DROPPING WATER

August 13, 2009 - A predicted the Swift River in Belchertown has lost considerably more than half of it's water volume over the previous week. While certainly not considered in peak form at 230 cfs, it still enables anglers more freedom to trudge about with slightly more freedom. There remains plenty of both rainbow and brown trout peppered throughout the watershed so locating them shouldn't be a problem, but getting the perfect angle to present the perfect drag-free presentation remains the issue. It is the general consensus among river regs that anywhere between 90-120 cfs is optimum for wading.

On a recent visit, Scott Chervin of Worcester reports that a seasoned Swift River vet was consistently convincing residents with a darker caddis dry fly (#22) pattern, fished dead drift. Others are reporting success with San Juan Worms #20 in a variety of colors from caddis green, worm brown and olive to cerise. There is also a lighter mayfly (#22) (it's not a sulphur) emerging during afternoon hours that can be mimicked by a low profile, cahill-style imitation. When angling during daylight hours, or during periods when no surface activity can be witnessed, you may want to consider an RS2 olive (#20), brassie in copper or peacock (#22), pheasant tail nymph (#22) or scud (#18).

If I were to offer one piece of advice when tackling the demanding conditions of the Swift, I would without question try to observe the techniques and river aptitude of anglers that are consistently successful. They are often more than happy to offer constructive criticism, help with fly selection and rigging and maybe even reveal a trick or two.

WARM WATER ANGLERS
With all the non-conducive river conditions we've been experiencing during the spring and summer season, many anglers have turned to our warm water fisheries for their fix. One such angler is Len Renauld of nearby Sterling. Renauld recently pounded-up a 5lb 7oz (weighed) LM bass from a very popular impoundment located within his town. He has been routinely yak-fishing many central Mass locations that go unnoticed during the peak of the vacation mayhem of mid-summer with similar results.

THE DEERFIELD
Faced with extreme water releases for an extended period of time the fishery has certainly suffered. Now that the water is moderating a bit we are looking forward to a terrific autumn (in our opinion the best time to fish the watershed).

Local Jack Varley, accompanied by good friend Judge Nick Holmes of Ohio, treated themselves to a day on the water with guide Tom Harrison, of Harrison Anglers. Due to extreme water in the upper sector, the duo floated the lower river, east of Greenfield. While hardly ideal conditions, the anglers enticed a number of trout; along with a smattering of smallish SB bass to masticated their offerings.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB