THE DUB

May 4, 2007 - Query any flyrodder in central Mass as to the most productive local body of water and chances are the The Dub would not be on his list. The Dub is Wachusett Reservoir located a Steve Rajeff double-haul from downtown Worcester. Most noted for it's rural setting, despite it's close proximity to major population centers, at last check the Wachusett was responsible for no less than five freshwater sportfishing records. What prompted me to rekindle my memory of the place was a conversation I had a few weeks ago with Franny Maple, a longtime Wachusett zealot. Maple was expounding the virtues of the impoundment with regards to the outstanding smallmouth bass fishing it offers. While I always assumed that late April was hardly the proper time to consider targeting these creatures (past years have always found me harassing trout during the spring season) he cautioned me that my assumption was incorrect, and impressive success could be experienced from opening day and well into the season. With little more than a furrowed brow and subtle smirk, Maple insisted he would prove his contention.

We received an e-mail from Mr. Maple this week with the enclosed attachment. The subject of the message read… "D.G. Wolf with a couple of Wachusett "HONKERS" and nothing more.

Without divulging the exact location of this success I will only reveal that the anglers gain access to The Dub along Rt. 110 somewhere near the Sterling/West Boylston town line. Here the shoreline maintains the integrity necessary to support spawning smallmouth bass as well as provide habitat to cruising feeders.

Fly selection is rather uncomplicated. Muddlers (6-10) in black, yellow, natural and especially white, along with a handful of leech patterns, crayfish and wooly buggers is all the ammo you'll need. Combine these with an aggressive all-sinking or sink-tip line and a shorter 3X or 2X leader and your good to go. One drawback or disadvantage for fly guys may be the wading restriction. All angling must occur from land as wading in not permitted anywhere along this impoundment.

NEFT DINNER
Event organizer, Dave Flint would like to thank all those that attended the recent New England Fly Tyers Banquet. The event added thousands of dollars to the club's coffers.

THOSE ARE HENDRICKSONS AND RED QUILLS
Yes, Peter Williams those are Hendrickson (14) and Red Quill (16) mayflies you are witnessing while fishing your favorite private pond in Whitinsville. As water levels continue to recover this has been the predominant hatch for about a week now. Many small to medium sized watershed are approaching peak form as we enter the first full week of May. The E Branch of the Swift, the Quinnie, the Stillwater, the Burnshirt, the Prince and Canesto Brook are all in great shape and replenished with hatchery trout at least once.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB