Trout fishing

Fishing is still slow here in RI. With low water levels over the majority of the Wood, the only fishable areas are the deeper pools where the fish can find cooler water down deep. While the weather forecast for the next week is calling for moderations in temp there is still no rain in the immediate future. On the bright side, guys who have gone to fish the Farmington are reporting good fishing on small flies(tricos in the AM) with light tippet(7-8X). So there is a possibility for those who enjoy technical fishing with the real possibility of breaking off a big fish.


John

The Wood

Lately I have been thinking on our chapters role on protecting and enhancing the fishery on the Wood. While I know a few people will violently oppose this idea, I believe the greatest protection for the Wood is people fishing and enjoying it. If we are to accomplish any projects of significance, the most important thing that is required is bodies on the ground willing to do the hard work. More importantly is there is a large group of anglers in this state whose goals and wishes are opposed to ours. There is only one way we will combat this, and that is to have a significant membership that will communicate our wishes to the state. In short I believe that actions which will deter fisherman especially young ones from the Wood is at best counter-productive at worst extremely harmful.

John

I'd like to see

Lately with the low water levels and continued lack of rain making fishing at best difficult, I have found myself thinking about the future and things I would like to see. First I would like to see more streams and rivers statewide that are fish able for the entire summer. Does this require the continued efforts in dam removal on the Blackstone or just identifying suitable water and increasing the stocking efforts? To be honest I'm not sure if either of these are feasible or even if they will work, but I'm really just thinking out loud here. But the thing I would really like to see is an increase in the number of younger members at our meetings. I believe that this is the single most important factor in TU's growth and continued strength in the future. Sadly I have no idea how to accomplish this, at least not without help. So if anyone knows a young person who might be interested in our work please invite them to a meetings. Thanks for your time

John

Thoughts

I fished the Wood this afternoon downstream from the check station to just below the fast water. First the good news, the recent stretch of cooler temps have helped the water temps considerably. The bad news is we still could use a good soaking rain due to the low water levels in most areas. I didn't manage to catch anything although there were sporadic rises for small to medium size ants brown in color. Oh well at least I managed to work up a good sweat.


John

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