PUMA SIGHTING

July 10, 2010 - No, not the large, solitary, stock-and-ambush cat known to reside at the top of the North American food chain. Frank Puma, a man-for-all seasons trout angler that has been known to harass local trout populations here in central New England. Now that school has concluded for the year, educationalist Puma has ferreted out a rather secluded section of the Assabet River within close proximity of his Hudson, Mass residence. The watershed has been harboring significant numbers of brook trout (latest catch total about 8-9) despite the torrid summer weather we have been experiencing. Frank has obviously discovered a section of water that supports underground aquifers that enable water temperatures to provide the ideal summer habitat for brook trout. Not giving out any secrets here but the moral of the story is that when you are willing to put in the time, you can be rewarded handsomely.

SWIFT STOCKED
As we reported earlier, the Swift River north of the Rt. 9 Bridge was replenished with fish on Friday, July 2nd. The southern sector between the bridge and Cady Lane was stocked with an abundance of rainbows on Tuesday, July 6th, as witnessed by river reg, Len Renauld. Despite the fact that the water level of the river has flat lined at about 38 cfs fishing has been nothing short of spectacular both north and south of the bridge. Enjoy it while it's available, as we will predict that by the middle of next week diplomas will be issued to all remaining residents and the river will revert to a more demanding venue.

Incidentally a Puma was also located on the Swift during the previous week. It seems like the seasoned angler was able to coax a number (13-14) of formidable rainbow trout to net. Just a reminder that the watershed remains in special regulations mode, artificial only, catch-and-release from the Rt. 9 Bridge south to Cady Lane. As always, the upper sector from the bridge to the dam remains catch-and-release, fly-fishing only.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB