Most of our rivers have been blown out from all the rain. Luckily the Swift is fishable and is currently at 140cfs due to the overflow. Small BWO 26-30, Orange/Olive Soft Hackles 16-20 and Eggs have been the flies of choice but don’t hesitate to give them a bigger offering. The fish seemed to be concentrated from the dam down to the pipe but you can find fish in lesser numbers further down.
Olive/Black Woolly Buggers 6-10, Heisenbergs 6, Olive/Black/ Natural Sculpins 4-6, Hare’s Ear Soft Hackle 12-18, Olive Quill Nymph 14-18, Chart/Tan Mops 10-12, 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, Sexy Walt 12-16, Copper Johns 12-16, Pink/Orange Hot Spot Nymphs 12-16, Rainbow Warriors 14-18, Pink/Red/Green Squirmies 12, BWO 16-18, Caddis 12-16
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!
