2009 SEASON OPENER

April 7, 2009 - I really don't consider the season has officially commenced until my windshield becomes littered with the corpses of tiny insects during my evening commute to Barre. If you're keeping score this occurred on April 2nd. I actually witness my first legitimate feeding rise on Long Pond in Rutland this same morning. The rebel was without question intent on feasting on some of the prolific midges so common to our local impoundments.

The high water flow of the Swift River (500-600 CFS) in Belchertown has fly anglers scrambling in search of alternatives. River regs report that lake trout, LL salmon and even smelt have infiltrated the Y pool from the main reservoir creating some interesting possibilities. Keep in mind that dealing with these excessive water releases is nearly impossible and requires utmost awareness.

As of this writing most, if not all of the state's impoundments have received their initial stocking. Prior to the most recent rain event many of our local watersheds were in near perfect condition allowing easy access to state stocking trucks. Most central Mass watersheds receive fish the week of April 3rd and will continue to be visited until inventories are exhausted. It's customary for all of the state's watersheds to be visited at least once prior the unofficial beginning of the season, the third Saturday of April.

CATCHING WHATS HATCHING
Depending on the watershed, we usually experience a rather sporadic emergence of Qill Gordons (12-14) sometime during the middle of the month (weather permitting). More often than not the water is either out of shape, too cold, or simply absent of fish to take advantage of the situation. We look for the infamous Red Quill (16)/Handrickson (14) emergence to occur sometime during the last week of April. This is undoubtedly one of the most heralded and anticipated events of the season and common to 90% of central Mass watersheds. For the immediate future it's low and slow for sure. Weighted or bead head nymphs, baitfish imitations and buggers in conjunction with aggressively sinking or sink-tip fly lines are strongly recommended.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB