EXCITING TIMES September 30, 2009 - For a number of reasons fly anglers should view October as the month that provides more opportunity than any other during our calendar year. By mid-month steelhead and brown trout will be entering the river systems of Lake Ontario in New York and provide splendid sport for the fly fisherman. This fishery was once championed by central Mass legend, Paul Koukonen, who almost single-handedly led to its popularity among area longrodders. Over the years the Pulaski, NY area has evolved into a "trophy fishery" with an average sized "chromer" falling into the 8-12lb. category. If past history is any indication, the last week of September through the first week of October will also bring hatchery trucks to many of the state's more distinguished rivers and lakes adept at sustaining trout populations throughout the season. With water levels approaching optimum levels and the promise of additional precipitation by week's end, there is no reason not to suspect that watersheds such as the Millers, Deerfield and Westfield won't be receiving fish. Rivers like the Quinnie, Stillwater and Ware may also get a net-full or two, more on this in a future report. October is also a time when you won't have to compete with the throngs of anglers that inhabit the waters edge during the spring of the year. While the Swift River in Belchertown will always receive its share of attention from visiting anglers, many of our local watersheds go unoccupied during weekdays, and even weekends entertain little pressure. Another anticipated event also takes placed during the month of October. Landlocked salmon will initiate their spawning run from Wachusett Reservoir into the Stillwater River system in Sterling. During "normal" years this usually commences sometime around the middle of the month and continues until ice forms in the basin. As in past years we will reiterate that the best fishing will occur when water is on the rise (pre-crest), either during a rain event or shortly thereafter. This will encourage landlocked salmon to enter the system, spurned by the increased flow and water pressure. They will remain within the system for a short period of time before dropping back into the impoundment. The previous season was generally considered pretty good by devotees of landlocks with the average fish falling in the 17-22" range. Good fishing and safe
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