PRECIPITATION PARADOX

May 31, 2010 - Considering the extraordinary rain events that we experienced during the early stages of spring, who would believe that as we enter the month of June, many watersheds could use a substantial dose of precipitation. The Swift River in Belchertown seems to be the only central Massachusetts river to escape the affliction with water levels of about 200 cfs. While considered by river regs to be a bit elevated, the entire stretch from the “Y Pool” to Cady Lane is accessible and fishing has been stellar.

While we are on the subject of the Swift, fans of the East Branch take note. The bridge on Glen Valley Road, just west of Penn Valley Country Store, is being repaired and no longer offers access to the river west to Rt. 32A. If you are interested in prospecting the area west of the bridge you must approach from Rt.32A in Petersham. This is one watershed that is suffering due to the lack of precipitation and is in critical need of substantial water.

MB’s
While crossing the Ware River Bridge on Rt.122 W on my daily commute I have been witnessing epic March Brown hatches with nary an angler in plain view.  In the event you own a watercraft (float tube, canoe or kayak) you may want to explore the slower water (I call it a pond) just north of the bridge. There is ample parking and an improved launch area adjacent to the river. A Barre resident for nearly 40 years I can attest that, due to its limited shore access, this slow moving section can provide stellar fishing during the month of June. It provides exceptional habitat for both March Brown and Hexagenia nymphs (late June into July).

Look for these insects to emerge sometime during the early evening hours and continue into nightfall. The emergence will occur later and later into the evening as the hatch matures and can last up to a two weeks, with varying degrees of intensity. Complete your inventory of flies with a tan caddis (#16), green caddis (#16-#18) and rusty spinner (#18) and you should be good to go. 

NEW BLOG
In the event you are interested in keeping in tune on what’s happening in Connecticut you may want to visit a new blog authored by Tom Daniels. The address is http://riflyfisher.blogspot.com/ and offers information on the nutmeg state with emphasis on the Natchaug River.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB