KETTLES RECEDE September 11, 2007 - While it's still a bit early to consider a sojourn in pursuit of the residents that inhabit many of Cape Cod's trout ponds, anglers will find that water levels have dropped dramatically. I had a chance to visit a few on the more notorious impoundments recently and couldn't believe the transformation from the excessively high water of the past few years. Wading anglers will find this a welcome change from previous years. It is obvious that drop-offs that can't be effectively explored during high water are now easily accessible. Unfortunately I did not have a thermometer to check the water temperature but a knee-deep wade revealed that it is still a bit warm especially throughout the immediate shoreline. A few more weeks and some cooler nights should go a long way in remedying this situation. While the most effective method of canvassing these impoundments remains watercraft (kayak, canoe or float tube) you should have no problem negotiating the shorelines. Keep in mind that the well equipped angler will utilize both floating and sinking (or sink tip) lines depending on the surface activity or lack there of. During the autumn season you are likely to encounter some absolutely epic midge fishing. Typically these insects are some of the most generously proportioned of the entire season, oftentimes mimicked by #16 adults. A simple black adult midge pattern with hackle trimmed even with the hook point or black gnat dry #16 or #18 should turn a few heads. When fish are showing preference to emergers, standard (darker) quill bodied wet flies should get you some business. Employ a slow steady strip in conjunction with a floating fly line in the vicinity of the surface activity. Strikes are often sudden and violent so be forewarned. It would be a welcome treat should you encounter it but a number of these ponds support ant hatches in the autumn. I have personally witnessed a number of these events on both Crystal Pond in Orleans and Scargo Pond in Dennis. These land-bred insects usually form "rafts" with solitary individuals skirting the perimeter. They are winged and rusty-brown in coloration, a size #16 should do the trick. Trout will masticate the feast with utmost voracity, surface feeding for many hours despite contrary weather conditions. Good fishing and safe
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