THE DEVINE DEERFIELD

May 22, 2009 - With the prospects of the long Memorial Day weekend and a warmer weather pattern looming on the horizon, things are looking positive for fly anglers.

I had the opportunity to chat with trout zealot Larry Bush concerning his recent float trip with Tom Harrison, of Harrison Anglers. The trip originated at Fife Brook Dam on the Deerfield and continued for some 10 hours and was eventful to say the least. Utilizing a series of zonker patterns (white being the most successful) in conjunction with an aggressive sinking line, Larry was able to encourage 18-20 fish to net throughout the day. While a generously proportioned 18" rainbow took the Oscar, Bush tussled with an estimated 20+-inch rainbow for an extended length of time prior to extricating the hook. Larry was also able to encourage a few fish using more conventional nymphing techniques. High water releases that are the scourge of wading anglers is preferred by the Harrison brothers since they are quite capable of positioning their water crafts in advantageous positions, utilizing eddies and backwaters to your best advantage. If interested in booking a trip your should visit their website www.harrisonanglers.com for more information on these western-style floats.

With water levels hovering somewhere north of 300 cfs the Swift River in Belchertown remains somewhat wading challenged. Despite the conditions a number of central Massachusetts anglers have been experiencing fair to good fishing with smaller wooly buggers (of all things) drifted through deeper pools and around submerged terrain. According to reports there are a substantial number of residents north of the Rt. 9 Bridge but access still remains the issue. Incidentally, if you are interested in viewing the latest water flows be sure to check out http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ma/nwis/rt for all the latest details.

The word originating from the Quinnie concerns the size of the fish. The state has done a remarkable job both in quantity but more expressly in the quality of newly stocked fish. If you've been visiting this watershed with any regularly and not locating fish you're just not working at it hard enough.

JUNE 6TH TU
Mark June 6th on your calendar as the day of the Central Mass TU Chapter Family Outing and BBQ. The location is trout Brook Park in Holden and the time is 10AM-4PM. The day's festivities will include fly tying, fly-casting volleyball and other outdoor activities. Admission is free to all CMTU members and their families.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB