BIG WHEELS KEEP ON TURNIN’ 

May 3, 2008 - At this time every watershed within state boundaries has been visited by stocking trucks at least once, and in some cases multiple times. Scheduled to receive trout during the first week of May include; Phillips Brook and Whitman River in Ashburnham; Millers River in Athol, Roylston and Winchendon; Ware River in Barre and Hardwick; Still River in Bolton; Mumford River in Douglas; Danforth and Moose Brooks in Hardwick; Natty and Joslin Brooks in Hubbardston; Muddy Brook in Mendon; Assabet River and Cold Harbor Brook in Northboro; Parker Brook in Oakham; East Branch of the Swift River in Petersham; Stillwater River in Princeton and Sterling; Cranberry Brook, Turkey Hill Brook, and Sevenmile River in Spencer; Center Brook and West River in Upton, and Phillips brook in Westminster.

Just a brief note concerning Moose Brook in Hardwick. Here is the perfect example of a rather inconsequential tributary of the Ware River that virtually receives little or no attention throughout the entire season. A little more than walking distance from my residence in Barre, it has been the venue of numerous outings over the years. I can’t ever recollect encountering a single angler toiling within it’s banks, despite it’s rather fruitful bounty.

CASTING
Thanks go out to (Jim, Denise, Steve, Bob, Craig, Mark, Ginger, Donna, Randy and Tom) the students of our most recent casting clinic held by FFF Master Casting Instructor, Dave Benoit. After many years of having to deal with inclement weather we were finally treated to near perfect conditions. Many of you have requested Dave’s contact information for additional one-on-one instruction and he would be more than happy to comply. Dave can be reached at dwbenoit@verizon.net or 508.561.1119.

HATCHES
Hendrickson (14) and Red Quill (16) continue to be the focus of attention. Due to their abundance and tolerance to a variety of water conditions I would not venture about without a reasonable selection of caddis (emergers, adults and pupa) in olive and darker earth tones. These insects are present in virtually every watershed within the state and can often be witnessed throughout the entire day.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB