The Deerfield has been running at 900cfs around the clock but the fishing has been good. Target the slower pools and slow edges. The catch and release areas below the Fife Brook Dam is the area to fish during the colder months. Rumor has it the flows will be dropping for a period of time this coming weekend so TU can conduct their trout spawning study. If you prefer the lower flows then this is the time you may want to check it out.
Nymphs and streamers low and slow is the key now. PT’s 12-18, Stoneflies 6-12, Caddis 10-14, Eggs 14, Squirmies 12, Frenchies 12-16 and other attractor flies are working good. Wooly Buggers, Sculpin Bunny, Heisenbergs, Sculpzillas are all good streamers to be using. Get them down deep and try to slow them up.
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: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!
