Category Archives: Fly Fishing

Joe Areno’s Legacy lives on

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I think I first met Joe Areno, of Pittsfield, sometime in 1980 when I attended a Pittsfield Sportsmen’s Club (PSC) venison heart and liver dinner.  At that time the club was having various fund raisers to help pay for properties that it acquired on Potter Mountain.  The land was to be used for hunting and recreation. Joe was a director of the club who coordinated the event which drew large crowds and the tickets were hard to get.

Joe was well known in the outdoor sporting community as one who was instrumental in dealing with local, state, and federal agencies to help institute legislation that protected open space throughout the county and state and legislation to help protect sportsmen’s rights to hunt and fish. Because of those efforts, Joe was named the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS) 2002 Sportsman of the Year. In acknowledging him, the League pointed out that (at that time) he had served on the Board of Directors of the PSC in every position for over 45 years.  “Many times he traveled down to Boston at his own expense to meet with Senators and Representatives to express views on how to protect the habitat and wildlife of this great Commonwealth.”

Sometime around 2008 or 2009, Joe was diagnosed with terminal cancer and one day, when he was quite ill, his wife Doris called me and said that Joe was nearing death and that he wanted me to stop by and see him. He wanted one final chat and to give me something. Oh, how I dreaded it, but I thought the world of him and did visit him.  We had a good chat and I remember him saying something to the effect that he had no complaints and that he had a pretty good life. (Even though he served in the Korean War and was a decorated veteran). After having a sad but pleasant conversation, we said our final good byes. That was tough.

When I was leaving, Doris told me that there was some fishing stuff that Joe wanted me to have.  One of the items was a bamboo fly rod that Joe had purchased in 1955 in Japan when he was on R&R from Korea.  I told Doris that I couldn’t take that rod but rather it should be kept in the family to be given to one of his kids or grandkids.  Doris said that nobody, kids or grandkids, flyfished and that Joe really wanted me to have it and some boxes of flies.  Doris said that it was one of Joe’s final requests that I have it. Reluctantly but graciously, I accepted it while silently resolving that before I pass beyond the riverbend, that rod must somehow be returned to the family.

After leaving their house, I headed for the East Branch of the Westfield River, below Chesterfield Gorge in Chesterfield to meet fishing buddy, Doug Yates and do some flyfishing.  Upon arrival, I saw Doug fishing downstream and waved to him to let him know I had arrived.  I didn’t immediately join him for I wanted to be alone for a while after experiencing what had just transpired.  Honoring Joe, I opted to use his bamboo rod instead of my own.  With teary eyes I rigged up Joe’s rod and entered the river.

How appropriate it was that shortly thereafter, I caught a nice rainbow trout using that rod.  This is for you, Joe, I thought. Unfortunately, I never got to see Joe again and tell him about it, for he passed away shortly thereafter.

In Joe’s honor, I created a bucktail style fly which I named Areno’s Legacy.  A half dozen of them were raffled off at the next sportsmen’s banquet and his close friend the late Cleante ‘Clem’ Caryofilles of Pittsfield scoffed them all up.  The ingredients for tying the fly are listed below.

Over the course of the next 15 years, I periodically fished with the bamboo rod.  When using it, I always thought of Joe, and  commonly referred to the fishing trips as fishing with a friendly spirit (Joe’s spirit).

Jump forward to this past May 11 Wild Acres Youth Fishing Derby.  While covering the event for this column I spoke to quite a few anglers, mainly parents with their kids.   One time, I stopped and talked with a pleasant young woman named Jessica Porter who was there with her 17 year old daughter Chalyce and 12 year old son Chase.  While chatting with her, I mentioned that it just wasn’t the same this year without Clem Caryofilles of the Onota Fishing Club being there. He always assisted in this event, but sadly he passed away earlier this year.

Jessica replied that she knew Clem well and that he frequently fished and hunted with her father and grandfather. When asked who they were, she said her dad was Chris Porter and her grandfather was Joe Areno.   Whoa! Joe Areno’s great grandson was there fishing?

I mentioned the fly rod and my desire to get it back to the family and wondered whether her son would want it.  She immediately responded yes, but she would hold it for him until he gets older and appreciates what it is that he has.  I told her that along with the rod, he’ll receive two boxes of flies that were Joe’s (Joe had etched his name on those fly boxes) and an Areno’s Legacy fly.

On May 29, the fly rod, Joe’s Pflueger Medalist fly reel and the flies were delivered to Chase. Now, Joe’s bamboo flyrod is in good hands, for he loves to fish.  I really feel good about that, and I’d bet Joe does, too.

Incidentally, while delivering the rod, I learned that Chase was quite a young outdoor sportsman.  He had also inherited Joe’s archery equipment including his bow, arrows and targets.  (The arrows had Joe’s name printed on them).  He, his mom and sister Chalyce are members of an archery league taught by Mark Jester at the Lenox Sportsmen’s Club.  He has already received an Archer’s Perfect Score award.  The folks at the Lenox Sportsmen’s Club are pretty high on him and are sponsoring him to attend the two week Mass Junior Conservation Camp later this summer. I’ll bet Joe feels good about that, too.

Rest assured Joe, your legacy lives on.

Areno’s Legacy fly

 

Hook:  Size 6, 4X L streamer hook

 

Tail:  Gray squirrel tail –  represents the squirrel tails that Joe gathered up and kept in his freezer for his fly tying friends.   (He may also have provided some to Mepps Company for their spinning lures.  Each year Mepps put out a public call for squirrel tails and Berkshire Eagle Outdoor Columnist Ted Giddings included it in his column.)

 

Body:  Rabbit fur dyed forest green signifying Joe’s love for rabbit hunting and his efforts to restock club property with snowshoe hares.  It also signifies the many acres of forest that Joe helped to procure for the Pittsfield Sportsmen’s Club, making it the club with the most landholdings in Massachusetts.  Through his efforts, nearly 1,000 acres of Potter Mountain were preserved as open space.

 

Collar and Wing:  Deer hair (dyed black) which signifies the many deer that Joe harvested over the years.  But more significantly, it acknowledges the many deer that Joe skinned and prepared for cooking for the club’s many venison fundraising dinners.

 

Head (thread): The deer collar and black thread head represent Joe’s dark black hair which he maintained until his illness.

 

Carp Palooza

 

This year’s Carp Palooza event will take place on Pontoosuc Lake on Saturday, June 15.  Sign-up will take place at the Pontoosuc Lake boat ramp between 10:00 am and Noon and the fishing competition runs from Noon to 10:00 pm.

 

There will be cash payouts to the winners and to 2nd and 3rd place, pending the number of entries.  Two person teams, $50 per team.  Awards will be given for the best combined weight for 2 carp.  Lunker Pool optional at $20 per team.  Championship belts will be awarded to the winners.  There will also be a 50/50 raffle as well as a $100 Lottery Tree raffle. There will be a prize for the largest Mirror Carp.  The Dink award will be awarded for the smallest carp.

 

Beagle Club Field Trials proved successful despite recent storm damage

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Last weekend the Berkshire Beagle Club held its Small Pack Option (SPO) Licensed spring field trials.  According to Club spokesman Jeffrey St John, they had 97 entries for the weekend.  The popularity of the beagle club’s field trials is self-evident.  Just look at the distances from whence the winning dog owners came.

 

“The air was filled with sounds of beagles on the chase all weekend,” said St John, “Judges were busy as they worked to come up with the winners”.

Chris Wilser, Trial Chairperson received many compliments from judges and the gallery on the condition of the grounds, participation from the members and the venue at the club house.  Nice compliments when one considers the condition of the 86-acre grounds just a couple of weeks earlier.  Wind damage brought down trees all over the grounds which in turn brought down fences (including electric fences) which keep the bunnies on the property.  On property rabbit breeding pen fencing also sustained damages.  Club members volunteered many days of hard work repairing the damage in order to have the grounds ready for the field trial.

On Saturday, April 20 there were 37 male entries.  The winner in the 13” class was Duda’s Sock it to Them Santino, owned by Salvatore Amato of McAlisterville, PA.

 

The winner of the 15” class was Easy Streets Black Momba, owned by Amanda and Justin Dean from Shushan, NY, (former members of the Berkshire Beagle Club).    Special congratulations to the Deans because, pending AKC approval, Momba will attain Field Champion Gun Dog Status.  To obtain that status a dog must have 3 field trial wins and 120 points.   There is a complicated formula in determining points which I will not attempt to explain in this column. Field Champion Gun Dog Status qualifies entry into any national trial, large pack and small pack. (More explanation follows below).

 

On Sunday April 21, there were 60 female entries.  Winner of the 13” class was Garra, owned by Mirsad Ferhatouic from Utica, NY. The winner of the 15” class was Cold River Tessa, owned by Keith and Addison Brick from North Concord, VT.

 

A little history:  In the 1970’s, The American Kennel Club, determined that a need existed for a real gundog, or hunting beagle field trial. They did not believe that the Large Pack was the most acceptable method to pursue the cottontail rabbit. Instead, they chose to use a running standard that was already in the AKC Rules.

This was the Small Pack in which hounds were run on rabbits in packs of from three to seven hounds, with the judges selecting the outstanding performers to be run in a second series and then finally in a Winners Pack. To prove beyond a doubt that they were competing with “hunting beagles,” the AKC permitted the additional testing of their hounds for gun-shyness and searching ability in what became known as the Small Pack Option.

Local trout stockings

The following local waters were scheduled to be stocked last week by MassWildlife, subject to change due to unforeseen conditions: Buck River in Sandisfield, Chickley River in Charlemont and Hawley, Clam River in Sandisfield, Clesson Brook in Ashfield and Buckland, Clesson Brook (Upper Branch) in Ashfield, Cold River in Charlemont and Florida, Green River North in New Ashford, Green River South in Alford, Egremont and Great Barrington, Greenwater Pond in Becket, Hemlock Brook in Williamstown, Hoosic River South Branch in Adams and Cheshire, Housatonic River (C&R) in Lee and Stockbridge, Housatonic River East Branch in Hinsdale and Dalton, Hubbard River in Granville and Tolland, Konkapot River in Monterey and New Marlborough, Pontoosuc Lake, South River in Ashfield, Wahconah Falls Brook in Dalton, Windsor Brook in Windsor and Hinsdale, and Windsor Lake in North Adams.

Kids fishing derby and more at the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery

Next Saturday, May 11, the Friends of the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery Board invites you to join them for a free pancake breakfast to kick off derby day at 7:30 am, at the hatchery, 240 Hatchery Road, New Marlborough, MA.  Board member Dean Hutson suggests you fill up on delicious pancakes before heading down to the Derby Pond for some exciting fishing action.

At 9:00 am, the derby (for kids ages 13 and under), kicks off with even more tagged fish added to the pond, guaranteeing an exhilarating fishing experience. Don’t miss out on the chance to win great prizes and snag one of their exclusive derby t-shirts. The derby ends at 10:30 am.

Hutson also invites you to check out their raffle for a Traeger smoker grill on display and to browse through a variety of items for sale under the tent, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, water bottles, and car stickers.

Hutson promises a fantastic day of fishing, fun, and delicious food.

Incidentally, the April 20 Fly Tying/Fly Casting class which was held at the Hatchery was quite  a memorable experience for a couple of attendees.  That morning, two newcomers to fly fishing attended and learned how to tie a trout fly in the fly tying class.  Following that, they were taught how to fly cast. Then they proceeded to the Hatchery Derby Pool, learned how to attach the fly to the line and, guess what, both caught a rainbow trout.  Is that cool or what?

Free Fishing Derby for Youths

The City of Pittsfield Conservation Commission has announced that they and Lyon Aviation will sponsor a Free Fishing Derby (rain or shine) for youths aged 14 and under next Saturday, May 11 at the Wild Acres Conservation which is located off of South Mountain Road in Pittsfield next to the airport.  The accessible trail down to the pond is now open.

Volunteer support will be provided by the Onota Fishing Club to assist with dressing fish, providing fishing tips and techniques, baiting, etc. Bait will be provided. The derby will run from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm. Trophies will be awarded at 12:00 pm to those who caught the largest fish (length & weight).

The first 100 kids will receive a free food voucher. Food will also be available for purchase from Ozzie’s Steak & Eggs.

For more information, contact Maddy Brown, Recreation & Special Events Coordinator, at (413) 499-9371.

Fishing Derby on Stockbridge Bowl

The Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club is sponsoring its annual Spring Fishing Derby on Sunday, May 19 at the Stockbridge Bowl Boat Ramp.  It will run from dawn until 1:00 pm. Cash prizes of $10.000 will be awarded to the lucky anglers who catch the heaviest trout or salmon, pickerel, bass and bullhead.  There will be free lures for all kids 12 and under.  The pre-registration fee is $15.00 and post-registration is $20.00.

Food and drinks will be available.

Tickets are available at:  Minkler Insurance Agency at 31 Main Street, Stockbridge or (w) 413-644-3590, (h) 413-298-4630 or contact any club member.  Official rules may be picked up at the boat ramp.

Proof of fishing license is required

Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP) Officer Tara Carlow wants fishermen to remember to have a paper copy or a screen shot/picture of their fishing license available for MEP Officers or landowners to check.  Personally, last week she checked eight fly-fishermen on the Deerfield River and five of them could not produce a license for her, due to the cellular coverage in that area.  Two of them were commercial float guides and after checking when she got back in service, two of the five did not have licenses at all.    One was a fishing guide.  (Ooh!  That’s a good way to lose a guiding license).

MEP has one dispatch center, sometimes with one dispatcher working, for the entire state.  They also handle traffic for their busy coastal missions.  They cannot be continually running fishing licenses, and tying up the radio for fishermen who are supposed to have a legible copy on their person.  The civil fine for not being able to display your license is $120. She is working with club presidents to help get the word out to the fishing community.  It may seem like a minor problem, but for her to check five people in a row with the same violation, is not minor and something has to change.

Oh!  That knot nemesis

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Charles and Alba Wohl .

In the April 2024 issue of The Backcast, the Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited’s newsletter, Charles Wohl of Lenox wrote an interesting article about bonefishing at Ambergris Caye, Belize and an embarrassing incident with which most anglers are familiar.  With his permission, I am relating his story, entitled “The Knot” to you.

“If I had one last day to fish, it would be on a bonefish flat. I love the challenge of walking in calf-deep water, spotting bonefish, and trying to make accurate casts to place my fly in the path of cruising fish. In the unlikely event that everything goes right, and I hook the fish, the reward is several sizzling runs across the flat before the fish can be brought to hand and released. However, most of the best bonefishing destinations, such as the out islands of the Bahamas, are not particularly attractive to those who don’t fish or even to those who do fish but do not wish to spend hours traipsing across saltwater flats in search of fish.

One exception is Ambergris Caye, Belize, which features tropical beaches where you will be served any drink you want, kayaking, snorkeling on the second largest barrier reef in the world, excellent restaurants, paddle boarding, trips to the rain forest and Mayan temples on the mainland, ubiquitous reggae music, and very nice places to stay.  You know – the stuff normal people like. Our friends Paula and Herb stayed there for three weeks a couple of winters ago and cried when it was time to leave. So, we weren’t surprised when our friends Barbara and Brian suggested that we all go down there for a couple of weeks in February. Shortly thereafter, our good friend Mary signed on. None of them fish, so I didn’t think it important to mention that on Ambergris Caye there are bonefish on the flats, snook in the mangroves, tarpon and permit on the deeper flats and good guides to take you to them. Going there had special appeal for me because Belize is where I caught my first bonefish forty years ago. My wife Alba fishes, but has never caught a bonefish, so I thought this might be the time.

Our apartment, which was among the palms on a heartbreakingly beautiful beach, was more luxurious than we expected or needed. We unpacked quickly, and, as soon as politely possible, I walked to the water’s edge and surveyed the very fishy looking flat. The clear turquoise water was a couple of feet deep, and there were patches of turtle grass that harbored the crabs and shrimp that bonefish and permit eat.  A dock extended about one hundred feet out from the beach. A man raking grass off the beach told me that he frequently saw bonefish and permit on the flat early in the morning. A young couple with fly rods walking nearby said that there had been some bonefish around the dock earlier. They had caught a couple of small bonefish, weighing about a pound (Bahamian bonefish average two to four pounds).

The next morning, I walked to the end of the dock and shortly spotted a pod of about a half dozen bonefish swimming about thirty feet away. I would have preferred wading, but the water was about three feet deep so spotting fish would have been difficult. I cast a fly called a Gotcha ahead of the cruising fish, and one took. The fish made a couple of decent runs before I was able to lead it to the beach where Barbara, Brian and Mary were lounging. The fish was small, about sixteen inches, but it was a bonefish. As the others had never seen one, I pointed out the position of the mouth under the prominent snout which made it easier for the fish to root out shrimp and crabs from the sand and the large eyes for spotting such critters. I showed them how the greenish back with its subtle vertical bands and its silver sides provided near perfect camouflage. Brian took the obligatory “grip and grin” photo.

By then Alba had emerged from the apartment, and we walked quickly to the end of dock in hopes that the fish were still there so that she would have a chance to catch her first bonefish. Brian joined us to watch the show. Alba wore polarized sunglasses and a long-billed fishing hat, so she was able to locate the pod of fish cruising about forty feet from the dock. She put the Gotcha just ahead of the fish.

“Nice cast, Alba,” I said. “Now count to ten while the fly sinks to the bottom where the fish are feeding. Good. Now strip in line with short pulls.”

On the third strip, a nice fish grabbed the fly. Alba drove the hook home with a firm strip set, whereupon the fish sped off in the general direction of Mexico. And then the line went slack. The fish and the fly were both gone. We let out a collective groan, and I buried my forehead in Brian’s right shoulder. I inspected the leader, and, to my horror, there was a curlicue where the fly had been, a sure sign that the knot had failed. Alba had lost what would have been her first bonefish because my knot had failed. I have been tying flies to leaders since the Ford Administration, and rarely had one come undone. Why now!?  I had tied the fly on the same as always, wetting the knot with saliva before tightening it, as instructed by the late fly fishing guru Lefty Kreh, and pulling on it to test its strength.  I had no idea what went wrong. Nonetheless, my soul was crushed, or at least dented, by my sense of guilt.

“Oh my god, Alba, I am so sorry!” I lamented.

Alba replied, “Don’t worry about it,” not sharing my anguish.

But I did worry about it until I remembered the words of my grandmother when something untoward happened, “This should only be the worst thing that ever happens to you!”

She was right, of course. Considering all the misery in our world and the truly bad things that could happen to a person, it was ridiculous to fret about a failed knot. I felt guilty about having felt guilty.

Still, I wanted to make up for the lost fish, so I arranged for a guide to take Alba and me to some good flats between Ambergris and the mainland. The bonefish were larger there, and we might run into some permit. Our guide Ricardo picked us up at our dock in his skiff. He was middle-aged with a bushy mustache and had lived and fished on Ambergris his whole life.

He took us to flats adjacent to uninhabited mangrove islands. The water was only about a foot deep, so the fish would be more skittish than in the deeper water around our dock. Our casts would have to be longer and more accurate. The bottom was too soft for wading, so Alba and I took turns on the casting platform at the bow. Ricardo, with his trained eye, would almost always spot the fish before we did and would point them out to us.

“Bonefish at two o’clock, sixty feet!” which meant that some fish were about thirty degrees to the right of straight ahead and sixty feet from the boat.

We would cast as soon as the fish were within range. Alba made some nice casts but, for unclear reasons, the fish would change direction before seeing the fly, spook for no obvious reason, or just not want to eat. Those things happened to me as well, but I did manage to catch several Bahama-size fish. Although Alba did not catch her first bonefish, it was clear that she had the skills to do so.

She wanted a rematch, and, upon arriving back at our dock, announced, “We’re coming back here next year and getting Ricardo to guide us again.”

Elated, I replied, “Great idea! And Ricardo’s tying the knots.”

Trout stocking

The following waters were scheduled to be stocked with trout last week:  Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida; Housatonic River C&R in Lee and Stockbridge, Westfield River East Branch in Windsor, Cummington, Chesterfield and Huntington; Westfield River West Branch in Becket, Chesterfield, Huntington and Middlefield; Otis Reservoir, Goose Pond, Ashfield Pond, Upper Highland Lake, Lake Buel, Laurel Lake, Windsor Lake and Windsor Pond.

Changes proposed for 2024-2025 Migratory Game Bird Regulations

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A public hearing will be held on Wednesday, April 17 at 2:30 pm., at MassWildlife’s Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road in Westborough, MA. The hearing will establish rules and regulations relative to the 2024–2025 migratory game bird hunting seasons.

Due to the migratory game bird season filing requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board must vote to finalize and approve the 2024–2025 migratory bird seasons at the close of the hearing. Therefore, there will be no written comment period after this public hearing. Written comments may be submitted prior to the hearing via email to susan.sacco@mass.gov, Subject: Fisheries and Wildlife Board, or by mail to the Fisheries and Wildlife Board, MassWildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. Written public comments will be accepted until Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 4 p.m.

Interested persons can review the proposed changes and provide written comments prior to the hearing and oral comments during the public-comment portion of the hearing. Here is a summary of the proposed changes:

  • Woodcock Season: October 3 – November 30
  • Youth Waterfowl Hunts: September 21 and October 5
  • Veteran’s Waterfowl Hunts: September 21 and October 5
  • Early Goose Season (statewide): September 2 – September 21
  • Regular Goose Season
    • Berkshire Zone: October 14 – November 16 *
    • Central Zone: October 12 – November 30 and December 17 – January 4
    • Coastal Zone: October 12 – October 19 and November 26 – January 25
  • Late Goose Season
    • Berkshire Zone: December 18 – February 15 *
    • Central Zone: January 16 – February 15
    • North Coastal Zone: January 27 – February 15
  • Duck Season
    • Berkshire Zone: October 14 – November 30 and December 16 – January 4 *
    • Central Zone: October 12 – November 30 and December 17 – January 4
    • Coastal Zone: October 12 – October 19 and November 26 – January 25
  • Falconry Season: October 19 – February 19

Most of the date changes are just by one or two days, however, I wish to point out the following changes:

*The regular goose season for the Berkshire Zone last year ran from October 10 to November 25; then from December 11 to December 14.  Then the Berkshire late goose season ran from January 1 through February 15, 2025. The new proposed dates are from October 14 to November 16 and the late season will run from December 18 through February 15, 2025.

*The Berkshire Duck hunting season last year ran from October 11 to November 25 and December 12 to January 6.  The new proposed season will run from October 14 to November 30 (which is the Saturday after Thanksgiving) and then from December 16 to January 4, 2025.

Local trout stockings

 

The following local waters were scheduled to be stocked last week by MassWildlife:   Ashfield Pond in Ashfield, Chickley River in Charlemont and Hawley, Farmington River in Otis, Sandisfield and Tolland; Green River South in Alford, Egremont and Great Barrington; Hoosic River North in Clarksburg and North Adams, Hudson Brook in Clarksburg, North Pond in Florida, Norwich Pond in Huntington, Plunkett Reservoir in Hinsdale, the Williams River in Great Barrington, Pontoosuc Lake and Richmond Pond.

 

Due to the nasty weather last week, the schedule could have changed. The web site at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/trout-stocking-report will contain the most accurate info:

 

Spring break is nearing, help stock the trout

The public is invited to help MassWildlife stock trout during school vacation week. Meet MassWildlife fisheries staff, view trout up close, and learn about places to fish near you.  Join them on Wednesday, April 17 at 12:30 pm at Onota Lake Burbank Park on Lakeway Drive in Pittsfield.

Children stocking trout, picture provided by MassWildlife

A few trout are placed in empty 5-gallon pails and the tots run with them to the lake front and heave the fish out into the water.  According to MA DFW Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden, we needn’t worry about hurting the trout for the sudden splash into the water does them good.  They found, over many years of stocking, that the trout respond better when they are stimulated by a toss into the water. This triggers them to begin swimming right away and speeds up adjustments to any differences in water temperature or flow between the truck environment and the pond or river.

“For the children’s event the fish do great, even though the handling may not always be perfect. These events also provide an opportunity to see and handle fish that many would never experience otherwise. There is no substitute for real life experience to inspire future anglers and conservationists” said Madden.

 

This is quite an enjoyable event, so parents, grandparents be sure to bring your cameras.

 

Kids Fishing Derbies beginning at the Hatchery

The 2024 kids fishing derbies are starting up at the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery.  Put on by the Friends of the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery, they will run the second Saturday of each month beginning in April and running through September.  The first derby will be next Saturday, April 13 at the Hatchery’s Derby Pond. It will start at 9:00 and run to 10:30 am. What a great opportunity for kids ages 13 and under to learn how to fish while competing for prizes.

Board member Dean Hutson promises an action-packed day with lots of exciting activities: New derby shirts for the kids, tagged fish in the pond with thrilling prizes and new merchandise available for sale.  No child goes away empty handed.

But wait, there’s more. The Friends of the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery are thrilled to reintroduce Fly Casting on Saturday April 20, following its Fly Tying class.   Hutson encourages you to, “Dive into the art of fly tying at 10:00 am, and then cast your creations into Derby Pond around 11:30 am! It’s a double-header you won’t want to miss!”

 

Don’t forget to bring eye protection  (sunglasses or safety glasses) for a safe and enjoyable casting experience.

 

Email them at info@hatcheryfriends.org beforehand, so they can prepare for your presence, specifying if you’re joining the fly tying class, fly casting session, or both.

 

Timberdoodles!

A Senecan Indian myth says God made the woodcock (aka timberdoodle) from the leftover parts of other birds. Large eyes are located along the sides of the bird’s head, allowing it to see in all directions, including directly behind. A long, thin bill that averages nearly three inches in length permits woodcock to probe in soft earth for worms, slugs and other invertebrates. Nostrils lie high against the skull so the woodcock can feed and breathe at the same time. Its ears are located beneath the eyes. Woodcock stand about eight inches tall, appear to bob when they walk, and weigh about a half-pound each.

photo provided by MassWildlife

On Thursday, April 11, from 5:00 to 6:00 pm, you are invited to join a Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) hosted online event with Kayleigh Filkins to learn about Timberdoodle ecology and fun facts as well as a scientific roundup from the Eastern Woodcock Migration Research Cooperative. Kayleigh is a graduate student at SUNY Brockport doing her master’s work on American woodcock habitat selection during the breeding season in New York.

The Zoom link will be emailed to RVSPs on the day of the event. The event will be recorded and shared with RSVPs and on BNRC’s YouTube channel.   For questions contact Mariah at mfogg@bnrc.org.

Beagle Club Field Trials

 

On the April 20 – 21 weekend the Berkshire Beagle Club on Sleepy Hollow Road in Richmond, MA is having its Small Pack Option (SPO) Licensed spring field trials.  Some of the best beagles in the northeast will compete and the best dogs are awarded ribbons for excelling in their natural tracking ability, high desire, quick thinking, and speed and endurance while following the scents of snowshoe hares and/or cottontail bunnies. All dogs are AKC registered.  .For beagle lovers, there’s no finer sound than that of a beagle singing its heart out while following the scent of a bunny.

 

Males will run on Saturday, April 20 and the females on April 21, starting at 8:00 am. They will be judged in the following categories:  13” and 15” males and 13” and 15” females.

The club welcomes folks to come and just listen to the dogs and observe the judges.

 

There will be breakfast and lunch available on both days and probably a 50/50 raffle.

 

Questions:  Chris Wilser (845)489-6554 or Jefferey St. John (413) 441-0744.

 

Tales with Rex

 

On Thursday evening, April 11 at 6:30 pm you are invited to join Rex Channel for a night of an unforgettable “eating , drinking & fishing” trip he recently took to Chile, Argentina & Tierra del Fuego.  Entitled “tales from South America with Rex, it is full of photos and tales and, of course, the people he met along the way.

 

It will be held at the Berkshires Hills Country Club, 500 Benedict Road, Pittsfield.

 

Rex is a valued member of the Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited

Trout stocking has begun

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MassWildlife will stock over 500,000 brook, brown, rainbow, and tiger trout across Massachusetts this year.  About 455,000 will be stocked this spring and about 60,000 this fall.

According to MassWildlife officials, each year their hatcheries maximize trout production. They measure this as pounds of fish produced within the limits of the facilities. MassWildlife intentionally grows large trout to provide the best possible fishing for anglers. Their hatcheries raise the trout in five hatcheries in Sandwich, Palmer, Belchertown, Sunderland, and Montague

They have been very successful at getting outstanding growth rates so the fish have been heavier over time. Pounds of fish produced has less meaning to anglers, so MassWildlife describes the hatchery production in numbers of fish based on weight samples. When the individual fish weighs more, the total number is lower. Production by weight within the hatcheries has stayed relatively consistent over time. You may also see them providing annual totals on the website or social media where they combine both the spring and fall numbers to say they’re stocking over 500,000 trout this year.

This year, 75% of the trout will be over 12 inches, and 40% will be over 14 inches.  Some 800 retired brood brown trout 18”+ inches and 600 retired brood brook trout will be stocked.  About 2,900 tiger trout will be over 14 inches.

The Western District usually gets about 20% of them.  Stocking has already begun in our district with the following waters scheduled to be stocked last week: Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida; Farmington River in Otis, Sandisfield and Tolland; Lake Buel, Onota Lake and Stockbridge Bowl.  Please note: The stocking report is subject to change depending on staffing, equipment, and weather conditions.

MassWildlife has a map with all the fish stocking locations on its website.  There are red dots on the map indicating waters that will be stocked this spring. When stocking begins, the red dots will turn to black push-pins to show where trout have been stocked.

If you are looking for stocking information for a particular waterbody or town, use the table. Type the name of the waterbody or town into the search window to find all stocking reports for that location. You can also sort based on an attribute including town, waterbody, or type of fish.

If you prefer, you can get a list of all 2024 stocked waters.

The waters are cold this time of year.

If you fish from a boat and capsize or fall overboard, you can develop hypothermia within minutes. Hypothermia, the lowering of your internal body temperature, can make it difficult for you to swim, paddle, or stay afloat. A sudden, unexpected fall into cold water can also cause you to involuntarily gasp and ingest water, which can lead to death by drowning. Your life jacket may not prevent hypothermia, but it will help you stay afloat, and it can save your life. Boating fatality victims were often not wearing life jackets.

Safety advocates recommend all boaters and passengers have a life jacket and wear it at all times while boating, especially youths under 12 years old.

In Massachusetts, life jackets must be worn by canoeists and kayakers from September 15 to May 15

Black bears are here

MasssWildlife is warning residents that black bears are waking up this month and they’re hungry.  They urge people to take down bird feeders, secure trash bins, and watch out for their pets.

Governor Healey holding a bear cub.. Photo taken by Joshua Qualls of the Governor office

While we are on the subject of bears, Governor Maura Healey recently accompanied MassWildlife biologists during a visit to a black bear den that is part of ongoing research. Each winter, state biologists visit the dens of female black bears (sows) with radio tracking collars to assess the health and number of new cubs. The study provides critical information about the growing bear population in Massachusetts.

Governor Healey, First Partner Joanna Lydgate, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Rebecca Tepper, Department of Fish & Game Commissioner Tom O’Shea, and MassWildlife Director Mark Tisa were able to get an up-close look at the sow and her three cubs located at a den after trained staff immobilized the adult animal.

“We had a great time learning from our wildlife experts and getting to know our bear neighbors,” said Governor Healey. “Massachusetts is home to an impressive variety of habitats and wildlife. We are committed to using the best possible science to conserve biodiversity in Massachusetts. This black bear research is a great example of how we are making that happen.”

“MassWildlife’s black bear research program is the longest of its kind in New England,” said Secretary Tepper. “The goal is to understand bear behavior, population size, and movements across Massachusetts. We’re grateful to our skilled guides and experts who showed us how we care for our bear population.”

“It was an honor to have Governor Maura Healey join us to highlight MassWildlife’s important black bear research program,” said Department of Fish & Game Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “Despite Massachusetts being the third most densely populated state in the country, black bear populations are thriving and have expanded their range as far east as the Rte. 495 corridor. Collecting this vital data helps MassWildlife understand populations, educate the public, and minimize conflicts with these important creatures.”

“We know that bears will frequent neighborhoods where they find human-associated foods,” said MassWildlife’s Black Bear Project Leader Dave Wattles. “Our goal is to keep these impressive animals wild by understanding their movements and by encouraging people to take actions like removing bird feeders and securing trash in their yards.”

While at the den, biologists checked the health of the cubs and mother and replaced the sow’s GPS tracking collar. Signals from the collar are used throughout the year to see whether bears are using natural areas or developed, residential areas. After all the data was collected from the sow and cubs, biologists carefully returned the bears to their den and left the area. Many black bears are becoming more active during this time of year, but sows with cubs remain in their dens for several more weeks. Learn more about black bears in Massachusetts at www.mass.gov/bears.

Fly Fishing Film Tour

 

On Sunday, March 24 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm, the Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited will be presenting the 2024 Fly Fishing Film Tour at the Images Cinema, 50 Spring Street, Williamstown. Tickets which cost $15.00 can be purchased at (https://www.imagescinema.org/movie/2024-international-fly-fishing-film-festival).

 

Last year they filled the Cinema, so make sure you get your tickets early.  Also, get to the theater early to participate in the auctions and raffles.  The film starts at 2:00 pm.

 

Proceeds from this event help Taconic TU focus on conservation of our Berkshire County cold-water fisheries. This year they plan to monitor temperatures in the Hoosic River, add woody debris to strategic locations to encourage fish spawning and life, and joining the Hoosic River Watershed Association in continued bacteria sampling.

 

Following the film, there will be a Pizza Party sponsored by Cheeky Fly Fishing of North Adams.

 

Questions about the upcoming events:  taconictu@gmail.com.

 

Culverts and free flowing waterways

 

Free-flowing waterways provide better habitat for many wildlife species, especially cold-water fish species.  Culverts can be a detriment and obstacle to fish and other aquatic animals, often preventing them from freely moving upstream or downstream. A major problem with many culverts is that they were not designed with wildlife in mind or as a priority. They are often too small, restricting nutrient flow and causing flooding; other times, they might be “perched,” (elevated above the water’s surface), making fish migration difficult at best and sometimes impossible.

 

For this reason, the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT has been working to survey stream crossings in Berkshire County using the North Atlantic Aquatic Connectivity Collaborative (NAACC) protocol. This spring BEAT will offer training to anyone interested in conducting volunteer fieldwork by surveying culverts and road-stream crossings throughout the County. These surveys help determine what culverts and crossings need attention and prioritize those that need to be fixed sooner rather than later.

On Tuesday, March 19 at 6:00 pm BEAT and UMass Extension Professor Scott Jackson will host an online public info session dealing with hands-on volunteer fieldwork and why the NAACC was formed, the importance of doing this work, and what the training will entail. Register at: https://tinyurl.com/NAACC-info-session

You meet the most interesting people while fly fishing in the Catskills

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This time of year is a good time to replenish trout flies that were lost last year.  Like others, I have been wrapping furs and feathers onto hooks, concentrating primarily on flies to be used on our trip to the Catskills again this year.   The Catskill rivers are famed as being the Birthplace of American Fly-Fishing and are home to some of the best fly fishing waters in the Northeast, visited by avid anglers from around the world.  In my September, 2023 article chronicling a 4-day flyfishing trip to the Catskills that Paul Knauth (Hinsdale) and I made last September. In addition to writing about how a big trout cleaned my clock, I mentioned that we met several interesting people on that trip and that I would be mentioning them in a future column. Here it is:

When we checked into the Roscoe Motel in Roscoe, NY, we discovered that the annual Catskill Rod Makers’ Gathering  (meeting of bamboo rod makers)  had just wrapped up its gathering the day before our arrival.  Incidentally, it is important that they be called rod makers and not rod builders. Rod makers make the blanks that they turn into rods. Rod builders start with the blanks and finish out the rods.  Anyways, around 100 craftsmen attended, and after it was over some stayed a couple of extra days at the Roscoe Motel to do some flyfishing.

Rod makers are a patient breed.  Can you imagine the work involved in: obtaining a section of bamboo cane or culm (the cylindrical, hollow stem) from the Tonkin Bay area, splitting it, planing it down, gluing the sections, separating it into two or three pieces, attaching the ferrules, guides and tip, varnishing it, heating it, building and attaching the cork handle, adding the reel seat and rings, and ultimately turning it into a beautiful, well balanced bamboo rod? Some say that around 400 separate operations go into building a bamboo rod.

Because Paul and I both own and frequently fish with cane rods, we made acquaintances with those cane makers who stayed at the motel. (Forgive me for some name dropping here.)

Several of them were interesting folks, for example Kim and Robert “Willis” Reid from Sharon, MA. They have been attending the Rod Makers Gatherings for many years but covid and other troubles had kept them away for a few years. Years ago, they spent their honeymoon staying at the Roscoe Motel and return every year at the same time.  Kim has been the recipient of the A.P. Bellinger Award which is given annually to a person “for recognition of the recipient’s contribution to the bamboo rod makers’ craft and demonstrating that quality and integrity never go out of style.” She has been an illustrator for several books related to fly fishing.

Willis and I had a couple of nice conversations and one day he gave me one of his excellently tied flies named the Miller River Special.  It was named after the Miller River in Massachusetts, not too far from where they live. Because Robert is a fly tyer of some renown, I don’t intend to fish with that fly but rather encase and display it.

Miller River Special fly

There we met Dwight Adkinson of Virginia who happened to be fishing there that weekend. He is retired and seems to fish whenever and wherever he wants, places like the Balkans, Iceland, Scotland and Ireland.

One morning, while having breakfast, Paul, Dwight and I met renowned Catskill fly tyer Tom Mason and equally renowned cane rod maker Mike Canazon at the Kasos Greek Restaurant in Roscoe.  Tom and Mike are volunteers at the Catskills Fly Fishing Center & Museum (CFFCM). Both carry the torch of the famed, classic Catskill tiers. We had a nice chat and before our conversations were over, Tom gave each of us two of his handsomely tied flies.  My flies will also be encased.

Tom is a founding member and past president of the Catskill Fly Tyers Guild and has been instrumental in organizing numerous fly tying events including the Fly Tyers Rendezvous, Fly Fest, and the Fly Tyers Roundtable. Tom even ties his flies using hooks and materials from the golden era of flyfishing in the Catskills (1800’s).  While he is generally acknowledged as being one of the finest tyers in the traditional Catskill style, he has taken the art to a new level with lightly hackled, almost ethereal flies.

Tom Mason

Tom is a fixture on the Catskill rivers and around campfires telling fish tales that stretched the bounds of credulity. In addition to an amazing collection of books, bamboo rods, and reels, Tom also has an extensive collection of rare tying materials that enable him to reproduce flies tied by the old masters. Additionally, he helps lead the “Dream Team” of volunteer archivists that have spent several years preparing an online database showcasing all the items that the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum (CFFCM) has acquired for its permanent collection over the past several decades.

Mike Canazon, of Livingston Manor, NY, was a well-known Catskill fly fisherman and master bamboo rod maker.  He was very active in the CFFCM) and has taught bamboo rod making classes there. He also did a lot of the organizing for the Catskill Rod Makers Gatherings. He was inducted as a CFFCM Catskill Legend in 2022 and received the 2023 Gold Micrometer Award. He also received the A.P. Bellinger Award and was featured in the acclaimed movie,  Land of Little Rivers”, a quintessential film of the places and famous anglers, that once more put the Catskills in the limelight as a fly fishing destination. I highly recommend this film.

Mike Canazon

 

Sadly, he passed away this past December at the age of 72.  “There’s something about standing in the river, just being part of the world around you.  You’re one small piece of that. Catching fish put me in the water, but now the water’s in me.” Mike once said.

 

Paul and I met Brian Greer, a respected bamboo rod maker from Missouri who attends the Rod Maker’s Gathering every year.  He was born in the Ozarks and grew up fishing those spring creeks. He learned to make rods from a man named Harry Boyd from Louisiana and who is famous in the rod making community and who has written the book on making a bamboo rod blank.  Now, Brian makes traditional, six-sided rods by hand and uses an old block plane to make his rod strips.

One time at the Gathering, the challenge contest rod for that year was to make a one-piece, 7’, 4wt rod.  Brian let Dwight try out that rod and he really liked it.  Dwight contacted him later that year and asked him to make him one.  No surprise there.  Paul and I got to cast a couple of Brian’s custom-made fly rods on the lawn of the Roscoe Motel and they were beautifully made and cast wonderfully.  Truly works of art.

We met Noel Hudson, a friend of Brian’s who he first met just outside of the Smoky Mountains at a bamboo rod gathering there. Noel travels far and wide in his van, fishing along the way.

One night Paul and I returned to the motel after I missed a large brown trout due to an improper fishing line/backing connection. Before I knew it, Noel, Brian and Dwight took matters into their own hands and did some splicing, knot tying and stuff to my line and backing to correct the problem.  So nice of them for they barely knew me.  Folks are like that down there in the Catskills.

 

And are they knowledgeable.  One night I showed them a cane flyrod that I had brought along on the trip.  It had no maker’s name on the rod and I often wondered who made it. When these guys put their heads together for a minute or two, they determined that it was made by Partridge of Redditch (English).

 

For a couple of older flyfishermen like Paul and me, who enjoy the traditions of bamboo rods, the hallowed waters of the Catskills and their legendary anglers, fly tyers and rod makers, this trip was most satisfying.  The folks there made us feel right at home, and God willing, we plan to link up with them again this summer.

 

Coldwater Streams

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In the 2024 Massachusetts Hunting and Fishing regulations, you might have noticed a new paragraph entitled Coldwater Streams (page 17) and wondered what that is all about.  It explains what a Coldwater Fish Resource is.

A Coldwater Fish Resource (CFR) is a waterbody (stream, river, or tributary) that contains at least one Coldwater fish species (i.e., Longnose Sucker, Slimy Sculpin, Lake Chub, American Brook Lamprey, Burbot, Rainbow Trout, Rainbow Smelt, Landlocked Salmon, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, or Lake Trout) where reproducing cold water fish are found. These fish are sensitive to increases in temperature and require cold water to fulfill one or more of their life stage requirements.

CFRs are particularly sensitive habitats and changes in land and water use can reduce the ability of these waters to support trout and other kinds of cold water fish.  Protection of cold water habitats is critical for maintaining the overall health of cold water fish species which are ecologically, and in many cases, recreationally important fishes throughout Massachusetts.

Once designated as a CFR, a waterbody is then afforded a greater degree of protection from potential human-caused alterations to their health. Conservation/planning commissions, land trusts, consultants, and town open space committees will find this information useful for conservation planning.

A map and list of currently designated CFR’s can be found at Mass.gov/dfw/cfr.  To get started, find your town using the search box in the map. CFRs are shown in blue, click on a stream for more information. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) maintains a list of waters that are identified as Coldwater Fish Resources (CFR).

New streams are sampled and evaluated yearly. There are more than 11,000 miles of streams and rivers in the Commonwealth, not all of which have been sampled. The CFRs are updated and posted annually to reflect the most current fisheries surveys, but CFR listings may be identified frequently in the interim.

For information on the most updated listings or questions involving CFR water quality or development projects (i.e., environmental review, etc.) that may affect CFRs, contact Adam Kautza (adam.kautza@mass.gov). Requests should include GPS coordinates or location description, stream name and/or SARIS ID number, town, and a brief explanation for your inquiry.

A person may request the DFW to reconsider its designation of a waterbody as a CFR or to designate a waterbody as a CFR. Any such request must be made in writing and provide the basis for the request and include supporting biological data and information.

Incidentally, last August DFW’s Adam Kautza came out to the Berkshires and gave a talk on this subject at the Stationery Factory in Dalton.  At that time, there were 1,277 identified wild trout streams in MA spread out.  DFW finds new ones every year. (While corresponding with him last week, he wrote that they were up to almost 1,300 now).  They try to get back to resurvey streams about every 15 years but some get surveyed more frequently.

He said the vast majority of CFR’s are wild brook trout streams, but there are a fair number of brown trout and a few rainbow streams.  No trout were discovered in 132 of those 1,277 CFRs but that doesn’t mean that those fish are extirpated.  It just means that the most recent surveys didn’t turn up any wild trout – they could be elsewhere in the stream.   Some streams have no current data.

Native Brook Trout are the most abundant trout and they live 2 to 3 years average, rarely 4 years old.  A 10-inch Brook Trout is a trophy in pretty much any wild trout stream in Massachusetts  other than the Swift River or the sea-run stream. Brook trout are relegated to much colder smaller waters.  But some rivers such as the Swift River have a condition of year-round cold water, (caused by bottom cold water discharges from Quabbin Reservoir) and some of those wild brook trout reach 15 to 20 inches.

Brook trout are native to Massachusetts.

Brown trout, which were first introduced in Massachusetts in the late 1800’s have been introduced all over the state in various water bodies but have only become established as wild populations in a few areas, especially in the Connecticut, Housatonic, and Hoosic River basins but also there are scattered populations elsewhere.  Wild Brown Trout live in warmer streams but that is only relative to the temperatures where they generally find Brook Trout. It’s still cold for sure. In the larger streams they can reach 24 to 25 inches and can live to 7,8, or 9 years old.

Rainbow trout were another introduced species and were concentrated in small areas.  They are migratory, There purportedly is a good population of them in Clesson Brook in Franklin County.

I’ll bet that there are a few white-haired folks who are reading this column and are thinking back to the old days when wild “speckled” brook trout were in almost every local stream.  I know that in Lenox, it was hard to find a stream that didn’t have them.  Some of those streams still do.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Banquet

 

The Bay State Chapter Banquet of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will be holding a banquet on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 5:00 pm at the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club, 24 West Stockbridge Road, Stockbridge. There are a dozen entrance fee scenarios, but a single ticket costs $90, or tickets for a couple cost $145.00.  Dinner is served at approximately 6:30 pm.

 

Prizes include forearms, bows, premium trips and adventures, hand crafted furniture, limited edition art, gifts, gear, and more.

 

Seats and tickets are limited and you can reserve your tickets by registering online.

 

 

Bottom of Form

For more details, contact: Gary D. Johnston at  hillroad1101262@gmail.com, or (413)298-3623.

 

Fishing and Hunting Swap Meet

 

The Cheshire Rod & Gun Club (CR&G) will be holding its third annual Fishing and Hunting Swap Meet on Saturday, February 3 at its clubhouse at 310 Curran Road, Cheshire.  The hours are from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.  Open to the public, the admission cost is $3.00 for adults and kids 12 and under free.

It is an opportunity to buy, sell or trade new and used fishing and hunting gear.  No guns, ammunition, household items; unsold items must be removed.

Breakfast and lunch are available. Table space is still available at $30, which includes admission for one.  To reserve a table, contact Jeff Kruszyna at (413)743-4168.

Truckload of Goodies raffle winners

 

The Cheshire Rod & Gun Club has announced the winners of its Truckload of Goodies Raffle.  Gary Vosburg was 1st place winner, 2nd was Phil Hiser, 3rd was Gary Rochello, and 4th was Josh Rocca.  Congratulations to all!

 

Winter Fly Tying

 

Justin Adkins, President of the Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited recommends that you save dates for some great fly tying gatherings this winter. No matter if you are a new or seasoned fly tyer, there is something for everyone. Vises and materials are provided but if you wish, you can bring your own.

Taconic TU fly tying gatherings are scheduled for the Wild Soul River, 248 Cole Ave., Williamstown on January 21, February 11 and March 16 at 3:30pm.

 

Berkshire Outfitters, located at 169 Grove Street Adams, will have a fly tying event on February 24 at 6:30pm. Anyone interested in attending the event should contact Chris Sampson at Berkshire Outfitters to reserve a spot.

 

In southern Berkshires, Taconic TU member Peter Paulson is joining Dean Hutson and the folks at the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery, 240 Hatchery Road, New Marlborough, MA for some fly tying events scheduled for today, January 20.   The next two scheduled tying events will be February 17 and March 16 (3rd Saturdays of the month).

A look back at 2023 Berkshire Woods and Waters columns

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The year 2023 is now history.  So, what were some of the major articles this column covered last year?

Well, things started off on a sad note.  In January we learned that local flyfishing legend Fred Moran of Adams passed beyond the riverbend.

More than 700 lbs of venison were distributed and provided meals for people throughout the state in 2022.

A total of 223 black bears were taken during the combined 2022 bear hunting seasons. This was the second highest in the last 5 years and the 6th highest overall. Some 79 bears were taken in Berkshire County. The 2022 deer harvest set a record at 5,853 deer. That harvest highlighted the growing deer abundance statewide and increased access to permits. Some 3,067 turkeys were harvested statewide in 2022, 2,837 in the spring hunt and 230 in the fall hunt.

There was a 3-way tie in the MassWildlife Youth Catch & Keep Angler of the Year 2022, Carter Flagg of Gill, and Logan Middlebrook and Gabriel Christman of Pittsfield. Logan caught the gold pin brown trout weighing 3 lbs. 6 oz out of Onota Lake and Gabriel caught the gold pin 3 lbs. 5 oz rainbow trout out of Stockbridge Bowl.  Gabriel also caught a gold pin white perch weighing 1 lb. 4 oz out of Pontoosuc Lake.

Other gold pin fish that were caught out of Berkshire waters last year were:

  • Adult Catch & Keep Category – A 3 lbs. 5 oz brook trout was caught out of Goose Pond by Allan Armstrong of Lee.
  • Catch & Release Category – Two 44-inch northern pike were caught out of Onota Lake.  One was caught by Seth Davis of Oxbridge and one caught by Jake Burke of Pittsfield. Another gold pin fish caught out of Onota was a 23.25- inch white catfish which was caught by Jason Wingrove of Bernardston.

 

Four area outdoor sportspeople/conservationists received prestigious awards at the Silvio O. Conte Awards Banquet which was sponsored by the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLA):

  • Stephen Sears of Dalton received the Sportsman of the Year Award.
  • The late Fred Moran received the Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously.
  • Joel Miraglia of Ashfield received the Sportsmen’s Appreciation Award.
  • Eric Dupont of Lee received the John Zuber Award for all that he does for the youth programs at the Lee Sportsmen’s Association.

 

MassWildlife submitted comments to the Secretary of the Executive Office of Environmental and Energy Affairs and MA Environmental Policy Act Office regarding a proposed Pontoosuc Lake drawdown.  MassWildlife’s position is that it alters and causes harm to biological resources without substantive justification or full consideration of alternative approaches with less impact to the biological resources.

Governor Maura Healey made a campaign promise to pause logging on state-owned forest land

 

In March 23, Dan Aitken of Pittsfield caught a 16 lbs 14 oz tiger muskie that measured 45 inches.  Unbelievably, Dan had caught an even heavier fish, a Northern Pike, out of Onota Lake just the week before on March 17. That fish weighed 22 lbs 5 oz and measured 43 inches long.

Local fly fisherman Marc Hoechstetter wrote an article about his experiences fishing the Hideaway Pool on the Deerfield River.

 

Beginning in 2023 two new fish species (Fallfish and White Sucker) were included in the MA Freshwater Sportfish Awards Program.

In May we documented the tale of two youth turkey hunters 13-year old Hunter Lawson of Williamstown and 17-year old Matthew Melito, of Adams.  Both got two turkeys on their first day ever of turkey hunting.

 

In May, Tom O’Shea was appointed Commissioner of the MA Department of Fish & Game replacing outgoing Commissioner Ron Amidon.

MassWildlife added 125 acres in Cummington adjacent to Route 9.  They also partnered with Berkshire Natural Resource Council, DCR, and the Department of Conservation Services to protect more than 750 acres in the towns of Tyringham and Monterey.

A Commemorative plaque was dedicated…. after 49 years.  Appreciation was shown for a land donation which was made to the Town of Lenox in 1974 by the late Robert and Olga Weiss of Lenox

 

Governor Healey’s office announced $500,000 state grants to five coalitions and four individual non-profit watershed organizations across the state to support monitoring water quality. Three local organizations received them, The Housatonic Valley Association – $48,605, The Deerfield River Watershed Chapter of Trout Unlimited – $26,007 and The Farmington River Watershed Association – $13,378.

 “An unforgettable Opening Day on the River.” Bill Hollister, formerly of Pittsfield, narrated how he helped save a man from drowning in the West Branch of the Housatonic River in 1950.

 

MassWildlife led a cleanup of the George Darey Wildlife Management Area as well as certain areas along Roaring Brook Road in Lenox.

Based on studies, we learned that most brown trout in the Deerfield River are wild, not stocked

 

Changes in goose hunting season, one being the extension of its season date which would run from January 1 through February 15.

 

In June, the Pediatric Palliative Care Program, part of Hospice Care in the Berkshire, enjoyed the BCLS sponsored Youth Outreach Derby on Reynolds Pond in Cheshire.

The 2023 Harry A. Bateman Memorial Jimmy Fund Fishing Derby drew about 300 fishermen and raised over $10,000 for the fight against cancer.

 

In June there was an article about Paul Knauth (Hinsdale) and me chronicling a wonderful flyfishing trip to the Catskills and epic battles fought with large trout. None were landed.

 

Naturewatch columnist Thom Smith retired.

 

Wildlife officials wondered whether we could reverse the trend of dwindling hunting and fishing participants.

 

In recognition of his 35 years of dedicated and effective conservation work, an asteroid was named after Dr. Thomas W. French, the founding leader and former Assistant Director of MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP).

Local recipients of the Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance (CRMA) Grant Program were: Egremont: $48,811 for Karner Brook Culvert Replacement, Richmond:  $55,200 for Sleepy Hollow Road Culvert Replacement, Great Barrington:  $55,933 for Housatonic River Tributary Culvert Replacement, Berkshire Clean, Cold, Connected Restoration Partnership, Housatonic Valley Association, awarded $199,899.

Environmental Police Officer Lt. Tara Carlow received the Outstanding Officer of The Year Award in Conservation Law Enforcement and Public Safety.

 

New proposed gun control law (HD.4420) drew fire from hunters and legal shooting enthusiasts.

 

Alice Christman of Pittsfield caught a 42 1/2 inch pike weighing just short of 14lbs.

 

It was a great hunting year for young Hunter Lawson.  In addition to the two turkeys that he got earlier in the year, he also got a black bear

 

In October a column heading was “Back to Battle on flyfishing trip to the Catskill.  This scribe’s attempt to catch a big brown trout that defeated him in June.  After it cleaned my clock again, it took on the name of Iron Mike. (Named after Heavyweight Champion boxer Mike Tyson who trained in the Catskills).

In October we learned about local MassWildlife firefighter Jacob Morris-Siegel’s trip to Montana to fight the wildfires.

 

here was an article about a new turkey license plate that is on the horizon.

Sportsmen and women were recognized by New England governors as America’s true conservationists.

 

The 2023 MA paraplegic hunt harvested 10 deer, only 1 in the Berkshires

 

In November, four instructors from MassWildlife conducted a Field Day for its Basic Hunter Education Course at the Stationery Factory in Dalton.  49 students passed the course.

In November over 30 individuals participated in a fly tying/fly fishing event at the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery

picture provided by Peter Paulson

In December, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced an investment of $25 million to remove eight aging dams in Central and Western Massachusetts, including the abandoned high-hazard Bel Air Dam in Pittsfield

Charles Wohl of Lenox was

Charles Wohl photo provided by Gene Chague

awarded Trout Unlimited Crooked Staff Award.

In December, local photographer Mark Thorne reported that T98, the 21 ½ year old female bald eagle, went missing.

Many thanks for reading this column last year.  I look forward to continuing writing about our woods and waters in the new year.

Deer hunting closing December 30.  With no ice fishing on our lakes, what’ll we do now?  

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It will be interesting to see the total of the deer harvest this year.  It was a good hunting season weatherwise but the lack of snow, made it more difficult to track the deer.  Because of the warmth this hunting season, those who successfully got deer had to process them quicker than usual lest the meat spoiled.

 

It will probably be a few weeks before MassWildlife releases the local and statewide harvest totals.

 

With the lack of ice on our lakes and snow on the ground most of the winter sports will be starting later than usual, if they start at all this winter.  Outdoor sports folks can’t go ice fishing, cross country skiing, skating or snow shoeing yet, so what can they do?

 

Well, with open lakes and rivers, I guess you could still freshwater fish from the shores or in boats, or you could fish the rivers and streams. Please remember, if you fish smaller streams and rivers, the creel limits are different from September 10 through March 31 than during the rest of the year. The daily creel limit drops from 8 trout to 3.

 

If you are into canoeing or kayaking, I suppose you could do that as long as you abide by the regulations requiring the wearing of life jackets or vests from September 15 to May 1.

 

Small game hunters can still hunt cottontail rabbits, snowshoe hares, bobcats, coyotes, fox, opossum and raccoons. (Check out the 2024 Hunting and Fishing Regulations a/k/a abstracts, and remember, wanton waste of birds and animals is prohibited).

 

Thanks to new waterfowl hunting regulation changes, late Canada geese can now be hunted until February 15 in the Berkshires.

 

Trappers can trap beaver, muskrats, opossum, raccoons and skunks during the early part of the year.  There are a whole slew of regulations governing trapping so be sure you know them before you take up this sport. (Pages 50 and 51 of the 2024 abstracts).

 

For the fly fishermen who tie their own flies, the winter months are usually when they sit at their fly tying benches and replace the flies that they lost last year, and perhaps a few new ones they haven’t tried before.

Enjoy the winter, for it will be over before you know it.

 

Active Military & Veteran waterfowl hunt

The second of two statewide Active Military & Veteran Waterfowl Hunting days will take place on January 29, 2024.  (The first was on September, 23, 2023).

The seasons are open for waterfowl hunting by veterans and current members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserve on active duty (other than for training). The term “veteran,” is defined, per section 101 of title 38, United States Code, as a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable. Proof of eligibility is required and must be carried on the person while hunting. All regular season waterfowl regulations and bag limits apply.

Fly tying/fishing events at the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery.

 

We received this note from Dean Hutson, former Trout Unlimited (TU) Konkapot Chapter member and Board Member of the Friends of the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery in Hartsville/New Marlboro, MA.  He wrote:

“In 2023, we spread our wings and introduced a fantastic new program to our hatchery—Fly Tying! The response was overwhelming, with a tremendous turnout for our inaugural class and casting sessions at the pond. We strategically launched this program toward the year’s end, allowing us to “get our feet wet” and dive into this exciting venture.”

picture provided by Peter Paulson

“Our first class was led by Peter Paulson, a dedicated advocate of fly tying who willingly shared his knowledge of fly fishing.  The turnout was beyond expectations, with 22 eager individuals, including 8 enthusiastic kids, actively participating in the art of fly tying. Additionally, 30 individuals joined in to learn and refine their casting techniques.”

“This resounding success wouldn’t have been possible without the enthusiastic participation and support from our community. It’s incredible to witness such a vibrant interest in learning and mastering the art of fly fishing.”

“As we move forward into 2024, we’re excited to expand upon this foundation and continue nurturing the passion for fly tying and casting among our community members.”

Peter Paulson who is a relatively new Taconic TU member from West Stockbridge followed up those comments with these of his own, “I’m pretty passionate about teaching (and learning) but by no means an expert.  Also, just a comment, when it’s cold enough for ice to form in the eyes of the rods and 30 people are out there smiling, having fun and sticking with it, that’s pretty amazing”.

Paulson said that in spite of the cold, they caught some nice trout that day.

They are planning on another fly tying session in January.  Also, fly tying classes are scheduled by the Taconic Chapter TU in Williamstown and Adams. Details will be provided as we get closer to the event dates.

 

The 2024 Marlborough Fly Fishing Show coming up

 

On January 5-7 the show will be at the Best Western Royal Plaza Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Rd. West, Marlborough, MA.  The hours are 10 am to 6 pm on Friday, 9 am to 5:30 pm on Saturday, and 9 am to 4:30 pm on Sunday.

 

It purportedly has everything for the fly-fishing angler from new products, seminars, classes, fly tying and fly casting demonstrations, and theater presentations to lodges and vacation destinations.

 

The Fly Fishing Show® admission is $18 for one day, $28 for two days and $38 for three days. Children under age 5 are free as are Boy and Girl Scouts under age 16 in uniform. Children 6-12 are $5. Active military with IDs cost $10. Parking is free.

 

There will be 22 Classes with the Experts including those with Jason Randall, Joe

Cordiero, Alan Caolo, Phil Rowley, and others including Women Only sessions with Sheila Hassan. Classes with Experts registration is $95 and includes admission to the show for that day.

 

There are nine free daily seminars including Randall’s When All Else Fails; Tactics for

Slow Days; Landon Mayer’s Leech Lessons: How to Fish Effective Patterns for Tough Trout;

The World’s Best Trout Destinations with Jeff Currier; and Fly Fishing Some of the Best Tidal

Rivers of New England with Ed Lombardo.

 

More than $30,000 worth of national door prizes will be awarded including fly fishing trips to Alaska, Belize, Chile, Christmas Island, and other prizes. A complete list of door prizes is on The Fly Fishing Show website.

 

The world premiere of the two-hour 2024 International Fly Fishing Film Festival is Friday evening at 6:30pm. Tickets cost $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

 

For a list of all films, classes, seminars, door prizes, and demonstrations visit www.

flyfishingshow.com/marlborough-ma/ or phone (814) 443-3638.

 

Don’t feed the wild animals

There is always the temptation to leave something out for those poor critters left to scavenge for a little grub during the long, cold winter months, but MassWildlife says providing food for wildlife can harm the creatures you aim to help.

“Most wildlife seasonally change their behavior to adapt to cold temperatures and scarce food supplies.” according to MassWildlife, “Supplemental feeding can alter that behavior and have detrimental, and sometimes fatal effects, such as congregating into unnaturally high densities. As a result, the supplemental food can attract predators, spread diseases among wildlife, cause aggression and competition over food, wasting vital energy reserves and impact vegetation and habitat. It teaches them to rely on humans for food, which puts them at a disadvantage for survival and can lead to human/wildlife conflicts.

Another thing to consider is that by drawing wildlife out of the woods to supplemental food supplies, those animals may need to cross roads more frequently, therefore increasing vehicle collisions.

“The best way to help wildlife make it through the winter is to step back and allow the animals’ instincts to take over,” says MassWildlife.

MassWildlife has tips on winter feeding for birds on its website and more suggestions on ways to assist wildlife during the winter and all year.

Happy New Year!

Thank God 2023 is over.  Let’s hope that 2024 has a little more peace and civility.

Charles Wohl awarded the Crooked Staff

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At its December7, 2023 Holiday Party, the Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU) presented to retired doctor Charles Wohl of Lenox its most prestigious award, the Crooked Staff Award. He has been a member of TU for some 40 years or so.    He originally started out as a member of the Konkapot Chapter of TU in southern Berkshire County until it merged with the Taconic Chapter in the 1980s.

In the past Charles has made numerous excellent presentations at the Chapter meetings about rivers that he has fished. He is an excellent fly tier and has conducted fly tying demonstrations over the years in places such as the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery.  In May of 1983 some of his flies were on display at the Berkshire Museum when it held its exhibit “Fly Tying, Fly Fishing: the gentle sport” which ran from April 6 to May 13, 1984.

Over the years, Charles has written fishing articles for The Backcast, the official newsletter of Taconic TU, for the now defunct literary journal The Berkshire Review, and for this Berkshire Eagle column.  I foresee another one of his articles appearing in this column in the future.

Charles Wohl, picture taken by Gene Chague

 

He gave fly tying lessons for a couple of years at the late Fred Moran’s shop Points North in Adams. For fundraisers, various organizations auctioned off fly casting lessons from him and then a day of guided fly fishing on the Housatonic River in Connecticut with a gourmet lunch prepared by his wife Alba. He also participated in teaching fly casting at Casting for Recovery events. (The Mission of Casting for Recovery is to enhance the lives of survivors and thrivers of breast cancer by connecting them to each other and nature through the therapeutic sport of fly fishing and providing oncology medical and psychosocial support at no cost). Over the decades he has also donated generously to TU’s fundraisers.

 

Charles was totally caught off guard, and upon receiving the award was only able to say a few words, mostly about his surprise and his feeling that it was undeserved but much appreciated.  Sorry Charles, but everyone in that room felt that you greatly deserved the award.

 

“I think for me” said Charles, “membership in TU and getting out on the rivers has given me the opportunity to meet so many really nice men and women who are great fishermen and fisherwomen, but, more importantly, dedicated to efforts to preserve cold water environments.  My involvement with TU and fly fishing has, in general, shown me that trout live in very pretty places, including some areas of Europe.”

 

After opening remarks by Chapter President Justin Adkins of Williamstown, the presentation was emceed by Taconic TU Director Marc Hoechstetter of West Cummington.  Mr. Goodrod’s staff and flyrod were presented to Charles by the previous recipient Fran Marzotto of Pittsfield.

 

You may ask, what is the Crooked Staff Award and how did it come to be?

The history of the Crooked Staff has already been featured in this column over the years a couple of times.  With your indulgence, lets one more time refresh our memories of how this award came about and the story behind this rich Taconic TU tradition.

The staff itself was the brainchild of Ken Welch, one of the chapter’s past members who has since moved to the New York State Finger Lakes area and then later to Florida. He related the following story about the origin of the staff which he claimed to be true. However, members wonder if the social hour preceding the meeting when he introduced it affected his veracity.  In any event the moral of the story is still solid:

“Many years ago, there lived a trout fisherman who was the epitome of the ultimate gentleman angler. He was a man who was honest to a fault, one who needed no guidelines such as game laws by which to live. He was a man who always did the proper thing because it was the right thing to do. Mr. Ernest Goodrod was that man.

He would never wade into another man’s pool, he never kept under-sized fish, nor exceeded the lawful limit. In fact, he felt those laws weren’t written for him since he had always practiced “Catch and Release”. Mr. Goodrod stopped to help young anglers that he felt could use his expertise; he never lied about the quantity or the quality of his catches. He was free with his advice and shared the location of favorite fishing holes with strangers. He was truly a gentleman’s gentleman.

In spite of having a heart condition, he fished frequently, and often alone. Being of an advanced age he always had his wading staff tied to his belt with a rawhide tether. It was cut from a strong, straight tree and left in its natural state. Straight, strong, and pure, not unlike Mr. Goodrod.

But alas, the day came when he didn’t return from his favorite stream; his heart had finally failed him. He was found at the Bridge Pool by the local near-do-well, a despicable man who lied cheated and connived his way through life. He was noted for following the trout stocking trucks to take as many trout as possible. When this awful man found Mr. Goodrod, he stripped him of his rod, vest, waders and wading staff. For most of that summer he used his stuff, including the staff, but every time he broke the law the staff would get shorter due to it taking on a coil, and eventually the staff became unusable.

One evening the local game warden arrested the bum, jailed him, and confiscated all his fishing tackle, including the crooked staff. Everyone knew that the staff was once the property of Mr. Goodrod and the story spread that if a real gentleman of Mr. Goodrod’s caliber were to handle the staff it would straighten out to its original splendor.

Ken Welch obtained the staff, but in spite of being a fine gentleman the staff remained crooked. Somewhere Ken had a hidden flaw. He was aware of the fine character of the members at the Taconic Chapter of TU and figured one of its members could remove the coils. Ken suggested that if the staff was presented to the one who most represented the ideals of TU, the staff would be restored, but alas after many, many recipients, it remains crooked. Apparently, each honoree had a hidden flaw in his or her character. Someday the likes of Mr. Goodrod will be found, so it is hoped.”

Well, nearly every year since the mid 1980’s the Chapter’s Board of Directors selected one of its members to receive this coveted award. The person is selected as the member who best represents the ideals of T.U. (conserving, protecting, and restoring North America’s cold- water fisheries and their watersheds).  This member holds the Crooked Staff for the following year until it is either passed on to another deserving member or is held, if none is deemed deserving.

There have been 31 previous Crooked Staff recipients over the years.  Chronologically, they were as follows:  Francis F. Conroy, Ernest Long, Jerry Zink, Ted Giddings, Gene Chague, Ken Welch, Paul and Homer Ouellette, John Kastrinakis, Cy Henry, Michael Shepard, Clem Ferris, Tony Lorio, Dick Bordeau, Paul Knauth, Fred and Marilyn Moran, Herb Rod, Dave Oclair, Karen Karlberg, Marc Hoechstetter, Len Gigliotti, Ron Wojcik, Charles Lahey, Allen Gray, Doug and Gail Yates, John Burns, Bill Travis, Henry Sweren, Fran Marzotto and now Charles Wohl.

In 2016, Taconic TU charter member Homer Ouellette, of Pittsfield, himself a Crooked Staff recipient, passed beyond the riverbend. Unbeknownst to the TU members, he had purportedly gained possession of Mr. Goodrod’s flyrod. Homer’s brother, the late Paul Ouellette of Lanesboro, brought it to a TU meeting hoping that it would be presented to future deserving crooked staff recipients.  On it is inscribed, “Property of Mr. Ernest Goodrod.”  Hence, a new Taconic TU tradition had been formed.