Old man winter just keeps hanging on. It’s very windy as a write this and it’s looking like some crappy weather for the next couple of days. Maybe rain maybe some snow. We’ll have to wait and see. Some of the smaller rivers and tributaries of the Deerfield and of Western Mass are getting stocked and can provide a safer alternative when water levels are high. Many of these rivers hold fish over and may have a wild or reproducing population providing much enjoyment. If it looks fishy then fish it!!
Deerfield River
The Deerfield River is being listed as stocked from Shelburne down river through Conway and Deerfield. The river has been running high and dirty from the rain and runoff so it’s not very fishable. The flows out of the Fife Brook Dam have been getting down to the 130cfs flow making this an ideal wading level. Check the schedule of release before you head out. Water temp is still at 40 degrees average. Customers have been having sporadic luck so far but it will only improve over the next month or two.
Woolly Buggers 6-12, Sculpin Bunny 4, Headbangers 4, Pheasant Tail 12-16, Natural/Olive Caddis Larva 12-18, Black/Brown/Golden Stonefly Nymphs 8-12, Frenchies 12-16, Rainbow Warriors 14-18, Squirmies Pink and Red, Midges 24-26. Green eggs have been working good as well.
Millers River
The Millers has been stocked as well but it is far from any safe wading level. Usually under 500cfs is when this river is fishable. It will be a while before this happens but I’ll keep you posted.
Westfield River
This river is starting to see some stocking and it will continue. This river tends to do well starting in the beginning to mid May time frame. The Gorge section doesn’t seem to turn on until the big stocking for the TU campout in the middle of the month.
Felt soles, studded felt or studded rubber soles are highly recommended. Plain rubber soles are very slippery.
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: http://www.h2oline.com/default.aspx?pg=si&op=255123. For below the #2 Buckland Dam check the water flow here: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ma/nwis/uv/?site_no=01171500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060. 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!
