SWIFT RIVER FLOWS

August 18, 2005 - After maintaining low water levels throughout most of the season, mid summer water releases have commenced and the system has reverted to it's more typical pre-autumn form. We would classify current water level to be medium-high but entirely wadeable.

This has not dampened the enthusiasm of river regs as the Swift River continues to enjoy a fine season. It wouldn't be difficult to locate fish either north or south of the Rt. 9 bridge. Felix Stolulonis has been visiting the river on a regular basis while in the company of Len Renauld of Sterling and Charlie Peters of Worcester and reports that he is impressed by the average size of the fish. Many rainbows fall into the 3-4 lb. category and the browns he is stocking are not far behind. Best producing flies for the trio has been… Adams Parachute (22), Henryville Special (20), Black Ant 16-18), Black Beetle (16) and Olive or Black Wooly Buggers (6-8).

You will certainly be able to get away with using more portly offerings as evening approaches. Try a Letort Cricket (6-8) or Parachute Hopper (8-10) and induce strikes by twitching them in a lifelike manner.

THRILLERS ON THE MILLERS
We just field a very positive Email from Larry Bush indicating that he recently experienced success while wading literally in the mouth of Osgood Brook, a Millers River trib. All fish, 6-7 spunky rainbows, were taken on a Hemingway caddis.

This success is once again backed up by the glowing reports we continue to receive from Mat Piwowarski. It continues to amaze me how the system has held up throughout the torrid summer months.
I would definitely pencil this one in on my autumn itinerary as it is destined to be restocked pending water levels.

VPS LIGHTS, GONE FOR GOOD
In case you haven't noticed Sage has discontinued their VPS line of rods effective immediately. The VPS Lights were being constructed from the older Light Line series blanks. These blanks were by far some of the most popular premium fly rods ever produce in the industry. Many received awards from magazines and periodicals regarding performance, delicacy, accuracy and aesthetics. If memory serves me correctly the original Light Lines, or LL's retailed for $450 and were reintroduced as VPS Lights for $375-$400.

If you've never owned one here's your chance to pick one up at a fraction of the cost. Make it a point to visit our sale page for a complete list of remaining inventory… you won't be sorry.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB