PRECIPITATION BRINGS ANTICIPATION October 10, 2009 - With all the recent precipitation, and more on the way, anglers can now begin to redirect their attention to the Stillwater River Basin on the north side of Wachusett Reservoir. Depending on water temperature landlocked salmon should begin to enter the system and will continue to do so until well into December. While on their spawning run, the fish will become easy marks for fly anglers seeking late season confrontations. While a 5-weight rod will suffice for most applications a 6 or even a 7 weight would certainly not be out of place when exploring this fishery. A conventional leader would be 9' and taper to 4X (.007) with corresponding tippet. We will anticipate that most of the landlocks will fall into the 18-24" category with an occasional bruiser in the mix. Once entering the system, LL's have little on their mind but procreation and often times have to be induced to accept a fly. While seasoned anglers can be partial to personal favorites, muddler minnows (#8-#10) in both white and yellow marabou have probably been responsible for moving most of the fish during previous seasons. Other patterns to consider are vibrant streamer patterns and even wooly buggers. Keep in mind you are attempting to provoke a strike through annoyance and provocation rather then more traditional means so stealth and persistence should be considered requirements for success. While the section from the Rt. 190 overpass to the system's outlet should be considered prime prospecting water, individuals have been taken as far north as Rt. 62 and beyond. River regs have been know to locate profoundly graveled areas where sight fishing selected fish is not out of the question. It's not uncommon to locate a female positioned over a redd with the male lingering at the ready. Make it clear that your best opportunity will occur either during, or shortly thereafter a substantial rain event. Since the river has a propensity to run-off rather abruptly it is essential to plan your session pre-crest, if that makes any sense. The increasing water velocity will encourage staging landlocks within the basin to enter system in their attempt to spawn. While in the process of penning this latest report a thought appeared to me. While it true that LL's can be targeted in stocked waters to the south, I do believe that the Stillwater River in Sterling, along with selected tribs of the Quabbin Reservoir, just may be the southern most, self-sustaining, viable landlock salmon fisheries in the entire country. Good fishing and safe
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