DIDYMO ALERT
My first blog for the month of June, and it's about Didymo - partially a clue into how fishing has been recently...
The Massachusetts Fish and Game and DCR are reporting the first confirmed finding of Didymo in Mass in the Green River in Alford and Egremont (western MA). The invasive algae favors cold, clear, nutrient-poor waters with a neutral or slightly basic pH. Blooms can produce dense covering on rocky substrate and eventually result in long, unsightly stalks. Didymo may appear gray, brown or white and have texture comparably to wet wool or cotton balls. Extensive didymo blooms can cover river substrate, and may temporarily impact aquatic habitat, specifically cover stream bottoms, and make swimming, boating and fishing difficult and/or less desirable.
Difficult and/or less desirable might be the understatement of the year. Just google "Didymo river" and see first hand what this rock snot can do. If bad enough, this stuff can get to the point where it actually inhibits water flow. This stuff is a trout killer, and with the rivers of central MA already dealing with conditions that most other areas of the US are not (extensive stormwater pollution, high fishing pressure, fluctuating flows and temperatures) this would spell DISASTER for our rivers, especially the Quinnie. Check out the link here for more information about the finding in the Green River and about what you can do to stop the spread of this crap. First and foremost NO FELT!!! Make sure you thoroughly clean or dry your boots, waders, and equipment after every trip. http://www.mass.gov/eea/pr-2013/didymo-discovery.html
I happened to run into a DCR officer at the Quinnie yesterday afternoon when fishing for a few hours (5 small rainbows, all on a foamy, buggy creature floated and skimmed on top). Not only did we talk about the Didymo finding, but also about another invasive species they are dealing with locally - some sort of water flea that sticks to your line. So its important to clean that as well. I'm in the process of finding more information on this flea to share.
I'm heading to the Q this afternoon to fish (246 CFS and coming down). I'll have some fliers with me to put on cars. Say Hi if you see me there.
-NC
Hi NC i just started fly fishing this year and ive actually fished the quinnie alot this year but ive only seemed to catch rainbow fry.. ive only fished the holden side of river road too. would you ever care to meet up one night after work and give a newbie some pointers to the river?
ReplyDelete-Kyle
Kyle,
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading. I will try to post the next time I'm heading there.
NC
I'll be on the West Boylston side of River Rd fishing this evening (Friday June 21), above the waterfall.
ReplyDelete-NC
I have never fished the river but have been trying to sneak out the past few weekends. Looking at the flow and temps, is the river still fishable? The water temps look high - in the mid 70s. Would like to know if its worth the drive! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAndrew,
ReplyDeleteThe temp came down last week (to below 70) but is creeping back up now. It will reach high 70s by the mid/end of July, and that is basically no-go for trout fishing in most spots. See my latest blog for a few places to try.
-NC