Conditions continue to heat up on the Deerfield and surrounding rivers. Water temps have reached the mid 50’s and the fish are quite active. Flows have dropped and continue to drop. The Millers River is reaching a fishable water flow and the Westfield will start to pick up. There has been some sporadic surface action but all fish on our guided trips have been below. Soft hackle wet flies will start to come into play over the next couple weeks and tend to produce some of the most vicious strikes.
Dark Hendrickson’s 14-16, Tan Caddis 16-18, Hare’s Ear, Pheasant Tail and Olive wet flies 12-16, Pheasant Tail Nymphs 12-18, Natural/Olive Caddis Nymphs 10-16, Black/Brown/Golden Stones 8-12, Copper Johns 12-16, Pink/Orange Hot Spot Nymphs 12-16, Olive/Black Woolly Buggers 6-10, Pink/Red Squirmies 12, Eggs.
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!
