WATER ISSUES September 25, 2007 - With the autumn trout season now upon us, anglers are facing some rather somber water issues. The arid summer months have limited fishing opportunities here in central Massachusetts and suffice it to say we are in desperate need of substantial precipitation. Just to give you an example of how dismal the situation has become scope out the latest water levels at some of the more popular venues; Westfield River at Knightsville- 23 CFS, Millers River at Erving- 75 CFS, and even the discharges at the Deerfield have remained constant for long periods of time at around 175 CFS. On the other hand the Swift River in Belchertown has, with the exception of a few days when water levels were restrained, has remained at about 110 CFS, creating the best fishing opportunity for local anglers. The water level of the Swift is considered to be optimum flow at this time. There are still many trout of all species cluttering the entire length of the fishery from the infamous Y-pool at the base of the dam to well south of Cady Lane. A few minutes of casual prospecting either north or south of the Rt. 9 Bridge will put you in contact with groups of selective trout that occupy the watershed. The native brook trout that routinely vanish during the summer have returned throughout the system, so the possibility of a "grand slam" will present itself. Steam regs are reporting that they are encountering tiny summer caddis and BWO's (#22-#24) as well as the usual suspects, darker midges (#22-#24). It is the general consensus that you will experience more success with a pupa or emerger patterns, especially during the daylight hours. THE STILLWATER Good fishing and safe
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