THRILLER ON THE MILLERS

May 20, 2008 - Waters levels are rapidly rounding into shape here in central Mass and local anglers are reaping the benefits. Just ask Herb Cronin about his recent experience on the Millers River. Cronin engaged the services of local guides Dan and Tom Harrison of Harrison Anglers (www.harrisonanglers.com) for a day on the watershed and was rewarded with “some outstanding fishing.” His day was initiated along Rt. 2A just outside of West Orange and concluded at the sub-station adjacent to Whetstone Brook, a double haul from the Wendell Depot railroad trestle.

Due to inaccessibility (private property) and deeper water situations much of the river east of the Orcutt Brook Bridge is simply not accessible by wading and must be negotiated by watercraft. The more typical riffle-pool-riffle terrain, so common to the watershed along the Rt. 2 sector downstream, is superseded by deep runs, undercut banks and long slow glides that cry out for sink-tip lines and weighted flies.

I must confess that I neglected to query Herb as to the bullets that produced his stellar success but I can reveal that he was restocking his inventory of bead head caddis pupa and wooly bugger patterns.

The Harrison brothers not only host guided trips on the Millers but offer similar floats on the Deerfield and Connecticut Rivers as well. The 13’ Aire raft with corresponding NRS fishing frame will offer both safety and comfort throughout your day. At $250 for a ½ day (5 hours) and $350 for a full day (9 hours with lunch) the freight is certainly affordable if not downright cheap.

Local T&G scribe, Mary Anne Magiera has recently booked a day on the lower Deerfield to sample the legendary smallmouth bass fishing it offers. More on this in a future installment. 

FELT SOLES ON HOLD?
According to the June edition of Tackle Trade World felt-soled waders and boots are on the verge of being banned in New Zealand. This comes on the heels of the recent spread of Didymosphenia geminata, more commonly referred to as didymo or ‘rock snot’ throughout North and South America. US-based wader manufacturer Simms Fishing Products is currently undertaking measures to combat this invasive aquatic plant through the development of future product lines.

“Currently Fish and Game New Zealand, the freshwater regulatory body: is recommending to the government that a complete ban on the ownership, use and sale of any fishing waders or wading boot that has a felt sole is necessary.”

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB