TEMPORARILY ON HOLD

June 26, 2008 - The persistent rain events of the last week have temporarily put things on hold, at least were some of the state's watersheds are concerned. What is dismal in the short term will definitely help some of the more water sensitive rivers in the long run. Midweek water levels on the Millers (1430 cfs, currently unfishable) and the Westfield (1420 cfs, currently unfishable) will assure sufficient water levels as we enter the month of July.
The Deerfield River tailwater has been another story altogether. Even with all the rain, non-discharge water levels have hovered in the 220 cfs range allowing for some boundless wading opportunities. The recent discharge pattern has been to sustain normal water flow on Monday and Tuesday (usually somewhere in the 150-250 cfs range) throughout the day. Early afternoon water releases (850-1000 cfs) have occurred sometime during the early afternoon from Wednesday through Sunday.

The Swift River watershed bellow the dam is never very effected by pronounced rain events and remains at about 130 cfs giving wading anglers almost total access to the river. Most of the fish are residing north of the Rt. 9 Bridge in the Y-Pool area. Some anglers are reporting the presence of sulfurs (#16), long been considered the premier summer hatch of the summer season. As reported earlier the river is due to be stocked sometime around the beginning of July when special regs go into effect for the area south of the Rt. 9 Bridge.

You may want to consider less distinguished watersheds while your waiting for the big boys to recede. The East Branch of the North River (a Deerfield trib) along Rt. 112 in Colrain and the East Branch of the Swift River in Petersham, north of the Quabbin Rez can offer alternatives for the more inspired angler. Both rivers are easily accessible and can be quite fun to prospect during normal water conditions.

THE HATCHES
By the time you view this article sulfurs (#16-#18) should be the dominant hatch. I would also consider toting a variety of caddis floaters (#16-#20) along with a series of BWO patterns in sizes #18-#22. Round out your fly box with a small selection of terrestrials, black ants #16-#18, hoppers #10, crickets #12, and black beetles #16-#18 and your good to go.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB