THE Q

September 23, 2009 - We preached and preached throughout the entire summer that the intolerable water conditions freshwater anglers were experiencing would result in excellent opportunities during September and October. Now that we've arrived, the fishing has been stellar. Just read one of many reports we have fielded during the week to substantiate the point.

This one comes to us from Chris Takacs, a Quinnapoxet River reg…

"On Friday, I fished the Quinnie from Survey Box #5 back up just below the bridge near Survey Box #7. I was absolutely astonished by the amount of natives that came to hand, all very healthy and beautifully colored, at least 10-12 natives.

Only 5 hatchery fish came to hand, however not ONE was under 14 inches. My biggest, in which I lost, was pushing 17-18 inches, a true monster. I can't get over the quality of fish that were stocked this past season. Normally, when you get quality, you get less quantity, and visa versa, however that is not the case on the Massachusetts streams, particularly the Quinnie. All season I have been getting QUALITY with QUANTITY. It has been wonderful.

Sunday afternoon I fished from box #5 down to the dam. Only 4 fish came to hand, all were natives, about 6-8 inches. Again, very brightly colored and hit my flies with every ounce of strength they had! Surprisingly taking about 2 feet of line on their initial strike!"

Chris adds this insight…

"Due to the proximity of the stream to the road, I was expecting to come out empty handed on that particular stretch of river. However, the natives outsmarted the worm dunkers this spring and summer and I was able to enjoy their company.

The farther you walk off the beaten path, the more fish and bigger fish you will bring to the net.

If you look at USGS currently, it seems as though the Quinnie is only but a trickle. I thought that too until I got there. There is PLENTY of water and I would be surprised if it did not get a healthy dosage of fall trout. Water is at a great temp of 55-61 degrees (depending on time of day).

I presented anything from a size 12 hares ear and "halo" prince all the way down to a size 22 RS2. I found it was not so much the fly this weekend, rather than a drag free, perfect presentation. I will be fishing the Swift hopefully this weekend. I was not able to get out there after I stopped in the shop about two weeks ago. Water looks to be FANTASTIC!"

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB