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Post by kdafly on Apr 30, 2008 17:51:48 GMT -5
As a dedicated eastern mass fly fisher I've been spending all my time casting into the Nissitisset C&R over the past 5 years and having a great time. But I picked up Tom Fuller's book on Southern NE Trout Streams and was hooked into his love of the Deerfield. Newly retired (i.e. all the time I need to fish), my wife and I spent a few days last week camping at Mohawk State P ark and fishing (but certainly not catching) what Mr. Fuller described as the Upper Deerfield. It was the beautiful and I enjoyed every minute, but I felt a little inadequate when I didn't even get a passing interest in what I tossed into the river. Was I too early?? The water level was high, but there was plenty of good rips and reasonable "trout" holding spots, especially where the Cold River and Deerfield merge......anyone have any advice?? I intend to return in the next week or so, and I'd settle for the scenery....but s fish or two would be nice!!
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Post by Mark Patenaude on Apr 30, 2008 19:29:41 GMT -5
Head straight upstream from the confluence of the Cold and Deerfield where you were fishing. Look for a section along the West bank that is scattered with some large boulders and has very distinct flat water. Excellent dry fly water in the morning hours until the sun breaks over the trees. I had one morning a couple of years back where I C&R around 15 trout in about 3 hours with the biggest pushing 20".
Parachutes Adams #16-18 and grey Klinkhammer emergers (same sizes) and tan EHC #16 are the flies that worked and always seem to work on the Deerfield, everytime I have fished it.
Added 5/1/08: Note: this is also a guide spot. I've seen Jack Smola guiding a couple of guys there one time. It may be occupied but is big enough to handle several fishers. Work from about 200' behind the island/upstream along the West bank. There are fish strewn everywhere along the entire section. Watch for very slippery rocks.
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Post by kdafly on May 2, 2008 9:30:30 GMT -5
Thanks.....I was eyeing that area from the east bank, but couldn't figure out how to get there, the water was too high to cross. Also thought I could get there by following the Cold River down from the parking area on RT 2, but ran out of time...
Plan to head out that way again in 2 weeks.....hopefully the water will be right and I can try out some of your fly suggestions....
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Post by Mark Patenaude on May 2, 2008 10:01:52 GMT -5
You've got to come in from the East side.
Drive up River Road and park in the little lot at the RR tracks that is adjacent to the large "Y" pool. It will be on left side of the road. Follow the path on the other side of the tracks. You'll have to walk thru the woods several hundred yards to the river and then follow the bank to a point where the trail leads down and disappears into the water.
Wade up a few hundred yards to get to the good stretch. During low flows you'll be able to easily get within good casting distance. You'll have to average only about 40-45' of line out.
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Post by bartman on May 2, 2008 16:57:13 GMT -5
Too early - It gets better kd. With all the snow melt and precip most rivers have been up but the deerfield will go down. Good time to begin camping/fishing is around Memorial Day.
As you've probably researched, this river flucuates daily with water releases which are as predictable as long-range weather forecasts. The key to wade fishing is to be there during non-release times. USGS is your guide. Caution is advised and you should be aware of your surroundings as the water can rise while you're on the water.
Congrats on your retirement. You should have plenty of time to be there during low water periods.
PS - the river is stocked heavily with nice fish (and it has plenty of holdovers) You can check the MASS Fish and Wildlife site for weekly stocking info.
Bart
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Post by bearsdenbill on May 4, 2008 5:09:03 GMT -5
this is not a paid advertisement - but - if you are new or even experienced on the deerfield - picture 5 minutes of drag-free fishing on each cast.... with really nice guys who handle even the smallest details (lunch, lost flies etc.)
such is the experience you will have with harrison anglers while you do a full or half day float trip. can't recommend them enough. pm me for more info or just google them to book a trip. both dan and tom are pros who will transform any newbie into a deerfield float trip addict.
having said that - i'm going to put in a plug for the millers as well... if you fish the niss - the millers is on your way to the deerfield so you can do the morning on the millers and evening on the deerfield... nice way to break up the trip....
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