LOW WATER WOES

August 31, 2007 - As we approach late summer query any central Mass coldwater angler with regards to local stream conditions and you're likely to get the same response, there is simply no water. I just checked the water volume on the Millers River and it was a remarkable 56 CFS. When compared to the Swift River's 114 CFS, a watershed of considerably less proportion, it really puts things into perspective. This late season anomaly is extremely harmful to trout populations in two respects:

1. Lack of sustainable water volume (and velocity) deprives trout of oxygen, and
2. The surface temperature as well as the entire water column becomes to warm to sustain cold water species.

Due to a few of our tailwater fisheries all is not lost. As an old scribe once pitched the comment… "There are damn dams and there are dams."

The sole reason we are able to enjoy a relatively fruitful coldwater season during the torrid New England summer is not doubt due to our local tailwater fisheries, all within a 2-hour drive from Worcester. I've often referred to these watersheds as the big three… The Farmington River near New Hartford, Connecticut, the Deerfield River from Monroe through Charlemont, Massachusetts, and the Swift River in Belchertown. While the characteristics of these rivers vary greatly within their banks the reoccurring theme, at least for the summer, would be insect hatches. Gone are the classic eastern hatches of spring and early summer to be replaced by tricos, BWO's, midges, minute caddis and terrestrials.

ROAD TRIP
Every year I seem to promote this lovely little river located within the Mass state lines and, with the exception of a few zealots, it falls on deaf ears. The Green River (no, not the watershed in Greenfield) located in the township of Egremont, just southwest of Great Barrington is certainly a Massachusetts hidden jewel. The river's volume is sustained by numerous underground springs keeping water levels and water temperatures conductive to sustaining trout populations year round. Good friend, Lee Robinson of Grafton has made the Green a destination on many occasions and passionately speaks of its virtues. Deceptively deep due water clarity the watershed supports healthy numbers of both brook and brown trout with double-digit outings not uncommon. Access to the river can be gained Seekonk Cross Road, Hurlburt road, Interstate 41 and Rt. 7 prior to it's confluence with the Housatonic near the Great Barrington-Sheffield town line.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB