So much for low flows!!

As we have been dealing with low flows on the quinnie since the start of the year, it seems as though we are starting to get back to some normalcy for this time of year. Flows right around 100 CFS and with today's snow
and probable near future rain and warmer temperatures, I imagine we'll be looking at 100 CFS for some time. Warmer weather and steady flows in March means the same thing to every angler in MA - spring trout stocking. No need to disclose where they'll be, because you can catch fish everywhere on this river - everyone has their spots. With that being said, let me ask you this, where will you go on the first 50 degree day of April?

NC

Stoneflies in the Snow

If there is one sighting on the quinnie I enjoy the most, it might be early stoneflies hatching from the snow. Tons of them, ranging from light tan to black, from 1/8" to 1/2" littered the snow covered banks this past weekend. Its ONE of my first signs that spring is on the way. I fished from the closed river rd section to about a mile upstream for 4 hours or so. No rises, but I did manage a few small bows (including the 9" one pictured), all coming to a caddis nymph (my quinnie special). Cant wait to head out this weekend, but if the weather permits, I may head out west to the Millers, or even north to the Nissitissit. Wonder how this river holds up over the winter?

Go-To Flies

About a month ago, the central mass chapter of TU sent an email asking you to imagine being restricted to only five basic patterns on your favorite trout stream. They compiled the results by ranking the fly that showed up the most. The results weren't surprising, but it got me thinking (as it is fly tying season) what would be my 5 go-to flies for the Quinnie? The results they got are as follows: A total of 34 different patterns were mentioned. The numbers in parenthesis represent the number of times the pattern was mentioned. 1. Elk hair caddis (18) 2. Wooly bugger (17) 3. Pheasant tail nymph (14) 4. Adams (12) 5. Hare’s ear nymph (7).

If I were to do this for the Quinnie specifically, I think I'd go:

1. Wooly bugger

2. Caddis pupa nymph

3. Elk hair caddis

4. Hares ear

5. Light Cahill

Now this list doesn't necessarily represent the 5 best hatches or 5 best flies on the Quinnie, but rather, if I were to hit the quinnie at any time of the year, and could only choose to bring 5 flies, those would be the flies I choose. They are also somewhat of a personal preference, for instance I've had such good fortune with the Cahill on this river I just couldn't leave it off the list, yet many would probaly choose the Adams over that fly.

What did I miss for the quinnie? Any other good go-to flies? What about other rivers?

Put and Take? I don't think so!

Very few fisherman practice catch and release on the quinapoxet river (or any stream for that matter), but to those who do, THANK YOU. I haven't kept a fish in 9 years, coincidentally corresponding to the time I started fly fishing. The Quinapoxet river, the pride and sole of trout fishing in Central MA, is considered by many as a "put-and-take" stream, meaning the DFW boys put the fish in, and people take them out. Well, I'm here to tell you that this river still fishes well in even after the torrid summer and cold weather months, thanks to all of you who practice C&R. This brightly colored, 16" spawning rainbow was caught at "my spot" yesterday around noon on a green-headed black wooly bugger. This fly works wonders on this river. I plan to hit another spot of the Quinnie tomorrow, hopefuly it will be as rewarding. There is nothing better than hitting the river on a cold morning, all by yourself, admiring the wildlife and beauty of the stream. It only takes one fish to make it more than worthwhile.

Westfield River (Indian Hollow Campground)

This past weekend (Saturday) I joined TU for their annual trip to the Westfield River in Chesterfield. This was my first time fishing this beautiful river and let me tell you, it wont be my last.  I was taken aback by the smooth flowing, clear water and serene scenery: truly an excellent place to fish.  Its too bad the fish didn't feel the same way. In talking to most other TU members, it seems the morning was productive, but very little for the rest of the day. Due to other obligations I couldn't stay the night, and could only arrive around noon on Saturday. I hit the water right when I got there and within 5 casts landed the brown seen below, much larger and better looking than the picture suggests, 18-20 inch range and broad shoulders. I ended up heading both upstream and downstream from the main campsite, only to find endless pockets, pools and rifles holding beautiful fish. In 6 hours of fishing I landed 10, lost probably another 5. Cant wait to head back.

White Clay Creek in Newark, Delaware

This past weekend I visited an old friend in Maryland. On my drive down, I had the opportunity to stop in at White Clay Creek State Park in Newark, DE (PA/DE border) and fish the White Clay Creek.  Non-resident license was $12, parking was $6. This stream is VERY interesting. Flow seemed to be low, but the water was still DEEP. I fished the fly fish only section above the bridge at Chambers Rock rd. There was a pool extremely similar to the Y-Pool at the Swift which held some BIG fish. Water wasn't as clear as the swift, but clearer than most rivers I've ever fished. It looks like a very accessible yet highly covered river (trees, high banks), which means big trout. There were some big white-colored fish, looked like trout, but I dont know what they were. Could they have been Palominos? I dont know.

In 2 hours I landed 5 rainbows, all bigger than 16". The bigger fish (22" and up) were there but weren't biting. I'm thinking similar to the Swift, the fish get wise, quickly. Caught all fish on a size 20 pheasant tail. Looked like some fish were taking emergers, but I couldn't see what, my guess is something very small.

My spot

I fished "my spot" last evening on the quinnie (river rd near the reservoir) and the trout did not disappoint. At around 730, there was a feeding frenzy on some light colored mayflies on top. I was able to land 5 12-16" bows and a 15" brown. Hooked countless others, but these were surprisingly acrobatic fish and it was a chore getting them to the net.

The fishing was good early this year, and it looks like it will keep up for some time. Here's to hoping water levels comply, as that is the key with this river.


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