SAME OLE, SAME OLE August 14, 2008 - First of all let me apologize for this tardy report but the simple truth of the matter is that there has been very little to report. When you peruse the Massachusetts Streamflow Table and see numbers like 1440 cfs on the Deerfield, 1160 cfs on the Millers and 1870 cfs on the Westfield, there certainly isn't much to be optimistic about in the short term. While a more normal mid-August time frame would render most watersheds craving any sort of precipitation, this year certainly has been the exception to the rule. The Swift River in Belchertown (243 cfs) has been the only game in town. While this watershed's level is a bit elevated, it has been totally negotiable both north and south of the Rt. 9 Bridge. The fish that were planted during early July have had a chance to "settle in" and expect fishing conditions to be a bit more technical. During daylight periods you will have to contend with lengthy leaders (12-14') tapering to 7 or 8X (.003) when fishing dries and a tad shorter when nymphing. You won't have a problem locating fish along the entire special regulations area from Windsor Dam south to Cady Lane. Expect plenty of company during weekend sessions under our present water conditions. Weekdays, particularly Monday, offer a bit more solitude and at times you will be able to canvass your favorite pool without competition. The Farmington River, the jewel of Connecticut, has not escaped the rain events of July and August. Water levels remain high to moderate as of this writing. Expect to encounter BWO's (18-20), Sulfurs (18), Summer Caddis (16) and the rumor has it that Tricos (22-24) have begun to emerge during mid-morning periods with spinner falls later in the day. For anglers that favor impoundments it's a bit early to consider fishing the Cape's kettle ponds. Fish are generally suspended in deeper thermo clines and totally unavailable to longrodders. While this has not been an unusually torrid summer, look for fish to become available to wading anglers sometime around middle to late September. Good fishing and safe
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