REZ REOPENS

April 9, 2010 - The Wachusett Reservoir reopened to shore fishing on Saturday, April 3rd. Due to the fact that wading is not permitted higher than normal water level throughout the impoundment has limited shore access to fly fisherman. If you plan on prospecting this body of water we would recommend heavily weighted nymphs, bead-head wooly buggers and traditional smelt imitations.

WATER LEVELS
While many of the state's premier watersheds continue to be plagued by high water, some of our more diminutive rivers and streams actually remain quite fishable. The east branch of the Swift River (and Connor Pond) in Petersham, the Quinnie in Holden, the Stillwater in Sterling and Moose Brook in Hardwick have receded to the point that they are experiencing lower than normal water flows for this time period.

The Deerfield (throughout it's entire length), the Millers (throughout it's entire length), the Ware River in Barre and the popular Swift River in Belchertown all remain out of condition and we would not recommend a visit any time soon.

The relatively stable (unseasonable) weather pattern that we have been experiencing during the pervious week has contributed greatly to bring these watersheds back to normal.

The Swift in particular is experiencing nearly unfishable conditions as water flows have flat-lined somewhere between 800-900 cfs., in other words not worth the effort.

BLACKS
There have been an inordinate number of anglers this spring making the trek north to the Miramichi River in New Brunswick in quest of black salmon. This is an Atlantic salmon that has taken up residence in the watershed and remained throughout the winter season prior to dropping back down to the Atlantic Ocean. They are customarily pursued with gaudy, brightly adorned streamer patterns like Mickey Finns, Cardinelles and Renouse Specials in exaggerated sizes. These fish are often very dark in coloration, similar to brown trout and can be emaciated in appearance due primarily to their resistance to feed during the winter months.

STOCKING CONTINUES
We have it from reliable sources that many of the central Massachusetts watersheds were replenished with fish during the latter part of last week. The list included the Quinnie and Stillwater rivers. All stocking (at least initial visits) should be completed by the old traditional beginning of the trout season, April 17th, the third Saturday of the month.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB