LONG

October 20, 2006 - It's always a pleasant experience when Marty visits the shop. A fly-fishing zealot for more year than he'd like to admit, Marty is always a source of pertinent information and his genuine love of the sport is evident in his descriptive diatribes. He's been retired for a few years now and this has only fueled his passion since time ceases to be an issue.

Unlike other colleagues of the sport, Marty has never been drawn to moving water, in fact I can't ever recall him even mentioning a river, stream or brook during our many conversations. Marty is content engaging his wife in friendly competition while leisurely canvassing one of the many fresh water ponds that dot central Massachusetts, she an ardent spin caster and he a dedicated long rodder.

During our most recent conversation, Marty revealed the success he, and his wife, have been enjoying on Long Pond in Rutland. While only a mere 20 minutes from downtown Worcester it simply doesn't receive the attention it should, particularly during the latter stages of the season when opportunities can be limited.

Since I skirt the impoundment twice a day during my normal commute, I recently decided to leave home a few minutes early and scope out the situation. As I arrived at the northern boat launch area adjacent to Rt.122 in Rutland, I found the immense parking lot vacant of vehicles, a circumstance not unusual during weekdays in autumn. The pond's environment was tranquil and inviting, highlighted by the stunning fall foliage and crisp autumn air. As my vehicle rolled to a complete stop I witness bulging rainbows no more than a spey cast from the shoreline, but certainly within the range of a wading angler.

The experience had me mesmerized for more than a few minutes and actually seemed surreal in its production. As is always the case, Marty was correct in his assessment of the pond. His most recent effort yielded 8 rainbows (most in the 14" range) and his wife actually had to be coaxed from the boat launch area as she retired a handful of rainbow trout well within her spinning range.

THE STILLWATER
I spoke with the dean of the Stillwater Peter Perrine recently and he reports that good numbers of landlocked salmon have entered both the Stillwater and Quinnie systems after the latest rain event. Provided Mother Nature cooperates, fishing should remain good to excellent during this high water period. Reliable fish takers from the past include, the Millers River Special 8-10, Light Edson Tiger 8-10, Cardinelle 8-10, White Marabou Muddler 8-10 and Colonel Bates 8-10.

Fish have been in the 18-22" range on average.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB