DEERFIELD THE BATTLEFIELD

July 24, 2009 - I recently got off the phone with an animated Gil Bail of Hamilton Rod & Gun. After a lot of prodding by yours truly, I had finally convinced him, along with angling bud Peter Gaudette, to schedule their initial float on the Deerfield River with Tom Harrison of Harrison Anglers (www.harrisonanglers.com). It was my reasoning that not only would the duo expand their knowledge of the river in general, but they would also learn techniques and skills necessary to be successful to of our state's more predominant watersheds.

Now when one thinks about it, a person has to be motivated by either remarkable success or momentous failure to hoist a phone and place a call simply to comment on a fishing outing. In this case I am happy to report it was the former. During the ½ day float the anglers became acquainted with a dozen or so residents of the river. Most of the fish were convinced by a #22 Trico spinner with the balance coming on an antron-style midge (don't know the name) of similar size. Gil was quick to point out the enthusiasm and diligence their guide exhibited throughout the duration of the float. The account of the day's events did not particularly astonish me since this reoccurring theme has been playing itself out many times throughout this season (despite some pretty high water). If your entertaining thoughts of floating the Deerfield you may have to act with haste since many of the prime remaining dates have been spoken for. Harrison Anglers will continue to operate their guiding service well into the fall as weather conditions will permit.

QUABBIN CLOSES
In the event you're living under a rock, the Quabbin Reservoir was closed to all boat traffic on July 15th. The impoundment will remained close for a 45-day period with reopening schedule for the beginning of September, hopefully to coincide with the fall landlocked salmon season. This was prompted by the discovery of zebra mussels in nearby Laurel Lake in Berkshire County. This species is extremely invasive and in it's developmental stage can clog intake pipes and destroy aquatic life.

THE HATCHES
Along with the usual cast of terrestrial characters my box would include; BWO #22-#24, sulphur, adults and spinners #16-#18, trico spinners #22-#24 and summer caddis #18.

THE SWIFT
And from the Swift, Terry Chapman files this report…

"Finally I sited, hooked, and brought to net a really nice rainbow on the Swift just above Cady Lane. Measured 17 1/2" and must have been 3.5 lbs at least. Caught on #14 tan caddis with deer hair wing and bright green flashabou mixed in wing. He fought so hard, could hardly revive him. He circled back to me and I pushed more water through his gills and then he took off.

Plenty of fish available and well mixed throughout the Y pool to Cady Lane. Guys catching them with variety of flies -very small #32's; small sulphurs hatching 11-3pm yesterday; even a few catches with #8-12 zug bug type flies. As expected, a dozen cars at Rt. 9 parking area and 3 cars near Cady lane parking area."

Incidentally, at last check the water release was increased to about 150 cfs, up from 50 cfs. This should increase angler success dramatically as the watershed reverts to river status instead of being a lake.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB