Deerfield, 10/29/07

**Troutbum from Griswold** · 02-05-2008, 11:32 PM

I was just talking to a friend of mine and we are both going to head up to fish the Deerfield this year. I am looking for new water and new fisheries and that is one I want to hit. Looks and sounds like a great fishery and beautiful country. Also, the Swift is on my sonar as well.

**paul young** · 02-06-2008, 05:13 PM

i put most of my time in on the east branch, Dave.

favorite sections, from upriver to downriver;

-pork barrel (cummington)
-chesterfield gorge
-lower indian hollow / chesterfield gorge

-paul

**Dave** · 02-07-2008, 01:25 AM

Thanks Paul, I look forward to the Westfield. Folks from Mass. rave about it, at times even more than the Deerfield.

If I'm not mistaken, I remember there being C&R areas? Does it heat up in the summer badly?
What season(s) does it fish best in?

**SherpaB** · 02-09-2008, 01:22 PM

The Westfield is a pretty good river. I havent seen all of it by any stretch but every time I have fished it Ive had some fun. I have primarily fished it downstream from the Chesterfield Gorge(drive down the dirt road along the river-be careful-its knarly!). Lots and lots of good looking spots. I generally drive all the way to the gate and park in the pulloff there. Funny thing is Ive had some of my best luck fishing it with Stimies and buggers. Also Dave Hughes' Flymph is a hot fly there. Word is it fishes really well in the dark, but then again what river doesnt...if I can help I would be happy to do so...

**Dave** · 02-22-2008, 12:23 AM

Thanks SherpaB, this is definitely helpful. I'll venture there in the spring at some point and report back my findings. I'll try below the Chesterfield Gorge first.

I've heard that it warms up pretty good in June, making July and August virtually unfishable. Is that your experience too?

**paul young** · 02-24-2008, 09:31 AM

depends on what kind of summer it is, Dave.

the gorge is not very "sunlight friendly, so if there's enough rainfall to keep the springs perking, the temps stay fishable. plenty of aeration as the water tumbles thru.

that's Indian Hollow, just below the gorge.-paul

**SherpaB** · 03-02-2008, 07:29 AM

Truth be told I have had some pretty good days in Aug and Sept. Fishing big Stimies - I have had some nice fish come out of nowhere and jump on them...taking them for hoppers I imagine. The previous post had it right regading the springs...there must be a bunch all over because I was fishing middle of the day, hot days those summers. Its definitely worth a couple shots...there are apparently a whole bunch of other really good spots. Upriver from the gorge looks absolutely gorgeous...never fished it but looks damn fishy...its just a beautiful area around there. I think you will enjoy it.