RAIN REIGNS June 10, 2006 - The funk that has surrounded Massachusetts's freshwater anglers continues aided by the most recent rain events. Most of the major watersheds within the state remain high and out-of-shape. As reported in earlier articles, this condition is only temporary and should actually facilitate the fishing once we enter the initial weeks of summer. In previous years we have struggled to find enough fishable water during the latter weeks of June, this will not be the case in 2006. A HIDDEN GEM IN
EASTERN CONNECTICUT "If you haven't yet fished the Natchaug River in Eastford/Ashford, Ct., take out your maps and locate Routes 44, 198 and 6 in Eastern Ct. This beautiful, moderately flowing river with great riffles and pools, holds up and recovers well even after the recent heavy rains. Access is good along Rt. 198 in the Natchaug State Forest and in the several campgrounds that allow visitor's river access for a small fee, and in several bridge crossings throughout the 8 miles or so of fishable water. Much of the area is designated as Trophy trout area and restricted to a 2 fish creel limit. There are sections and pools on this river where you'll see no one, even some areas downstream that remind me of the Montana spring creeks! As an alternative to the drive to the Farmington, the Natchaug is not far from I-395 south from the Worcester area." "Now the fishing...The Pale Evening Duns have just started mixed in with a few Cahills, BWO's are on, March Browns are showing and the usual midge are prevalent. The caddis are not present in the usual numbers, perhaps due to the cool weather and changing water levels. I expect warming temperatures in the next few weeks will bring the fish steadily to the top. For now emergers are the choice. I like a CDC emerger that I can float to a rising fish, or sink on the swing if the rises are few. Browns and rainbows are dominant, with some Tiger trout in the mix, a very unusually marked hybrid. This is arguably the finest trout river in eastern Connecticut, full of nice fish, with the caveat that by July, the water warms considerably, so now's the time! Fall fishing is very good as well." "If anyone would like to invest in an afternoon/evening understanding more about the Natchaug River system, points of access, key patterns and most productive areas, feel free to contact me at flifishri@yahoo.com." ANGLERS ON THE MOVE Good fishing and safe
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