FINALLY June 11, 2009 - With central Mass fly anglers enjoying one of the best seasons in recent memory, one of the region's most popular watersheds is finally rounding into form. At last check the Swift River in Belchertown was hovering somewhere in the 120 cfs range allowing for ample wading access throughout the entire system. It is common knowledge that the river fishes best at about 100 cfs (give or take a cfs or two). It's the first tine since mid-November that anglers are allowed total access to the lower section south of the Rt. 9 bridge. The extensive water releases and overflows that has hampered winter and spring fishing are responsible for permitting a few LL salmon and other coarse species to take up residence in the "Y Pool" so be forewarned. A more negative result has been the increased water temperature caused directly by the surface overflow of the main reservoir. With the major river stocking scheduled for the end of the month (to coincide with the regulation change on July 1st) this is certainly welcome news for river regs, particularly those fond of the lower sector. In the event you are unaware, the section between the Rt. 9 bridge and Cady Lane reverts back to catch-and-release, artificials only on July 1st and will remain so until the year is spent. If you are planning to visit the Swift during the late spring season be sure to cart along a reasonable midge assortment (surface/sub-surface), smaller caddis dries and BWO's (22) as the watershed returns to it's nasty old self. Water discharges were halted on the Deerfield River this past weekend to coincide with the "Massachusetts Free Fishing Day." A group of anglers from New England Fly Tyers enjoyed some excellent dry fly fishing as the entire system could be easily negotiated by careful wading. Word has it that a small Adams dry was responsible for the majority of the take. More and more local anglers have been making the 2-hour journey to the Farmington River in Connecticut and are being rewarded for the effort. This watershed has been enjoying a spectacular season thus far as insect hatches were not adversely affected by extreme elements. Mid-June hatches are sure to include lighter caddis (18-20), sulphurs (16-18), and the infamous BWO's (20-24). Consider a few terrestrial patterns, parachute black ant (20), black beetle (16), and some form of realistic hopper pattern (8) and consider yourself armed for bear. Despite some recent showers the need for substantial rainfall has become noticeably evident during the previous week. Many of the regions more diminutive streams are dangerously low and warming despite the absence of an extended torrid spell. Good fishing and safe
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