Category Archives: Fly Fishing

Get the lead out……save our loons

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Recently, wildlife officials in New Hampshire reported the third documented lead poisoned loon death this year.  It was discovered in July on Lake Winnipesaukee where the bird beached itself.  It was transported to an animal hospital for a blood test and x-rays.  Radiographs showed a lead-headed fishing jig and blood lead levels were at toxic levels, so the loon was immediately euthanized.  The link between loon deaths and lead poisoning first emerged in the 1980s.  Necropsies performed by the Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine on dead adult common loons in New Hampshire revealed that 49% had the remains of lead sinkers and jigs in their gizzards and had died from lead poisoning. A loon will die approximately two to four weeks after ingesting lead tackle.   Officials believe it is likely that loons are eating fish that have tackle in or on them. As the acidic juices in the bird’s gizzard break down the food, the lead is also broken down and gets into the bloodstream of the bird, said Emily Preston, a wildlife biologist with the N.H. Fish and Game Department.   Necropsies of dead adult loons show that lead tackle accounts for more deaths than every other human factor combined. The loss of so many adults from this preventable cause of mortality has inhibited the recovery of loons in New Hampshire, according to the Loon Preservation Committee. “Because loons do not breed until 6-7 years of age and have low reproductive success, it is important that adult loons survive for many years to produce surviving young. The loss of an adult loon may also result in the loss of that loon’s nest or chicks, further negatively impacting the population.” Over the objections of some sportsmen, Governor Hassan signed a bill (SB 89) in 2013 that increases protection for loons from lead fishing tackle by banning the sale and freshwater use of lead fishing sinkers and jigs weighing one ounce or less.

 

This bill will be implemented in June of 2016, but N.H. Fish and Game and the LPC are urging everyone to remove lead tackle from their tackle boxes now.  Safe alternatives to lead tackle are weights made of steel, tungsten, tin, bismuth, and other materials.  They are effective and readily available.

In Massachusetts, it has been illegal to use any lead fishing sinkers and lead jigs weighing less than 1 ounce in inland waters since January 1, 2012.  Prohibited tackle includes lead sinkers and jigs weighing less than an ounce regardless of whether they are painted, coated with rubber, covered by attached “skirts” or some other material.  *****

With the hot weather upon us, trout fishing in our local rivers has pretty much shut down until the fall for many local anglers.  They don’t want to overly stress the trout which are trying to survive the low, hot water conditions.  One exception is the Deerfield River which has frequent cold water releases from the bottom of the dams and the fishing is good all summer long.

Fuad Ameen, of Pittsfield, former writer for Western Mass Angler Newspaper, sent in this article which is a warning for us all.  Many thanks, Fuad.

“What is unusual about the Deerfield is the fact that many dams impound the waters and regulate the flow of the river daily.  This everyday release of the water causes the river to rise quickly and this rapid rise can jeopardize your wading safely back to shore.  The fly caster must be alert and use extreme caution when in the stream.

 

Fishing close to the dams, the water rises quicker and is even more dangerous.  The incident that follows happened to me one summer evening.  My friend, Max, and I were fishing the famous “Old Mill Dam Hole” near the entrance to the Hoosac Tunnel in Zoar, MA.

 

The “Old Mill Dam Hole “is in a section of the river close to one of the dams.  Max was upstream from me, while I was casting off of some submerged timbers in the main pool.  In low water, the pool was perhaps eight feet in depth.

 

I heard Max’s warning whistle first and then what sounded like a strong wind blowing pierced my ears.  That sound of wind was actually the rushing and rising waters coming around the bend and quickly filling the “Old Mill Dam Pool”.

 

Making my way back off of the sunken beams, I saw several large trout rising at the tail end of the pool.  Feed was washing down and the trout were quick to surface.  I looked back at Max and yelled “watch me take some of these”.  But in that split second, I had let my guard down and stepped off of the sunken timbers.  I was quickly caught in the roaring currents.  As I sank, I knew I would have but one chance to surface as my waders quickly filled.  I doubled up and when my feet hit bottom, I surged upward with all of the strength I could muster.  Just my head broke the surface and I was being carried downstream in the raging currents.  My rod and cap were gone.

 

Max had witnessed my distress and was running along the shore trying to catch up with me.  He picked up and extended a long branch on the first bend and the currents pushed me towards Max.  I grabbed and hung on to that branch for dear life and was dragged out.

 

I have fished the Deerfield my entire life and knew of the dangers of the rising waters, yet could have lost my life that day.

 

After dark, I returned to the “Old Mill Dam Hole” as the waters had receded.   I recovered my favorite rod for future adventures.  My fishing cap was lost forever”……Fuad Ameen

Fish & Game to celebrate 200,000 acres of protected land

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This Tuesday, the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) invite us to celebrate the protection of 200,000 acres of conservation land for Massachusetts citizens and wildlife. We are encouraged to join Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan, DFW Commissioner Mary Griffin, DFW Director Wayne MacCallum, and the Fisheries and Wildlife Board at the Maple Hill Wildlife Management Area in West Stockbridge. The recent 192 acre acquisition and addition to the Maple Hill WMA made by the DFW with the assistance of the Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) helped them to achieve this significant milestone. The celebration begins at 10 A.M.
Readers may recall that a couple of weeks ago I did a column about a habitat site walk on this new acquisition. Tuesday may be a good opportunity to see for yourself how valuable and beautiful this land is. It would be nice if a good contingency of local sportsmen and conservationists show up to demonstrate their support of the land conservation program. If you plan to attend, please let them know by emailing mass.wildlife@state.ma.us or by contacting the folks at the DFW Western Regional Headquarters in Dalton.
I only wish the late Attorney Sarah (Sally) Bell could be with us to share this celebration for she played such an important role in the acquisition of several parcels of land by the DFW here in the Berkshires. She passed away earlier this month. Tad Ames, President of the BNRC, in his October 14, 2013 Berkshire Eagle commentary Remembrance of Sally Bell put it this way: “She habitually underbilled the Mass DFW for legal services and she did even better for the BNRC.” Most of the time, she refused to take a penny for her time. The Lenox Land Trust also benefited greatly from her assistance.
A couple of years ago, I wanted to nominate Sally for the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen’s Appreciation Award and asked if she would accept it. Although greatly honored, she declined saying “maybe a little later”.
I’m sure Sally will be with us in spirit this Tuesday morning on Maple Hill. *****
Readers may recall my columns regarding the discontinuance of the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Restoration program due to poor returns and federal budget cuts. Well, as anticipated, the Merrimack River Atlantic Salmon Restoration program drew to a close on September 5 for the same reasons.

According to Glenn Normandeau, Executive Director of the NH Fish & Game Dept (NHF&G) things had looked promising as recently as 2011, when more than 400 Atlantic salmon made their way to the Essex Dam Fish Lift in Lawrence, Mass. But in 2012, just 137 sea-run salmon returned, and this year only 22 returned.

The NHF&G would prefer to continue the program, but, like MA DFW they cannot take on the costs associated with a salmon hatchery operation. Normandeau noted that the US Fish & Wildlife Service will continue to focus on restoration of Atlantic salmon in the Saco and other Gulf of Maine rivers, the last remaining wild Atlantic salmon in the country.

“This was a hard decision, but the science tells us that there is little chance that we will successfully restore Atlantic salmon to the Merrimack,” said Wendi Weber, the USFWS Northeast Regional Director. “While the science is driving our decision, our declining budgets hastened it. We need to prioritize. With the lack of success, we need to shift our scarce resources to priority restoration efforts where we can make a difference.”

I have a bad feeling that we have not heard the last from her. Now we will have to watch out for hatchery closings. Hope I am wrong. *****

The Hoosic River Watershed Association is holding a State of the River Conference in Williamstown at the First Congregational Church on Saturday, November 2, from 9:30 to 11:30 am. The main discussion will be on PCB’s in the Hoosic River. Williams College chemistry professors David Richardson and Jay Thoman, along with students Amanda Schott and Austin Paul have analyzed crawfish taken from the Hoosic River and most recently from the Green River and North Branch. Professors Richardson and Thoman and Mr. Paul will report on their research findings and on other PCB studies going back to 1991. The conference is free and open to the public. *****

On another watery subject, the fall trout fishing has been excellent this year. The folks at the DFW have been saying all along that they stocked very nice rainbow trout this fall, some exceeding 14 inches. Its true! I had a spectacular afternoon flyfishing the Westfield River last week. How good was it? To quote a phrase sometimes used by expert local fly fisherman, Dr. Charles Wohl of Lenox, in describing a good fishing day, “It was obscene”. *****

According to the most recent Lenox Sportsmens Club newsletter, Board member Cliff White of Pittsfield competed at Camp Perry and came in as the highest Non-Distinguished revolver shooter, thus earning the distinguished badge #156 (that’s the total number of such badges in the country). *****

The Whitetail Unlimited (WTU) banquet which was held recently at the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club was a success. Some 120 folks attended and had a great time. Chris Sweet of Great Barrington won the preseason raffle called the “Pick of the Herd”. It is the top prize and if your ticket is drawn, you win your choice of any items in the auction. He chose the Mathews Z7 bow. Have you priced one of those bows lately? Incidentally WTU wants to form chapters in Berkshire County and if anyone is interested in starting one contact Bill Bailey, New England Field Director at 413-244-2304.

Archery deer, fall turkey hunting seasons open tomorrow

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Archery season opens tomorrow morning one half hour before sunrise (unless you hunt on a Wildlife Management Area which opens at sunrise) and it ends on November 30. Hunters are allowed to take two antlered deer and a doe if they have an antlerless permit. If they take all three during the archery season, they are done for the deer hunting season (including the shotgun and primitive arms seasons).

Also, the fall wild turkey hunting season opens tomorrow and runs until November 2. Be sure to check the regulations governing this sport.

New this fall, hunters and trappers have two options for checking in deer, turkey, bear, and most furbearers. As in the past, animals may be brought to a game check station, or they can use the online MassFishHunt system to report or check their game via computer. There are two exceptions to this process:
1. During the shotgun deer hunting season, all deer must be checked in at a deer check station in order for the DFW to collect biological data.
2. All bobcats and otters must be checked in at a furbearer check station because they are internationally regulated species.
Tagging and online reporting for bear, deer, and turkeys: are as follows:
Attach the paper tag from permit or license for bear, deer, or turkey to the carcass immediately upon harvesting the animal.
Log in to the MassFishHunt system to report them online within 48 hours of harvest. NOTE: Hunters must complete this checking/reporting process BEFORE processing game for consumption, or taxidermy.
After answering the online game checking questions, the system will assign a confirmation number for each individual animal reported. This number must be written on the tag attached to the carcass. The confirmation number written on the tag is the official seal issued by MassWildlife and takes the place of the traditional metal seals used at check stations.
The tag must remain attached to the animal until the game is skinned, butchered, or otherwise prepared for food purposes; or for mounting by a taxidermist.
Confirmation numbers are non-transferable to other animals and they cannot be used for any other game animals except the ones for which they were issued.
Deer hunters are reminded that during the shotgun season for deer, all deer must be checked in at a deer check station.
Hunters and trappers can report their furbearers (beaver, coyote, fisher, fox and mink) online also. Log in to the MassFishHunt system and follow the instructions on how to report the harvest of these animals.
Meat processors and taxidermists can only take into possession bear, beaver, coyote, deer, fisher, fox, mink, or wild turkey with either an official DFW metal or plastic seal affixed to the carcass or pelt or with a tag noting the assigned MassFishHunt confirmation number affixed to the carcass or furbearer pelt. It is illegal to accept any of the above game animals without a DFW official seal or confirmation number written on an attached tag. Bobcat and otters may not be accepted into possession unless tagged with an official plastic seal. *****
Flyfishing guide and author Marla Blair will be the guest speaker at the Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited meeting this Thursday evening, at the Bass Water Grill on Rte 8 in Cheshire. She will be discussing “The Hatch and body language for trout and choosing a pattern”. She will also demonstrate the tying of her iconic Jailbird emerger fly during social hour. Marla achieved international fame when she wrote the popular fishing book Practical Fly Fishing. The event is free and open to the public. Social hour starts at 5 PM, Marla’s presentation starts at 6 PM and dinner off of the menu (if you so choose) to follow at 7 PM. For more information, contact Ron Wojcik at (413)684-4141 or rwojcik@bcn.net.
Staying with TU, congratulations go to the Mass/RI Council of TU for receiving national recognition in TU National’s quarterly publication of Trout. Magazine Members of the 13 Massachusetts and Rhode Island chapters received an appeal for help in replanting a portion of river bank at the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) Indian Hollow Campground. Located along the banks of the Westfield River in Chesterfield it was heavily damaged by Hurricane Sandy. Some 225 willow tubelings were secured and 85 volunteers from each chapter (including our local Taconic Chapter) planted them in about 2 hours. Their efforts have been praised by the ACOE and the Chesterfield Conservation Commission. Incidentally, Paul Knauth of Dalton is in his third term as Council Chairman. *****.
There will be a Multi-State Firearm License Course next Sunday at 1:00 PM at the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club. This course is unique in that it qualifies you to apply for licenses in Massachusetts, Utah, New Hampshire and Maine. A Utah concealed firearm permit issued to a non-resident is honored in 32 states. If you apply for all 4 licenses, you will be legal in 36 states. The fee for the entire 5-hour course is $150 or you can take just the Utah segment for $100 or just the Massachusetts segment for $80. The fee is due in cash at the course. There is no exam but bring a pad and pen to take notes. Seating is limited and preregistration is required. Call or e-mail and provide your full legal name plus date of birth to Robert J. McDermott at (413)232-7700 or robmcdermott@verizon.net.*****
In last week’s column I erroneously listed the end of the coyote hunting season as being March 28, 2014. The correct date is March 8, 2014. I knew that and don’t know why I wrote otherwise. Freudian slip, I guess, or wishful thinking.

Another smoky, but enjoyable fishing trip to Montana

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Recently three local fishermen and I took a 10 day flyfishing trip to fish some famous rivers near Missoula, Montana. The other three flyfishermen were Allen Gray of Pittsfield, Paul Knauth of Hinsdale and Michael Shepard of Dalton.

Upon arrival, we learned that the rivers there were at a 30 year low water flow due to the drought and some of them had restricted fishing hours to avoid stressing the trout. The Bitterroot River had “hoot owl” restrictions, meaning that one could only fish it from midnight to 2:00 pm.

We stayed in a cottage along Rock Creek, which was still open, but running low. Each time we drove upstream to fish it, we passed nearby forest fires. We came across many firefighters, including the “Hot Shots”, specialized firemen brought in to fight the fires. The sights and sounds of helicopters carrying large containers of water to and from the fires were common.

One time, Allen was trying to fish a large pool in Rock Creek, but that was where the choppers were filling their buckets which disturbed the water and scared the fish. He related a sight where Paul was fishing a part of the river and directly uphill from him a chopper was dousing the fire with water. Temperatures were around 95 degrees that day and Paul was disappointed that some of the water didn’t fall on him to cool him off. The temperatures remained in or near the 90’s every day but amazingly, the water temperatures of the rivers we fished never got above 62 -64 degrees. I presume the combination of cool nights and cold springs feeding the rivers kept them cool.

The mountains there are so steep that the firemen could not climb them to reach the fires. Even if a chopper dropped them in, the slopes are so steep that they would just slide off the mountain. All they could do was build fire lines below and let the fire burn until they reached them or Rock Creek. Incidentally, we learned that some firemen who were fighting the fires at the nearby Lolo National Forest were from the Berkshires.

We traveled a long way to fish these rivers and we went out every day. Once, we were prevented from fishing one area on Rock Creek because the firemen feared that the fires would cause rock slides which could bury us.

On Labor Day, the hoot owl restrictions on the Bitterroot River were lifted, but then the Blackfoot River was completely shut down due to water temperatures and low flow. Fortunately, we had spent the three prior days fishing it. After that, we concentrated our fishing on the Clark Fork River and Rock Creek.

Don’t get me wrong, we had a wonderful time and caught lots of quality fish – rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout, some reaching near 18 inches. Of course the largest fish got away, at least mine did. One time, while Allen was reeling a decent sized rainbow trout, a large bull trout snatched it away from him. These are big trout which are endangered and it is illegal to fish for them.

But it’s not all about fishing. We saw some memorable sights: bald eagles, a herd of 24 bighorn sheep eating grass in someone’s sprinkled lawn, whitetail deer with their fawns frolicking near our cottage, mule deer, moose. the beautiful mountains, and more. One sight I will never forget occurred when Mike and I were returning to the cottage before dusk when we saw a doe teaching her fawn how to cross a shallow section of Rock Creek. The fawn appeared unsteady but its mom was very patient as they slowly crossed the river,

The towns of Rock Creek and Clinton are small and rural, about 15 miles south of Missoula. Imagine our surprise when Mike and I stopped at a watering hole and found that the bartender grew up in Dalton and lived in Lenox for a while. On another occasion, we met a couple in a fly shop and the woman was raised in Adams. Mike met another guy on the stream from Braintree whose good friend lives in Dalton. Amazing, eh? *****

Unfortunately, while in Montana, I learned that a close friend passed away – Gordon Leeman of Lee. I first met Gordy in the fall of 1963 when he was a game warden. A friend and I were on furlough from the service and we decided to go hunting without a license and during a time when the woods were closed due to a severe drought. Gordy and another warden nabbed us. The judge ultimately dismissed the case (long story).

In the 1980’s we both were members of the Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited and became friends. For the last dozen years or so, we also belonged to the ROMEO’s (Retired Old Men Eating Out) a group of older sportsmen who get together for lunch at a local diner once a week. He will be missed. *****

Before leaving for Montana, I neglected to mention that the early Canada goose hunting season opened on September 3 and runs to September 25. The daily bag is 7 and possession limit is 21. The regular goose season opens on October 14. The 2013-14 migratory regulations can be found on the following website: http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/dfw/regulations/2013-14-waterfowl-abs. *****

People in kayaks and canoes must wear their life jackets or personal floatation devices (PFD’s) from September 15 to May 15 while boating. According to the Massachusetts Environmental Police, most boating fatalities in Massachusetts are due to boaters who fail to wear PFDs while in small craft in cold water or cold weather situations. Waterfowl hunters using canoes or kayaks are reminded that this law also applies to them.

Monies granted for water protection

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Recently, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary (EEA) Rick Sullivan announced almost $600,000 in grants from the Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET) for projects to protect and restore rivers, watersheds and wildlife across the Commonwealth.
Since it was founded in 1988 as part of the Boston Harbor cleanup, MET has awarded more than $19 million in grants to organizations statewide that provide a wide array of environmental services, from supporting water projects in communities to protecting coastal habitats.
Funding for this program comes from the sale of the state’s three environmentally-themed specialty license plates: the Right Whale Tail, the Leaping Brook Trout and the Blackstone Valley Mill. The grants were:
• Association to Preserve Cape Cod – $80,000 to conduct a study of the effect of sea level rise on Cape Cod’s Monomoy and Sagamore groundwater lenses.
• City of Fall River – $50,000 to remove the Rattlesnake Brook Dam in Freetown.
• Conservation Law Foundation – $40,000 to provide fish consumption information and warnings for the lower Mystic River.
• Deerfield River Watershed Association – $24,896 to conduct a comprehensive ecological assessment of the Deerfield River.
• Friends of Herring River – $50,000 to perform preliminary engineering design and opinion of construction cost for replacement of the Chequesset Neck Road dike and culvert in Wellfleet as part of an 800-acre estuary restoration.
• Nashua River Watershed Association – $35,173 to partner with law enforcement and medical providers to encourage proper disposal of pharmaceuticals.
• The Nature Conservancy – $50,000 towards the removal of the West Britannia dam in Taunton.
• Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies – $46,500 to continue and expand a water quality testing and monitoring program for Nantucket Sound
• Silent Spring Institute – $50,000 to estimate inputs of emerging contaminants, including hormones, pharmaceuticals and consumer product chemicals, to the Cape Cod aquifer and evaluate how these inputs would change under proposed alternative wastewater scenarios.
• South Shore YMCA – $50,000 to remove a failed dam on Third Herring Brook in Hanover and restore a portion of the river.
• Town of Falmouth – $55,000 for engineering and plans to remove Lower Bog Dam, restore a portion of the Coonamesset River and restore 17 acres of abutting land.
• Town of Oak Bluffs – $50,000 for engineering and permitting for an improved opening between Farm Pond and Nantucket Sound. The larger opening will improve water quality and enhance shellfish beds.
Last year the Housatonic Valley Association received funding from MET to complete water quality assessments on various sections of the Housatonic River and its tributaries. They are looking for volunteers to complete a benthic macroinvertebrate assessment (water quality assessments) in the Housatonic River Watershed.
As an alternative to expensive chemical analyses of the rivers’ waters, these assessments will sample and analyze the invertebrates living in the bottom of the river –the benthic macro-invertebrates. These assessments will provide data to help inform not only HVA, but also the Massachusetts DEP and EPA about the quality of our local rivers. The training for volunteers to learn how to sample the river is scheduled for Saturday, July 13 from 9am – 1pm at Interlaken Park in Stockbridge.
HVA welcomes interested volunteers who are able to attend the training and then assist with collecting samples on three additional dates. While participation is free, registration is required. For more information call Dennis Regan at HVA at 413-394-9796.
HVA is aware that a whole host of invertebrates inhabit the river bottom and are an important part of the river ecology and the food chain. Our rivers are also a nursery for many invertebrates including insects such as dragonflies, craneflies and some beetles. Eggs laid in the water hatch and the aquatic larvae develop over several months or years depending upon the species. While some invertebrates are tolerant, many are susceptible to pollution. Finding out which invertebrates are thriving in a river help indicate the quality of the water. Many species of mayflies, caddisflies and stoneflies are sensitive to pollution and, when found in the river bottom, are key indicators of good quality water.
Volunteers will learn more about the inhabitants of the river bottom and the sampling protocol for this program. Additional sampling dates will be scheduled this summer and fall. Participants are asked to commit time to volunteer to assist in at least three additional sampling dates over the next few months.
I suspect local fly fishermen might be interested in the results of these collections. After all, these microinvertibrates turn out to be the mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, etc., which fish feed on. Having firsthand knowledge of what our fish feed on in our rivers both in the nymph and adult form would give that flyfisherman a decided advantage over others lacking such knowledge.
I remember back in 1990 a Simon Rock student, MariLynn Sidari, did a thesis entitled Distribution of Caddisfly (Tricoptera) Larvae in the Williams River and its tributaries. That study was funded by the Friends of the Williams River. The results of her study revealed that 56 larvae of caddisflies, representing five families, were discovered in 16 stations. She listed their scientific names.
The late Ernest Long of Pittsfield, a highly respected and knowledgeable flyfisherman and fly tyer, then followed up and did research of his own and identified the imitation fly patterns that imitated those caddisflies. Always a well liked fellow, he became even more popular with his fellow anglers who wanted to get their hands on his report. I’ll bet some of our local fly fishermen might be thinking along the same lines with this current HVA study. *****

Fly Fishing season swinging into high gear

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For the fly fishermen, this is the time they have been waiting for, when the mayflies and various caddisflies start hatching in our waters. Anglers are anxiously awaiting the appearance of flies such as the Gray Fox, March Browns, Light Cahills, Sulphurs and others. Hatching as duns (sub-imagos with smoky or colored wings) most float on the water surface for a short time before flying to nearby vgetation before the birds get them. They will be around only a few days, transform into spinners (imagos with long tails and glassy clear wings), do their in-air mating dances, mate, drop their eggs into the waters, spread their wings fall into the water and die.

Thus begins the new cycle, the eggs hatch into nymphs which crawl along the river bottom hiding under rocks and woody or leafy debris for the next 360 days before they emerge again. When it is their time, they come up from the bottom and hatch in the surface film or climb onto rocks and branches and hatch there.

These insects don’t have mouths or stingers and are harmless so there is no need to swat or zap them. Trout feed on them as well as the birds. I don’t know which excites the fly fisherman more, actually catching fish or the mere sight of these delicate insects.

Flyfishermen are well aware of these life cycles and have flies that imitate each phase. They fish with weighted nymph flies along the river bottom, with emerger flies that imitate the nymph as they swim to the top just before hatching into duns, with dry flies which float on top of the surface that imitate the duns and with spent wing spinners flies.

To be a good fly fisherman, one has to become an entomologist of sorts, one who knows when the flies emerge, their habitat, size, color, traits, etc. They already know everything that I have mentioned above and are probably critiquing my every word. But the comments are directed primarily to the person who knows nothing about the sport and may be contemplating taking it up. If you are one, may I suggest that you tag along with an experienced flyfisher who would be more than happy to teach you about the sport. That will save you a lot of time of trial and error. But be careful, flyfishing can be extremely addictive. *****

The Twenty-first Annual Harry A. Bateman Memorial Jimmy Fund Fishing Derby will take place next Saturday at the Frank Controy Pavilion at Onota Lake in Pittsfield from 6:00 AM to noon. No fishing license is required because it is Free Fishing weekend in MA. Open to the public, its purpose is to raise money for the Jimmy Fund – Dana Farber Cancer Institute For Children. All of the proceeds will be donated to the Jimmy Fund in memory of Harry A. Bateman a former member of Berkshire County Jimmy Fund Council, Central Berkshire Bowman & I.U.E. Local 255 who was well known throughout Berkshire County and who became a victim of cancer.

Many trophies and prizes are given away to the winners of the fishing derby, 8 for the Children 4 for Adults and 3 that can be won by adults or children. There is a special category for those fishing with a bow & arrow. All fish must be weighed in at noon and can be caught at Onota Lake from a boat or the shore. Fishing tackle is given with the trophy prizes and two $100 cash prizes for heaviest trout. A sportsman award is given out to a child which includes a tackle box full of stuff. Fee is $10 Adults $5 for Children 14 years old and younger. Fee includes food & beverages. All children receive a free gift and a chance at winning a Mountain Bike. There is a raffle for other great prizes. For more information, contact Steve Bateman at 413-464-5035 or email iggnatz@msn.com. *****

The Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Clubs Fishing Derby was held on May 18 at Stockbridge Bowl. Largest Salmon was caught by Lino Dus of Pittsfield, 2 lbs, 18”, Largest Bullhead – Seth Slemp of Lee 1 lb, 5oz, 13 ½”, Largest Bass – Tim Fogarty, Gt Barrington, 3 lbs., 3oz, 18”, Largest Pickerel – Lucas Trumps, South Lee 2 lbs., 12oz, 22 ½”. Mike Soules, of Lee won the $300 raffle.

Age 12 and Under Winners: Largest Pickerel – Mason Colli, Stockbridge,1 lb. 13 oz., 20 ½”, Largest Trout- Brady Whalen, Gt Barrington 1 lb., 6oz, 15”, Largest Bullhead – Seth Slemp, Lee 1 lb., 5oz, 13 ½”. *****< The Lee Sportsmen’s Association will be conducting a NRA Basic Pistol Course on June 3 and June 6 from 5:30 to 9:00 PM. Graduates can then apply for their MA LTC Class A after successful completion. Pre registration required. The Cost is $100 which includes a one year membership in LSA. Learn pistol parts and operation, gun safety, shooting fundamentals, MA. laws, and more. Contact Larry K (413) 442-7807 for more information. ***** The following waters were scheduled to be stocked last week: Green River in Alford, Egremont and Great Barrington, Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida; Westfield River in Chester, Chesterfield, Cummington, Huntington, Middlefield, Russell, Windsor and Worthington; Housatonic River in Hinsdale, Dalton, Lee and Stockbridge; Walker Brook in Becket and Chester, Wahconah Falls Brook in Dalton, Bennett Brook in Hinsdale, Trout Brook in Peru, Greenwater Pond, North Pond, Littleville Lake, Goose Pond, Laurel Lake, Otis Reservoir, Big Pond, Onota Lake and Stockbridge Bowl. ***** This weekend, you might want to put down the fishing rod and spend a couple minutes remembering those who paid the ultimate price in defending our nation, especially the local men we lost this year.

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Fly Fishing season swinging into high gear
 
For the fly fishermen, this is the time they have been waiting for, when the mayflies and various caddisflies start hatching in our waters.   Anglers are anxiously awaiting the appearance of flies such as the Gray Fox, March Browns, Light Cahills, Sulphurs and others.  Hatching as duns (sub-imagos with smoky or colored wings) most float on the water surface for a short time before flying to nearby vgetation before the birds get them.  They will be around only a few days, transform into spinners (imagos with long tails and glassy clear wings), do their in-air mating dances, mate, drop their eggs into the waters, spread their wings fall into the water and die.  
 
Thus begins the new cycle, the eggs hatch into nymphs which crawl along the river bottom hiding under rocks and woody or leafy debris for the next 360 days before they emerge again.  When it is their time, they come up from the bottom and hatch in the surface film or climb onto rocks and branches and hatch there. 

These insects don’t have mouths or stingers and are harmless so there is no need to swat or zap them.  Trout feed on them as well as the birds.   I don’t know which excites the fly fisherman more, actually catching fish or the mere sight of these delicate insects. 

Flyfishermen are well aware of these life cycles and have flies that imitate each phase.  They fish with weighted nymph flies along the river bottom, with emerger flies that imitate the nymph as they swim to the top just before hatching into duns, with dry flies which float on top of the surface that imitate the duns and with spent wing spinners flies. 

To be a good fly fisherman, one has to become an entomologist of sorts, one who knows when the flies emerge, their habitat, size, color, traits, etc.  They already know everything that I have mentioned above and are probably critiquing my every word.  But the comments are directed primarily to the person who knows nothing about the sport and may be contemplating taking it up.  If you are one, may I suggest that you tag along with an experienced flyfisher who would be more than happy to teach you about the sport.  That will save you a lot of time of trial and error.  But be careful, flyfishing can be extremely addictive. *****

The Twenty-first Annual Harry A. Bateman Memorial Jimmy Fund Fishing Derby will take place next Saturday at the Frank Controy Pavilion at Onota Lake in Pittsfield from 6:00 AM to noon.   No fishing license is required because it is Free Fishing weekend in MA.   Open to the public, its purpose is to raise money for the Jimmy Fund – Dana Farber Cancer Institute For Children.  All of the proceeds will be donated to the Jimmy Fund in memory of Harry A. Bateman a former member of Berkshire County Jimmy Fund Council, Central Berkshire Bowman & I.U.E. Local 255 who was well known throughout Berkshire County and who became a victim of cancer.

Many trophies and prizes are given away to the winners of the fishing derby, 8 for the Children 4 for Adults and 3 that can be won by adults or children.   There is a special category for those fishing with a bow & arrow.  All fish must be weighed in at noon and can be caught at Onota Lake from a boat or the shore.  Fishing tackle is given with the trophy prizes and two $100 cash prizes for heaviest trout. A sportsman award is given out to a child which includes a tackle box full of stuff.  Fee is $10 Adults $5 for Children 14 years old and younger. Fee includes food & beverages. All children receive a free gift and a chance at winning a Mountain Bike. There is a raffle for other great prizes.   For more information, contact Steve Bateman at 413-464-5035 or email iggnatz@msn.com.   *****

The Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Clubs Fishing Derby was held on May 18 at Stockbridge Bowl.  Largest Salmon was caught by Lino Dus of Pittsfield, 2 lbs, 18”, Largest Bullhead – Seth Slemp of Lee 1 lb, 5oz, 13 ½”, Largest Bass – Tim Fogarty, Gt Barrington, 3 lbs., 3oz, 18”, Largest Pickerel –  Lucas Trumps, South Lee 2 lbs., 12oz, 22 ½”.  Mike Soules, of  Lee won the $300 raffle.

Age 12 and Under Winners:  Largest Pickerel – Mason Colli, Stockbridge,1 lb. 13 oz., 20 ½”, Largest Trout- Brady Whalen, Gt Barrington 1 lb., 6oz, 15”, Largest Bullhead –  Seth Slemp, Lee   1 lb., 5oz, 13 ½”.  *****

The Lee Sportsmen’s Association will be conducting a NRA Basic Pistol Course on June 3 and June 6 from 5:30 to 9:00 PM.  Graduates can then apply for their MA LTC Class A after successful completion.  Pre registration required.  The Cost is $100 which includes a one year  membership in LSA.  Learn pistol parts and operation, gun safety, shooting fundamentals, MA. laws, and more.  Contact Larry K (413) 442-7807 for more information. *****

The following waters were scheduled to be stocked last week:  Green River in Alford, Egremont and Great Barrington, Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida; Westfield River in Chester, Chesterfield, Cummington, Huntington, Middlefield, Russell, Windsor and Worthington; Housatonic River in Hinsdale, Dalton, Lee and Stockbridge; Walker Brook in Becket and Chester, Wahconah Falls Brook in Dalton, Bennett Brook in Hinsdale, Trout Brook in Peru, Greenwater Pond, North Pond, Littleville Lake, Goose Pond, Laurel Lake, Otis Reservoir, Big Pond, Onota Lake and Stockbridge Bowl. *****

This weekend, you might want to put down the fishing rod and spend a couple minutes remembering those who paid the ultimate price in defending our nation, especially the local men we lost this year.