A GIFT FOR THE SWIFT

July 3, 2010 - Despite a pretty problematic water situation (38 cfs at last check), the main branch of the Swift River in Belchertown was scheduled to receive a rather healthy dose of trout on Friday, July 2nd. If history has taught us anything trout fishing should be splendid in the immediate aftermath of this event and remain stellar for a few days until these recent residents learn the drill. If you are fortunate enough to visit the watershed during the extended holiday period you should experience low water and willing adversaries. During this brief period standard, traditional nymphs, wooly buggers and classic dry flies will take their share of fish.

Keep in mind that the lower sector, between the Rt. 9 Bridge south to Cady Lane has reverted back to catch-and-release, artificials only and will remain so through the balance of the year. Conventional fishing is permitted with the exception of bait and all species of trout must be returned immediately, and without harm, to the watershed.

While we're on the subject of the Swift, anglers are beginning to experience a rather sparse sulphur hatch (#16) during their mid afternoon sessions. This is the only true mayfly of consequence during the torrid summer months and the hatch can occur with sporadic regularity during the month of July. Other flies for your consideration include; parachute black ant (#22), Griffith's gnat (#22), pheasant tail nymph (#22), elk hair caddis (#20), sowbug (#18) and zebra midge (#22).

BUCKETS
We seem to go through periods of time when virtually every angler that enters the shops wants to converse in largemouth bass-ease. Maybe this phenomenon is driven by low, warming water conditions but nonetheless it does occur. Virtually every angler lives with a few miles of some sort of productive warm water fishery. During the pervious week long rodders have directed their attention to The Quag (off West Waushacum Pond) in Sterling, Moosehorn Pond in Hubbardston, Thompson Pond in Spencer and the Quabog River Brookfield. Most fly guys are focusing on late afternoon and evening time frames when Buckets can be seduced by surface offerings. Some of the most productive patterns include Sim's Sili Bunnies, hard body sliders, greased muddlers and deer hair bugs.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB