TRES
RIOS
July 17, 2010
- Chances are that if you haven't directed your attention to the Swift
River in Belchertown, the Deerfield River in the Berkshire foothills or
the Farmington River in Connecticut you simply haven't caught any fish.
Unlike the summer of 2009 when central New England watersheds maintained
fishable water levels, along with cooler water temperatures, throughout
the entire summer, 2010 has not been kind to trout zealots. The rain
event that was promised during the previous did little, if anything, to
remedy the situation as anglers are scrambling to locate favorable
conditions.
THE SWIFT
And now for some good news. On Thursday, July 15th water releases from
the dam where initiated bring the water level of the system to a near
perfect 115 cfs. Due to recent stocking there are plenty, and I mean
plenty, of trout sprinkled throughout the watershed and locating them
will not be much of an issue. Fishing pressure seems to be about normal
for this time of year so expect some reasonable competition both north
and south of the Rt. 9 Bridge. With the exception of a few sulphurs,
midge emergers, adults and pupa will draw the bulk of attention. If you
are fortunate enough to encounter the infamous "flying ant
hatch" during the latter portion of July and on into August you
could be in for a real treat. This event usually occurs during extremely
humid periods particularly after a brief rain shower. It would be wise
to inventory a few red flying ant patterns (#18) as well as some
standard black ants (#18-#20) for prospecting.
THE FARMINGTON
This watershed has also maintained pretty reasonable water flows
throughout mid summer. There are numerous fish (particularly brown
trout) taking up residence within the Trout Management Area. Look for
summer caddis (#16-#18), olive caddis pupa (#16-#18) and red and black
ants (#16-#18) to provide the bulk of the action. Next time you run into
past TU president, Larry Bush, ask him about that lovely brown trout he
recently coaxed to net from this productive watershed.
THE DEERFIELD
Water releases have maintained a more predictable schedule with early
morning hours offering the best possibility. Tricos (#22), BWO's (#20),
black ants (#18), black beetles (#14), crickets (#14) and Dave's hoppers
((#10) should provide the bulk of the action. If you have an interest in
floating the watershed be sure to contact www.harrisonanglers.com
and treat yourself to a true western experience.
Good fishing and safe
wading,
JB
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