POACHERS

August 8, 2010 - It seems like every year we go through periods of time when we begin to receive numerous reports of poaching on the Swift River in Belchertown. Last week no fewer than 4 individuals reported witnessing poaching activities just south of the Rt. 9 Bridge. The culprits were not only dispatching every trout they ejected from the river, but they were doing so using bait. It would be wise not to confront these perpetrators but simply report the violation to MassWildlife @ 508.389.6300.

Just to reiterate, the area north of the Rt.9 Bridge to the dam remains catch-and-release fly-fishing only. The lower sector from the Rt.9 Bridge south to Cady Lane is catch-and-release, artificials only, and will remain so throughout the balance of the year.

UP AND DOWN
We recently received an email from Al Emus that may help clarify the reason the Swift River has been experiencing extreme water discharges recently.

"In regards to the fluctuating releases in the Swift River. I've heard from a good source that, aside from high water level releases from the Quabbin down the spillway, the Swift's flow is regulated by the Connecticut River's flow at Montague City, MA. If the Connecticut River's flow falls below an average of 4400cfs over a 3-day period, then the Swift's flow has to be increased until the Montague City's average is over 4400cfs for 3 straight days; then the Swift will return to it's prior level. Here is the link to the USGS site for Montague City."

"I was told that this was an agreement made between the state of Connecticut and the MWRA some years ago. How they figure the raising to a certain level is a formula I don't know; I do know that this agreement also states that the Swift's flow cannot go lower than the 36 - 38 cfs we have been seeing. Due to the weather, the heat and drought, it's understandable why the outflow from the Quabbin has been kept low."

THE J MAN
Tom Johnson, and his lovely daughter Karin have been experiencing some stellar angling on the Deerfield River (Harrison Anglers float) and on the Rapid River in Maine despite all the sultry weather. Here's proof that good anglers can enjoy success despite less than perfect conditions.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB