MORE NEWS FROM THE NORTH

June 27, 2007 - We just fielded and e-mail from Jim Doyle concerning his recent angling holiday in the state of New Hampshire. Jim writes…

"Hi, I just wanted to let you know that your tips paid off last week. Three of us stopped by on Wednesdays last week to pick up flies for New Hampshire fishing in the Lake Armington region. We fished the Baker River, Oliverean Pond, Lake Armington and the Newfound River. Well, we managed to catch a bunch of fish including several species including small mouth bass, rock bass, rainbow trout and brookies. The Hemingway caddis (size 12) produced a good size rainbow on my first cast of it on the Newfound River near the dam outlet. I attached a few photos I thought you might appreciate. The wooly buggers also did well for us. Thanks for the pointers and fly suggestions."

BENOIT CHECKS IN
I had the opportunity to talk fly-fishing with FFF master fly casting instructor Dave Benoit recently. As many of you know, Dave handles our fly-casting classes and is legendary in his ability to transfer knowledge in a patient and comprehensive manner. Due to business commitments Benoit has not had many opportunities to pursue his fly-fishing passion this year and was looking forward to a few days at his camp on the Deerfield River in Charlemont. The good news for anglers interested in fishing the watershed concerns water releases. Fife Brook Dam water discharges have been fairly consistent in recent weeks. The river has maintained 150-200 CFS levels throughout most of the morning and into early afternoon with the major water releases (800-1000 CFS) occurring early to mid afternoon. An angler arriving early in the day can be assured of receiving at least 4 to 6 hours of unhampered fishing prior to the discharge.

THE BARRISTER
Springfield lawyer Jim Pepe has been enjoying terrific angling on the Swift River lately, with 15-20 fish days not uncommon. His methods are somewhat uncommon to this watershed in that he prefers size 10 and 12 earth toned wooly buggers to the more conventional midge and emerger patterns. As an aside, the Swift reverts back to catch and release, artificials only south of the Rt. 9 bridge after July 1st. Look for a major fish stocking to take place at this time supplementing an already health population of both native and planted fish.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB