THANK YOU T.S. HANNA September 9, 2008 - The scuttlebutt around the shop the previous week was the lack of water in many of the area's watersheds. Who would think that this topic would concern anglers after the rather soggy summer season we've experienced here in central New England? Save for the Swift River in Belchertown virtually every watershed in the state is at or near flood stage. It's a pity really; the Deerfield River had just recently returned to form with water releases occurring sometime during the early afternoon, enabling anglers to enjoy a 4-6 hour morning session. While the beginning of September is hardly prime time a few locals were enjoying some very encouraging action on the Millers River in the Wendall Depot are just prior to the storm. While no major hatches have been reported during daylight hours, foam terrestrial patterns such as Amazon ants, foam beetles, hoppers, Chernobyl ants, and Stalcup crickets have been providing the bulk of the action. At last check water levels were a staggering 1690 cfs making the watershed unfishable. Provided we receive no additional precipitation, this watershed could be back in form in a week or so. While every river has suffered due to high water, the Swift River still remains low. At last check this watershed is producing a mere 78 cfs discharge. Winsor Dam is responsible for holding back flows to prevent excessive flooding in the lower Connecticut River, it's ultimate destination. Unless you're headed for the Swift, we would encourage you to lay off any major watershed for a week or so. Traditionally during the late summer and early fall, rivers tend to run-off rapidly. I hate to sound like a broken record but in the long term this is very beneficial to our local trout fishery. The autumn stocking program here in Massachusetts usually overlooks many watershed due to low water levels. This will not be the case in 2008. Look for stocking to commence sometime around Columbus Day and continue until supply is exhausted. Along with a multitude of impoundments, the Deefield, the Swift, the Westfield and the Millers rivers are all scheduled to receive fish. Good fishing and safe
wading, |
