Just thinking

This year has been a very odd, hopefully once in a lifetime year on our beloved Wood river. From the floods of March which scoured the bottom and changed once popular wade able stretches of river to pools which are now over your head. This was followed by our current stretch of very warm weather combined with little or no rain. But just to show that everything has a reason the deep pools left by the floods, became sanctuaries where trout were able to find cool water. So we have what is in effect a new river with new challenges to conquer. My recommendation to all is go out and enjoy.


John

Thoughts on conservation ethics

Lately I have found myself becoming more and more concerned about the conservation ethics of some anglers. As all of us are aware the last few years have seen a concerted effort to ban felt soled waders in an effort to help stem the spread of aquatic species such as didymo. While this is by no means a perfect solution to the problem, I believe it is a vital first step in this fight. Sadly however there seems to be a large population who feel that since the organisms can be carried by other means(boot uppers, shoe laces, waders etc), this step is worthless and not worth the effort. Sadly this is something that must change

Fishing News

Well sadly there isn't much to report as far as fishing news, at least nothing good anyway. It shouldn't be news to anyone that the water level on the wood is very low. To make matters worse the latest report of water temps is 68 - 70, and until we get some rain this will very likely go up. So I would strongly suggest using caution when deciding to fish the wood or any other local trout stream.

John

Didymo

By now I'm sure most of you have read about the effects of didymo on various bodies of water, along with several prevention efforts up to and including the ban of felt wading shoes. The chapter will be soon beginning an educational effort in this area. In the beginning this will be primarily educational with signs being posted at major fishing areas along with material on proper cleaning of gear to be distributed with the help of local shops. Further info to come

John

Fishing News

I fished the check station stretch this morning. The river is till low but cool. Found fish rising steadily but it was difficult figuring out to what. After many failed attempts and a discussion with a father and son team from Ma, the fish were rising to ants. Which made sense since there was little if any insect life on the water.

Catch and Release

If you are planning on releasing your catch. Please pinch your barbs down to assist in hook removal. Also try to keep the time spent playing the fish to a minimum, and keep the fish out of the water for as short a time as possible. Remember we are all trying to ensure fishing for the generations to follow.


John

Thoughts

Just a thought. With the recent high temps and low water conditions. If the water feels to warm, maybe give a thought to not fishing and wait for better conditions.

John

Fishing News

Fished the pines this morning. Found water low but cold, with a moderate flow. The only insects this morning seemed to be mosquitoes. Saw two seperate fish dimpling but for the life of me I can't tell you to what. Tried both caddis pupa and soft hackles with no success. Oh well there is always next time.


John

Wild and Scenic

Over the last couple of months, several people have expressed concern over possible ramifications of "Wild and Scenic" designation for the Pawcatuck and it's tributaries. I have good news, the research I along with others have done shows no relationship between wild and scenic, and stocking programs or local fisheries mgt practices in general. So unless something new crops up with this we can all rest easy.

Fishing

Reports from the Hex hatch are sporadic hatches in large areas. Possibly due to the new river anatomy causing lower then normal water temps in areas. On the positive front there are continued reports of wild brookies being caught. Along with sporadic reports of wild browns.

John