swift river and others in the area.

[silverado mike]

Hey guys I'm looking for some material on the fisheries in the area as I'm going to be fly fishing alot this year..what is the best material to look into?

does anyone fish freshwater in the spring that wants to chime in?

Mike

I spin cast in the surf for now..I cant afford another flyrod yet...

[Pauper Piscator]

Swift is interesting but the fish can be very finicky. You might try the Deerfield. THE C+R sections below the Damn are very very beautiful and if you hit the release right, the fishing can be excellent.

You know what though...you really need a flyrod for the preemo spots.

I saw a setup in Cabelas recently. $100 get you the whole shmear.

For the Swift, I generally fish a 7.5 3wt. For the Deerfield, a 8.6 5 wt but a 9' 4 wt would be very very good.

Check out the Mass Wildlife Website for info. Good Luck!

[luke]

..two titles come to mind:

Best Trout Streams in New Hampshire and Mass, by Roger Aziz

50 Best Trout Streams In Mass, by Michniewicz (basically a summary of MDFW data sheets...)

..the Swift is nice, but if you really want some scenery don't look at the East Branch of the Swift, particularly the run from Connor Pond (Rt 122.Barre) to the steel bridge below Barre trailer park. And don't hit that the 3rd week of April and again the Tue/Wed/Thurs before Memeorial Day...don't expect to find any fish there at all...if you see a silver 'burban with cooler rack, don't say hi!

[silverado mike]

ok luke not the 3rd week in april..hows july sound? ;)

[haguebrook]

..two titles come to mind:

Best Trout Streams in New Hampshire and Mass, by Roger Aziz

50 Best Trout Streams In Mass, by Michniewicz (basically a summary of MDFW data sheets...)

..the Swift is nice, but if you really want some scenery don't look at the East Branch of the Swift, particularly the run from Connor Pond (Rt 122.Barre) to the steel bridge below Barre trailer park. And don't hit that the 3rd week of April and again the Tue/Wed/Thurs before Memeorial Day...don't expect to find any fish there at all...if you see a silver 'burban with cooler rack, don't say hi!

Luke:

Any idea where to get those two titles? They are not available on Amazon.com.

Tom Fuller's book "Trout Streams of Southern New England" is OK. Some day I will fish every little unknown trickle and ditch in MA & write a book exposing all of their secrets. Until that day comes... --124-3

[luke]

..do a search of thge net for AZiz book and it comes up..and I believe that the Worcester Telegram and Gazette still sells Michniewicz's...

Luke

[luke]

Silver-Mike-

..sorry, Roger Aziz's book is titled "Tight Lines" and subtitled "Fishing NH and nmass- blah , blah..."

my mistake-

Amazon had a used copy for $190 ...mistake?

the Michniewicz book is really not alot more than a collection of the MDFW info available on-line- maybe a bit more info...

A good approach might be to jump in now with some of the people from the various clubs- even give some tying a whirl..establish a focus on a few rivers and work the network..if you sincerely want to learn, flyfisherman willl generally help you along- in that regard this group distinguishes itself from many others..we are also generally more intelligent, understanding, kinder to small animals, are sought after by the opposite sex, etc, etc.

good luck

[PeteV]

If you're thinking trout Then as a start. I recommend looking at the Mass Fish & Game website to see which waters are stocked in your area. Then I'd look at the section which talks about the Awards and which waters produced award winning fish. Then I'd look into some of the local books i.e. Minchniewcz (which I happen to have right next to me for some bizarre reason, vintage 1988). Then I'd make a list of tried and true waters. I made a table of Bass & Trout waters I keep in my planning book for the Towns around me. and broke it out by streams and Ponds. (but I also stuck in there which waters have Pike & Tiger Musky)

[jared]

Get the book which TU put out several years back...."Angler's Guide to Trout Fishing in Mass"

It is an invaluable resource.

happy hunting!

-j

[Joe Piro]

Hey guys I'm looking for some material on the fisheries in the area as I'm going to be fly fishing alot this year..what is the best material to look into?

does anyone fish freshwater in the spring that wants to chime in?

Mike

I spin cast in the surf for now..I cant afford another flyrod yet...

Mike - there's really not much to the Swift River. Good for a day-trip I suppose or to kill a few hours. For my money, make the extra drive down to the Farmington River in CT - BIG trout.

JP

[Joe Piro]

I'll be checking out the Wood River in RI this spring too. I've heard it's very good.

Try the Deerfield way out in Charlemont - the other side of the world.

Spring is almost here,

JP

[eng5]

Hey guys I'm looking for some material on the fisheries in the area as I'm going to be fly fishing alot this year..what is the best material to look into?

does anyone fish freshwater in the spring that wants to chime in?

Mike

I spin cast in the surf for now..I cant afford another flyrod yet...
All the above streams are worth fishing. The Swift is an easy stream to wade in most places, and the fish are usually large. The problem is, they are very fussy most of the time, and unless you live around there, you are never sure what the water flow will be. If the feeder brook is running with a good flow you can catch fish all the way up to the pumping sta., In fact go as far up as you are allowed and fish the fast water with a big sight ant or caddis, and work your way down to the "Y" pool.
Look into the Westfield, it is a great river. Call the "B&G sporting good store, which is on the river and they can tell you what you need. A good fly there is a "Tiko Bug", they sell them at that shop. It is really a nymph river, at least it has that reputation. The closest spot to fish in that river that I know of that is good,is the the Tiko golf course. The river runs right beside it. But probably the best place there is what is called the "Gorge", which is the east branch section. It is isolated and can have some great fishing.
If I had to pick one stream that has it all, and easily accessible would be the Farmington in Conn. It has every type of water you could want, and the main road runs right beside most of it. It is just a beautiful river.
I don't know where you are from, but we have a great fly fishing club called the Malden Anglers. We will have a booth at the Wilmington show if you might be interested.

[silverado mike]

how early is to early for trout by the bubbler on the swift?

[SPCantwell]

you could catch fish there now

[Pauper Piscator]

Bubbler is a year round proposition. Wait for a nice Thaw. Maybe catch a midge hatch.

Otherwise, the secret weapon is SMALL glow bugs and egg paterns.

Dude it is going to be like 3 this weekend. You must have it BAD! (#$119)

[silverado mike]

Bubbler is a year round proposition. Wait for a nice Thaw. Maybe catch a midge hatch.

Otherwise, the secret weapon is SMALL glow bugs and egg paterns.

Dude it is going to be like 3 this weekend. You must have it BAD! (#$119)

tomorrow is going to be like to day in the 40's and I'm itching to use my new tfo 6 weight..it's my first flyrod..and I'm getting bored with pulling pickerel,bass,and pearch through the ice.

I've been reading up on the fisheries in the area and the swift is a 1/2 hour way..so If it's like today is tomorrow I may go see if I can throw this 6weight..
I'm a newbie can you blame me.. --127-3-

[Joe Piro]

tomorrow is going to be like to day in the 40's and I'm itching to use my new tfo 6 weight..it's my first flyrod..and I'm getting bored with pulling pickerel,bass,and pearch through the ice.

I've been reading up on the fisheries in the area and the swift is a 1/2 hour way..so If it's like today is tomorrow I may go see if I can throw this 6weight..
I'm a newbie can you blame me.. --127-3-


Can't blame you. Let us know how you made out.

JP

[silverado mike]

I was busy teaching myselfto cast the 6weight.. I was nice and smooth for a while then totally lost it..then go it back after slowing myself down..
there was actually a few guys besides me walking around for a little while..
noone got anything. I had a small midge (black) on.

Mike

[silverado mike]

I'm going to give it another go this weekend with the weather being warmer and some more research being done. I hope to get something.

does any one have fly idea's for this early in the year?
I'm thinking a brasshead wet fly or a glow bug anyone else have some tackle imput here?

Mike

[edsly42]

small, small small. tiny midge nymphs fished in slow sections. disco midge in variety of colors. good luck.

[Strat]

Mike,

Thinking about checking it out myself.

Did you see any fish when you were there? A couple freinds told me there wer not many holdovers this year because of the rampant poaching situation and otters. I know for a fact it got cleaned out downstream.

Used to be a good winter fishery...wondering if it's still worth it.

[Pauper Piscator]

small, small small. tiny midge nymphs fished in slow sections. disco midge in variety of colors. good luck.


Also try a "brassie". Try a small weighted prince or zug bug with a brassie or midge dropper.

Can't remember the name, but a sz 20 hook, yellow thread body, couple turns of peacock.

Wiht a 6wt, dont be afraid to huck a big black ugly weighted wooly bugger agains the far bank at the Y. Let it sink and swing through the tail of the pool.

I was there once fishing 7x and teeny-weeny-tiny-itsy-bitsy stuff, and this college kid dredges up a 20" brown with aforemention bugger.

ALSO make sure to try the outlet from the hatchery across the street if you can get in there.

[silverado mike]

Thanks for the info guys I'm going to try either sat or sunday depending on the leash situation. pauper I'll have to see if I can find a brassie..and I need to get a few small flies..

[Pauper Piscator]

Thanks for the info guys I'm going to try either sat or sunday depending on the leash situation. pauper I'll have to see if I can find a brassie..and I need to get a few small flies..

Mike,

If you are going to start flyfishing, might as well start tying, at LEAST the EZ ones.

Wooly Buggers. Catch everything and super EZ.

Glow Bugs (Thread a small 3mm? pom-pom (craft shop) on an "egg" hook with some super glue on it. Ta-dah!) Shhh. Dont do this at the Y (illegal), but dope it wiht a drop of Dr. Juice.

Brassie. Take some speaker wire. Strip covering. Take a strand. Wind on hook starting at bend. Wind on a piece of peacock herl or dub a small "head." Done. Approx tying time, 1 min.

[silverado mike]

Mike,

If you are going to start flyfishing, might as well start tying, at LEAST the EZ ones.

Wooly Buggers. Catch everything and super EZ.

Glow Bugs (Thread a small 3mm? pom-pom (craft shop) on an "egg" hook with some super glue on it. Ta-dah!) Shhh. Dont do this at the Y (illegal), but dope it wiht a drop of Dr. Juice.

Brassie. Take some speaker wire. Strip covering. Take a strand. Wind on hook starting at bend. Wind on a piece of peacock herl or dub a small "head." Done. Approx tying time, 1 min.

I'll swing by the natick outdoor store on my way home and take a look around. I'm going to start tying but not quiet yet. I don't have much spare time with full time work and full time school at night, I'm lucky to get out for a few hours on one of the weekend days.
Mike

[Pauper Piscator]

The Y pool in winter makes fools of us all.

So if you drop a bundle in Natick on flies, and NOTHING works. Don't feel bad. That is the way it is.

The trout gods have no doubt shared many a chuckle as stood next to the bubber drifting an egg pattern again and again past the nose of a mildly amused, 10" rainbow.

The trout are there. But for a animal with, essentially no brain, they have us completely figured out.

[Sentience]

i can't believe all this swift river talk and no one mentioning that there weren't really any fish there last year. i hope this coming year is better.

cady lane on the swift is good too.

[silverado mike]

The Y pool in winter makes fools of us all.

So if you drop a bundle in Natick on flies, and NOTHING works. Don't feel bad. That is the way it is.

The trout gods have no doubt shared many a chuckle as stood next to the bubber drifting an egg pattern again and again past the nose of a mildly amused, 10" rainbow.

The trout are there. But for a animal with, essentially no brain, they have us completely figured out.

That's fine with me I just want to get out mainly to pratice my casting and stripping skills. remember this is my first year on the fly. I have gotten a good amount of flys already but they were from friends and family when they were in maine at ll bean, I also got a few assortments from flydealer.com they were very resonable. I'm really excited to fly fish a few of my largemouth honey holes. Trout have been my illusive fish since I was kid, I only get a few every year if I'm lucky drop shotting power bait. I'd enjoy trying to out wit a trout with a fly and I'm going to this year.

[Strat]

Good luck if you go Mike.

Like Pauper said don't get discouraged...the fish in there are pounded to hell on a regular basis.

Since you're a relative newbie, be advised that the swift can get a little crowded and tensions can rise. My advice to you is to give other anglers plenty of room and walk up the banks rather than wading the river to cover ground. If you're respectful of others you just might find some really nice fishermen there who are more than willing to show you the ropes :cool:

And forget that Powerbait crap! You're a flyfisherman now!

[silverado mike]

Good luck if you go Mike.

Like Pauper said don't get discouraged...the fish in there are pounded to hell on a regular basis.

Since you're a relative newbie, be advised that the swift can get a little crowded and tensions can rise. My advice to you is to give other anglers plenty of room and walk up the banks rather than wading the river to cover ground. If you're respectful of others you just might find some really nice fishermen there who are more than willing to show you the ropes :cool:

And forget that Powerbait crap! You're a flyfisherman now!

Thanks for the info Strat,
I Always try to give people their room as I like mine. and that does happen alot you meet someone cool that will show you a few things..atleast it happens to me a lot. this past fall fishing the jettys in ri during the fall run I got alot of pointers and fished with some really nice guys. I hope flyfishing is the same way..

[silverado mike]

I was OTW at 10:30 and there wasnt a person to be seen. I was at the y.
it was dead calm with a lot of junk drifting by. I fished for about 2 hours with out a single bite and with out seeing any other anglers. I enjoyed the time to pratice..and the area but there wasnt much for fish..

[bmik]

I was OTW at 10:30 and there wasnt a person to be seen. I was at the y.
it was dead calm with a lot of junk drifting by. I fished for about 2 hours with out a single bite and with out seeing any other anglers. I enjoyed the time to pratice..and the area but there wasnt much for fish..

I hit the Deerfield on Sunday.....didn't expect much other than to get out and shake off the shacknasties. A 19" brown made my day on my 2nd cast!....Probably go back this weekend if the flows are okay.

[Joe Piro]

I hit the Deerfield on Sunday.....didn't expect much other than to get out and shake off the shacknasties. A 19" brown made my day on my 2nd cast!....Probably go back this weekend if the flows are okay.

Whereabouts on the Deerfield?

[bmik]

Whereabouts on the Deerfield?
I was in the upper C&R area. There was limited access & parking due to the snow.
I was there again on Saturday (3/6)....USGEN never turned the water off as indicated on their website. I did some dredging with a sink tip but got nothing.