HIGH WATER ALTERNATIVES

October 12, 2005 - Wow! I know water was in short supply throughout most of the summer but this is ridiculous. It's no secret that the most recent rain events have put a temporary end to trout fishing locally and seriously threaten to permanently end the season. With the prospects of substantially more moisture predicted for the balance of the week we just don't foresee many of our major watersheds recovering in time for dependable late season angling.

The watersheds that were most affected by all the rainfall are the Deerfield, Westfield and Millers systems. By Massachusetts' standards, these are all considerable drainage areas encompassing many river miles and multitudes of feeder streams that contribute to the flooding.

Take heed for there are certainly other options available for the trout zealot.

We have received our initial reports from the Stillwater River, which enters the Wachusett Reservoir from the north, and landlocked salmon are now entering the system on their annual spawning run. This is a modest sized river of short duration that traditionally runs-off quite rapidly and offers fair to good fishing throughout November.

Keep in mind that when you are in pursuit of landlocked salmon you are seeking "rising" water conditions, usually prior to the crest. This will encourage autumn spawners to migrate from the reservoir basin and into the river proper. The best angling can be experienced during low-light hours… dawn, dusk or dismal weather conditions. White and yellow muddler minnows (8-10) in conjunction with a floating line are probably responsible for taking the bulk of these autumn fish.

The Swift River in Belchertown has recently been replenished by hatched reared stock and water levels remain "low". You heard right… "low". This is due to the fact that the dam is regulating water flow and has yet to be breached.

Another option is the kettle ponds of Cape Cod. We spend more time promoting this fishery and see fewer and fewer anglers taking advantage of it. At last count there are over 20 stocked trout ponds located east of Cape Cod Canal, most of which can be enjoyed in virtual solitude. I do understand that it may be heresy for a river partisan to pursue cold water species in impoundments, but as long as the state's freestones remain in distressed condition this is simply a viable option.

MORE THAN RUMOR
In the event you haven't heard a British firm recently purchased two American fly-fishing institutions, Abel Fly Reel and Thomas & Thomas Fly Rods. Sharp's of Aberdeen, a company with production ties to the Far East is the new owner. Will it be long before we see these high quality American products being manufactured in Asia? We get what we ask for!

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB