Happy New Year! The fishing has been good in the C&R areas below the Fife Brook Dam. This is the area to concentrate on during the winter months. During high flows or water release times target the slower moving water close to shore. Nymphing has been producing the best results.
Release schedules for the Fife Brook Dam are no longer being posted on waterline. They are now posted here https://www.safewaters.com/facility/22
Clown Eggs 14, Chart/Tan Mops 10-12, Pheasant Tail Nymphs 12-18, Natural/Olive Caddis Nymphs 10-16, Black/Brown/Golden Stones 8-12, Sexy Walt 12-16, Prince Nymph 12-16, Copper Johns 12-16, Pink/Orange Hot Spot Nymphs 12-16, Rainbow Warriors 14-18, Pink Squirmies 12. Olive Sculpin Bunny4, Sculpzillas 4-8, Olive/Black Woolly Buggers 6-10, Heisenbergs 6, Mini DD 4,
The water levels on the Deerfield River are constantly changing due to the many dams throughout. If you are looking to wade waste deep to stalk rising trout then the 130cfs water flows in the catch and release areas is the ideal flow. If you are willing to adapt and throw on a nymph or streamer then you’ll be effective during the water releases of 800-1,000. The lower river (below #2 Buckland Dam) the river widens out a bit and normally does not drop below 300cfs. Good dry fly conditions would be between 300-500cfs. If you are willing to adapt and fish nymphs and streamers then you can be effective at higher water levels. For the catch and release area you can check the water flows here: https://www.safewaters.com/facility/22 For below the #2 Buckland Dam check the water flow here:www.h2oline.com/default.aspx?pg=si&op=255126. Always be prepared and paying attention for rising water flow. They are subject to change always. Always check the flows before you go out and while you are out if possible!
