These flies work, and these rivers produce. Links are below. Note that these are all amply-stocked waters that many already visit and about which much information already has been published. I’ve found that many rivers are sub-par. I track in my fishing journal what fly patterns work on which waters. So, the links below are
Stoneflies and Midges
This is a great video about some bugs that I don’t think get enough attention. It also covers rise forms when fish tip their hand about what they’re eating and why. Some of my favorite patterns are stoneflies and midges. They are often in the drift and are less obvious. In my opinion, you cannot
My Favorite Spring Nymph
After a lot of trial and error over the years, I found a nymph pattern that works well for me in the spring. It may not look like much, but for some reason it tends to be a top producer with both wild fish and stocked ones. The fly has worked all over New England
Swift Reward
With all of the rain this winter and spring, the Quabbin Reservoir has been spilling since January. I have not been fishing the Swift River, but the flows have made for good sightseeing at the spillway. I’ve taken a few walks along the river and learned where the trees have been removed (or deposited). When
Miss Piggy
It was a lot of driving for not many fish. I was hoping for Hendricksons. Nope. With a stiff, cold breeze and water at 44 °F, not many fish showed themselves. I didn’t see any anglers with fish on, but I decided to keep at it to get some payback for all the drive time.