Deerfield, 10/29/07

[Dave]

On my way back from NH, I couldn't resist stopping at the Deerfield for the afternoon before heading back to NYC. Temperatures this morning were on the low side, the car temp. guage said 29 F.

I got to the river a little after noon, and had the whole stretch below Fife Brook all to myself ;D. I checked the flow charts the night previous and a major release was going to happen, to boost the river up to 900 cfs. Manageable, and I thought a good chance to try some big streamers. I started with dark leech patterns, went to brighter ones, and then sculpins (and of the course the ZC), but had no luck. In the blink of an eye, the river receded (literally in the course of 10&#039 to a beautiful 125 cfs. YES! ! ! Grabbed the nymph rod and tied on an egg pattern. Within the first few casts, got a rainbow, and good luck continued for the rest of the afternoon. It was definitely one of those "clean-up days". These fish couldn't resist! I landed at least 15-18 fish, all rainbows in the 12-14'' range. This was sort of an experimental day, not only because of the water fluctuations, but also because I recently tied up a few dozen glo bugs, using both GloBug yarn and McFlyFoam. I have to say the the McFlyFoam is so much easier to achieve a round egg. The Predator and Juice gave me a crash course in egg tying a few weeks back, so I was anxious to see these in action. I had plenty in a variety of shades of orange, some chartreuse, darker reds/purples, and some white. I was concerned about these newly tied egg patterns because they were much smaller than the ones I used in Pulaski, and didn't quite have that spherical look yet (especially the Gloyarn ones). There was hardly any insect activity on the river. At around 4, I witnessed a very modest hatch, I believe BWO, and VERY small! Due to the water fluctuations, I tampered a lot with my leader length and weight distribution until fish started biting consistently. As soon as the proper formula was met, fish after fish, after fish. . . ;D. It's a funny thing, the more I fish, I feel like the more I have to learn. Having watched Aaron numerous times, I feel like I am continuously aware of more elements and strategies each time I venture out. And, the more I realize there are more fish in a single pool than I think! I think I'm developing a predator mentality!

After having two monumental trips to Pulaski the past two weeks, trout fishing was already feeling very different. Trout fishing is great, but there's something to be said about the feeling of Steel at the end of your line . When I hooked a fish, I noticed myself muscle-ing them in, as if I were using something like Ox. . .a 13'' rainbow feels like a leaf on the end of your line compared to a King or Steelhead. The rainbows caught today were very energetic, most likely due to the temps.

It was a great day, here are a few pics:

[FLYDAD]

Nice job That is soooooo cool

It sounds like you are doing a good job figuring out the conditions and adapting to them. When I was fishing with Aaron saterday he told me that you were turning into a fishing machine. GOOD JOB!

[Dave]

It was definitely a fun day, to say the least. The river flows were really perfect, so I was very fortunate. I'm trying my best to turn into a "fishing machine"! I take that as a huge compliment from the Predator, and I appreciate it ;D.

FlyDad, cheers to you also for that great day on the Farmington! I've only fished it twice so far, but I really enjoyed it and can't wait to go back.

[SherpaB]

I was rereading the Millers Post and came across this one again...I guess one of the Harrison's put an article in FFM about the Deerfield, my bro says its good but I let my subscription lapse a few yrs ago because I didnt think the content was up to par with Am Angler or others...anyways I dont like destination articles but it may be a good thing...I havent seen as many fisherman on the Deerfield the past couple yrs as I did when I was a kid. I hope the river gets more fishing attention so it isnt overrun by kayakers...although I may be asking for trouble. Getting some cabin fever..

[Dave]

SherpaB,
I'd like to see that article on the Deerfield. I know that FFM did an article on the Millers about 10 or 11 years ago, in fact, it was in the same issue as the article about the Housatonic, as the issue concerned where to find the best brown trout waters of the East. I think it was FFM, perhaps it was Outdoor Mag.

I agree with you, not too many anglers at the Deerfield. Years ago (5-10), there were a LOT more anglers all over the river, lower and upper, especially in the C&R areas.

The kayakers have gotten out of control. It used to be only Zoar Outdoors that used to do trips from Fifebrook downstream to Charlemont. Now, TWO other rafting companies have opened on Rt.2, and they shuttle SCHOOL BUSES up there every 1/2 hour filled with people. No kidding. July is the worst of it, and everybody seems to be rafting/kayaking down. Still, there's so much good water that you can always find a good spot.

[paul young]

FISH IT AT NIGHT......... -paul

[Dave]

Hey Paul,
do you fish the Dfield much? Do you fish it in winter? I've fished it as late as January, but on years when it was much warmer than it is now. Wondering if you've fished it lately.

Best thing about the Deerfield is that you can fish it on the hottest days of the year (July/August), and the water temps are still really cold. Looking forward to some great spring fishing there.

[SherpaB]

I have fished it in winter...a few times and did really well in the upper sections by the dam...small miracle nymphs were the ticket..the disco midge was good too....I approached it kinda technical but I would bet streamers fished slowly would be dynamite...next weekend depending on the weather I might take a shot at it.

[paul young]

when i was fishing the Deerfield, the season was closed in the winter. yeah, i'm an old fart! i moved to Ct in 1976, and though i get ny and ri licenses i haven't gotten a mass license. hmmmm....

never fished it in winter, but had some mighty fine july and august nights. it was a heck of a good large trout river. lots of real good habitat and lots of bugs.

i should go back some day....

but i'll go to the "pork barrel" on the east branch of the westfield first.... ;D-paul

[Dave]

Paul,
The Westfield is a river that I really do want to fish this year. I've fished it once when I was younger, had moderate luck, and that was it. I've heard it is a really great fishery, with a good population of wild browns in the main (middle branch)?

Could you give a summary/report on where to go, what to fish? (if it's not too much to ask)