quabbin Reservoir, limiting wading access.

As many well-informed fly anglers are aware, as of July 1st the watershed south of the Rt.9 Bridge to Cady lane has reverted back to C&R, artificials only, and will remain so until December 31st. The river received a substantial supplementary stocking of fish during the previous week and fly fisherman are reporting that locating fish (usually traveling in schools) has not been difficult. Many of these fish remain in the 13-16" grouping and are offering great sport due to their lack of sophistication. Give them a week or two to bone-up and things are destined to revert back to normal.

Favorite summer patters remain… black ants (18-20), black beetles (16), BWO's (22-24), caddis (18-20) and sulfurs (16-18) for dries… pheasant tails (18-20), serendipities (20-22), and midge pupas and emergers (20-24) for subsurface offerings.

THE DEERFIELD
We're finally hearing a lot of positives coming from the Deerfield River. Bob Shay of Sturbridge, Dave Benoit of Milford and river resident, Chris Morano have been experiencing some spectacular outings on the watershed. Shay favors Stimulator and Stimulator style flies (6-10) fished over riffles. This form of dry fly fishing usually solicits violent strikes and is a very effected method throughout the summer months. It seems the new management company is maintaining a more user-friendly attitude toward fly fishing folks as water releases have not been as drastic as in past years.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB