Category Archives: Fishing

Efforts being made to welcome the Common Loon in Massachusetts

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The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) is interested in receiving loon sighting reports this spring and summer.  Reports of birds with chicks are of particular interest.  For years, DFW has been monitoring loons nesting in the state.  Common Loons, listed as a Species of Special Concern in the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act, returned to nest in Massachusetts in 1975 after being absent as a breeding bird in the state for almost a century.

According to the DFW, from 1975 to 1983 loon pair activity was only observed on the Quabbin Reservoir.  In 1984, loon activity was also observed on the Wachusett Reservoir.   By 1986, loon nesting activity began to spread to other water bodies in the state.  In 2012, thirty five territorial loon pairs were documented on 13 lakes and ponds in the state.  Submit loon pair sighting reports via MassWildlife’s electronic Vernal Pool and Rare Species VPRS Information System, an online data submittal and mapping application, or email: mass.wildlife@state.ma.us, or send by postal mail to “Loon Survey”, DFW, Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, 100 Hartwell Street, Suite 230, West Boylston, MA 01583.

In addition to monitoring loon activity, DFW has been partnering with other agencies and organizations to improve nesting sites for loons.   Recently, the Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI), based in Gorham, Maine provided funding for 18 loon rafts to be placed on reservoirs where loons have been attempting to nest.  Common Loons cannot walk well and are very awkward on land. They only come on to land in spring to breed and build their nest within a few feet of the shoreline. This is not a problem in water bodies with constant water levels, but for loons nesting on reservoir shorelines, fluctuating water levels can be a problem. If water levels rise, the nest and eggs flood and will not hatch. If water levels drop more than 6 to 12 inches the nest will be abandoned because the loon cannot reach the nest.

To reduce losses on reservoirs, loon rafts are constructed of cedar logs, foam floatation, and wire with vegetation placed on the raft to appear as if the raft is a small island.  Predator canopies are added to protect the nests from predation by other birds.  The raft is floated and anchored in the loon territory. Because the raft floats, it protects the nest and eggs from being flooded or stranded.  Some loons utilize the rafts immediately; others may take a few years to use the raft.  This month, loon rafts will be deployed at the DCR Wachusett and Quabbin Reservoirs and on reservoirs operated by the Fitchburg and Pittsfield water departments where loon pairs have been reported.

There is no mistaking the sound of a loon at twilight.  Late last summer, I had the thrill of having one diving close to my boat as I was bass fishing.   Seeing and hearing that bird was the highlight of my fishing last year.  *****

In his monthly report to the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen, Andrew Madden, DFW Western District Manager noted that the Division recently acquired 75 acres of land in the Town of Windsor.   The parcel consists of wooded wetlands with some hardwoods on the uplands.  It should be very good habitat for moose, deer, bear and snowshoe hare among other species, he said.  The property, which is located on Rte 8A between Rte 9 and Rte 116, abuts the Savoy Wildlife Management Area (WMA) on three sides and will improve access to existing protected lands.

When added to the existing Savoy WMA, the total protected acreage amounts to about 970 acres, all of it open to the public for passive recreation – hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking, bird watching, etc.   No motorized vehicles allowed on WMA’s. *****

Free fishing days, no licenses required, are coming up:  In ME they are May 31 and June 1, in MA they are June 7 and 8, in NH it is June 7, in VT it is June 14 and in NY the days are June 28 and 29.   Good chance to try some of those fabled waters that you have always wanted to fish – the Beaverkill, AuSable, Battenkill, Penobscott and others .  Sorry, CT and RI free days have already come and gone. *****

Chris Porter, spokesman for the Onota Fishing Club reported that they had over 200 people participating in the Wild Acres fishing derby which took place on April 26.   Approximately 15 members from the Fishing Club were on hand for the event and they assisted some 150 kids with baiting, catching, netting, cleaning, etc., as well as providing poles for kids that needed them.

Over 50 trout were caught with some large rainbows included in that number.  Twelve tagged fish were caught with each young angler receiving a trophy for it.  All of the fish were again donated this year by Lyon Aviation.  Over 400 hamburgers, hot dogs and breakfast sandwiches were served.  All involved had a great time in spite of the rainy weather.  Incidentally, the entire event was free to the public, much to the amazement of many parents.   *****

The following local waters were scheduled to be stocked with trout last week:  Hoosic River in Cheshire and Adams, Walker Brook in Becket and Chester, Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and  Florida; Westfield River in Chester, Chesterfield, Cummington, Huntington, Middlefield and Worthington; Hubbard River in Granville, Littleville Lake and Norwich Pond in Huntington, Pontoosuc Lake, Goose Pond, Laurel Lake, Lake Buel, York Lake, Windsor Lake in North Adams, Otis Reservoir, Onota Lake, Stockbridge Bowl, Windsor Pond in Windsor, Housatonic River in Pittsfield(SW), Lee and Stockbridge (C&R), Hop Brook in Lee and Tyringham, Konkapot River in Monterey, New Marlborough and Sheffield;  and the Buck and Clam Rivers in Sandisfield. *****

Questions/comments:  Berkwoodsandwaters@roadrunner.com.  Phone/fax:  (413) 637-1818..

 

Youth turkey hunters have a successful opening day

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The rain didn’t dampen the spirits of a number of youths who took to the woods last Saturday to bag a wild turkey.  That day marked the opening of the Youth Turkey Hunt day which was reserved just for youths 12-17 years of age.  Several sportsmen’s clubs in our area including the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club (SSC), Lee Sportsmen’s Association (LSA), Cheshire Rod & Gun Club (CR&G) , East Mountain Sportsmen’s Club and the Worthington Rod & Gun Club  participated in the youth hunt program.  This year I covered the LSA.

 

Of the 7 youths that participated in the LSA hunt, 4 of them were successful and bagged one jake (sexually immature male wild turkey) and three toms.  The largest tom weighed 22 ½ lbs and was bagged by Hunter Briggs.   His dad Rob was quite proud of him because two toms were so close together, he could have taken both with one shot.  Instead, he waited until the two separated to take his shot.  That’s the type of sportsmanship that is taught in the Youth Turkey Hunt Program.   Matt Driscoll weighed in a respectable bird, one weighing 20+ lbs which had an 8 inch beard.  He took it with a 40 yard shot using a 20 gauge shotgun.  Other hunters included Brian Dubois, Travis Bush, Connor Larock, Liam Shields and Andrew Murray.  Mentors included Rob and Cliff Briggs, Matt Ranzoni, Todd Bush, Bob Jones, Mark Bartini, and Stone Burdick.  Apologies if I missed anyone.

One team got stuck up on Beartown Mountain and rescuers had to be dispatched.  When they arrived at the clubhouse, they were razzed by fellow hunters saying. “You know they close roads for a reason, don’t you?”

 

Once everyone returned, they were treated to a tasty lunch, had their pictures taken and learned how to process the birds.  Not much of the bird was wasted.  In addition to the meat, feathers were saved for decorations, fly tying; etc., the beards and feet were saved for display, some bones were saved to make turkey calls, and the spurs were saved to make necklaces.

Meanwhile, the folks at the SSC also had a great hunt.  Of the twelve young hunters there, eight were successful.  The other four took shots at turkeys but missed. Participating in that hunt were Ryan Havel, Zachary Stoll-Tinker, Nick Bryant, Nick Errichetto, Jackson Cunningham, Michael Buffoni Jr, Ryan Smyth, Jack O’Brien, Kade Groeber, Nick Puntin, Nick Powers and Chris Massini.  Click onto Berkshireoutdoorsman.com to see their picture.

No word was received as to how the other local clubs did.  Similar events were conducted all across the state and according to Andrew Madden, DFW Western District Manager, some 43 birds were checked in electronically that day and surely others were probably checked in physically.  *****

 

The following local waters were scheduled to be stocked with trout last week:  Westfield River in Becket, Chester, Cummington, Huntington, Middlefield, Russell, Savoy and Windsor; Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida; Greenwater Pond, North Pond, Upper Highland Lake, Town Brook in Lanesborough, Laurel Lake, Goose Pond, Lake Garfield, Big Pond, Otis Reservoir, Onota Lake, Richmond Pond, Stockbridge Bowl, Green River and Hemlock Brook in Williamstown.  Tiger trout were stocked into Big Pond, Otis Reservoir and Stockbridge Bowl.

 

Thanks to Elna Castonguay for providing the stocking information.  She is the very pleasant and helpful receptionist at the DFW Western District Headquarters in Dalton.  After 30 years of dedicated service, she is retiring from the Division on May 16.  Maybe some of us should stop up there this week and hassle her one last time. *****

 

Next Sunday, from dawn until 3 PM, the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club will be having its annual spring fishing derby at the Stockbridge Bowl boat ramp.  $100 prizes will be awarded for the heaviest trout or salmon, pickerel, bass and bullhead.  Free lures will be given to all kids 12 and under.  Pre-registration fee is $10, post-registration is $15.Tickets are available at the Minkler Insurance Agency in Stockbridge. *****

 

The Lee Sportsmen’s Club will be conducting a basic pistol class on May 19.  Contact Larry Karlquist at (413)-442-7807 for more information.

 

Questions/comments:  Berkwoodsandwaters@roadrunner.com.  Phone/fax:  (413) 637-1818..

Four honored at BCLS Conte Banquet

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The Cheshire Rod & Gun Club banquet hall was packed for the Silvio O. Conte Awards Banquet which was held on the evening of April 19.  The award winners included: John Mange of Stephentown, NY- 2013 Sportsman of the Year, Fran Majchrowski of Dalton- John Zuber Lifetime Achievement Award, Dennis Regan, Berkshire County Director of the HVA – Sportsmen’s Appreciation Award and the late Sarah (Sally) Bell, – posthumous Sportsmen’s Appreciation Award.  They were nominated by the various sportsmen’s clubs which make up the BCLS.  All of the recipients were selected because of their long time dedication and commitment to preserving our open spaces, preserving our clean waters or their willingness to teach future generations about the outdoors and outdoor sports. Their individual feats were highlighted in my March 16 column.

Mange’s award was in recognition of his dedication, leadership and committal to the sportsmen of Massachusetts. In his acceptance speech, John mentioned how fortunate he was to have friends and family supporting him in his efforts. Deflecting praise of himself, he complimented his fellow sportsmen for being very generous with their time. “There are a lot of dedicated sportsmen who also give a lot of their time. Someone has to do it…..all of the time” he said. (If I may add, it is the example that John sets that inspires the others). John also received citations from State Senator Benjamin Downing representing the Senate and State Rep William “Smitty” Pignatelli representing the House.

Regan’s award was in recognition of his dedication to providing leadership and assurance to provide a clean and vibrant watershed along the Housatonic River. In his acceptance speech, Regan thanked the League and commented that he had worked with it on several occasions and that he had a great deal of respect for it and all that it does.

Majchrowski’s award was in recognition of his unwavering dedication to the introduction and perpetuation of the ideals of sportsmen in Berkshire County.   He mentioned that there were a lot of people/organizations who helped his school outdoor club over the years, such as the folks at the DFW, John Pickwell of Wohrles, Jeff Diefendorf from Friedman Steel, the Dalton American Legion, Wayne Walton from LP Adams, John Ferris, Chuck Landon and the many sportsmen who donated wild game for the meals.

In honoring the late Sally Bell, BCLS President Mark Jester read a very complimentary letter which was written by Tad Ames of the Berkshire Natural Resources Council. “If a Berkshire Outdoor Hall of Fame is ever created, Sally will be the unanimous choice on the first ballot”, he wrote. Fish and Wildlife Board Chairman George (Gige) Darey accepted the plaque on Sally’s behalf. Speaking on behalf of Sally and the Berkshire County sportsmen, he gave perhaps his greatest talk that this scribe has ever heard him give, one that was totally unscripted and from the heart. *****

The Berkshire Hatchery Foundation will be holding a kid’s fishing derby at the lower pond next Saturday, from 9 to 10:30 AM.   Please let them know if you are coming by emailing http://www.berksfish.com/events.html and giving the number of children attending.  Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult. *****

The following waters were scheduled to be stocked with trout by the DFW last week:  Green River in Alford, Egremont and Great Barrington; Ashfield Pond in Ashfield, Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida; Chickley River in Charlemont and Hawley, Cold River in Charlemont, Florida and Savoy; Westfield River in Chester, Chesterfield, Cummington, Huntington, Middlefield and Worthington; Housatonic River in Hinsdale, Dalton, Lee and Stockbridge, Hoosic River in Clarksburg, North Pond in Florida, Williams River in West Stockbridge and Great Barrington, West Brook in Lee and Great Barrington, Bennett Brook and Plunkett Lake in Hinsdale, Littleville Lake in Huntington, Beartown Brook and Greenwater Brook in Lee, Goose Pond Brook  in Lee and Tyringham, Konkapot River in New Marlborough, Monterey and Sheffield, Lake Buel and Lake Garfield in Monterey, Farmington River in Otis and Sandisfield, Trout Brook in Peru, Larrywaug Brook and Stockbridge Bowl in Stockridge, and Windsor Pond in Windsor.

Questions/comments:  Berkwoodsandwaters@roadrunner.com.  Phone/fax:  (413) 637-1818.

 

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Pictured left to right:  Mark Jester BCLS President, Dennis Regan, George”Gige” Darey, Fran Majchrowski, John Mange and Karen Kruszyna.  As mentioned in my April 20 column, Jester and Kruszya received important Mass Sportsmen’s Council awards..

Spring turkey hunting season opens tomorrow

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Hard to believe the turkey hunting season is beginning its 34th year in Massachusetts. The spring season runs from April 28 to May 24.

At the time of colonial settlement the wild turkey was widespread in Massachusetts, ranging from Cape Cod to the Berkshires. As settlement progressed; however, hardwood forests were cut and the range of the turkey began to shrink. By the early 1800s turkeys were rare in the state, and the last known native bird was killed on Mt. Tom in 1851. Fortunately, conservation and wildlife organizations intervened, and the wild turkey made a dramatic recovery. Between 1972 and 1973, 37 birds were captured in New York and released in southern Berkshire County. The new flock grew slowly at first, but expanded rapidly after about 1976 with the estimated fall 1978 population totaling about 1,000 birds. Supplemented by an overflow from adjacent states, turkeys ranged throughout most parts of Massachusetts west of the Connecticut River. In-state transplants of the birds, conducted from 1979 to 1996, expanded the range of the bird into the central, northeastern and southeastern parts of the state.

Back in 1980 there was an estimated 1,250 turkey hunters and 72 turkeys were harvested.  Last year some 21,115 hunters applied for turkey permits and they bagged close to 3,000 birds. (2,778 in the spring and about 200 in the fall seasons).  The estimated fall population of turkeys now exceeds 15,000 birds.  The wild turkey was designated the official state game bird of Massachusetts in 1991.

Here are some reminders from MassWildlife: A permit is required to hunt them. An official green safety sticker must be attached to the firearm such that it is visible to the hunter when sighting down the barrel. Spring hunting hours are ½ hour before sunrise to 12:00 noon. .The annual bag limit is 2 turkeys per year either by: (a) 2 bearded birds in spring season (1 per day) with NO fall turkey hunting allowed, or (b) 1 bearded bird in spring season and 1 bird of either sex in fall season. No hunter may take 2 birds in the fall season.

Turkey hunters can check their harvested bird online. Immediately after harvest, the hunter must fill out and affix the tag from the turkey permit on the harvested turkey.  The turkey must be officially “checked” either online via the MassFishHunt system or at a traditional check station within 48 hours of harvest and before the bird is processed for food or for taxidermy. One can find a check station near you at mass.gov/dfw/checkstation.

 

If checking your game online, the MassFishHunt system will generate a confirmation number after you submit all information; this confirmation number must be written on the harvest tag that is attached to the turkey. (The confirmation number serves as the official seal)  The tag with confirmation number (or metal seal) must remain on the bird until it is processed for food or for taxidermy.

Turkey hunters should read the regulations (Page 32 of the Fish & Wiildlife Guide) for more information.

It will be interesting to see how the hunters do this spring because many claim that the turkey flock is down this year.   Remember, turkey hunting is one of the most dangerous forms of hunting.   Use your noggin! *****

 

The Stockbridge Police Department will present an NRA Home Firearm Safety Course on Monday, May 5 at 6:00 PM in the Community Room at the Town Hall. This free course is exclusively for women who are residents of the Town of Stockbridge. If there are firearms in your home owned by family members, or if you think you may be interested in learning more about firearm safety and the shooting sports, this course is a great way to get started.

The four hour non-shooting course teaches students the basic knowledge, skills, and explains the attitude necessary for the safe handling and storage of firearms and ammunition in the home.  Students are taught NRA’s three rules for safe gun handling, primary causes of firearms accidents, firearm parts, how to unload certain action types, ammunition components, cleaning, care, safe storage of firearms in the home and more

The application deadline is 8:00 AM on May 1 and applications are available at the Stockbridge Police Dept. *****

The Greylock Bass Club reports the following 2013 Results: Angler of the Year was Bill Gates, 2nd – Chip Mcann, 3rd – -Dave Benham, 4th – Jim Underhill and 5th – Joe Chague. The lunker largemouth for the year weighed in at 4 lbs 9.5 oz, caught and released by Bill Gates.

In 2014 they will be fishing 6 tournaments in Mass and New York. They also will host a 2 person Open Bass Tournament on June 1 at Pontoosuc Lake. Check local sporting good stores for more information   *****

The following local waters were scheduled to be stocked with trout last week: Hoosic River in Cheshire and Adams, Clesson Brook in Ashfield and Buckland, South River in Ashfield, Westfield River in Becket, Chester, Chesterfield, Cummington, Huntington, Middlefield, Russell, Savoy and Windsor; Potash Brook in Blandford and Russell, Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida; Dry Brook and South Brook in Cheshire, West Branch Brook in Chesterfield and Worthington, Sackett Brook in Dalton and Pittsfield, Swift River in Ashfield and Goshen, Stones Brook in Goshen, Kinderhook Creek in Hancock, Little River and Norwich Pond in Huntington, Hop Brook in Lee and Tyringham, Pontoosuc Lake in Pittsfield and Lanesborough, Yokun Brook in Lenox, York Lake in New Marlborough, Windsor Lake in North Adams, Big Pond and Otis Reservoir in Otis, Berry Pond, Housatonic River (SW) and Onota Lake in Pittsfield; Mill Pond in Plainfield, Richmond Pond in Richmond, Buck and Clam Rivers in Sandisfield, Westfield Brook in Windsor, and Bronson Brook in Worthington.

Questions/comments:  Berkwoodsandwaters@roadrunner.com.  Phone/fax:  (413) 637-1818..

 

 

Spring trout fishing is upon us

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Close to 500,000 brook, brown, rainbow and tiger trout will be stocked this spring from the DFW five hatcheries located in Sandwich, Palmer, Belchertown, Sunderland and Montague.  The Western District should get about 100,000 of them.  It has been a challenging year for the Division’s trout hatchery managers between the drought conditions that prevailed much of last summer and the extremely cold, icy and snow conditions that have prevailed this past winter.

Nevertheless, close to 500,000 fish will be stocked this spring, coupled with the more than 67,000 12+ inch trout stocked last fall should provide some excellent fishing in the coming months.  Due to the delayed spring thaw, trout stocking could not begin until the last week of March or the first week in April, beginning with the Cape area and then moving westward as the ice and snow melts. 

Here are some 2014  trout stocking facts provided by Mass DFW: 41% of the fish average over 14 inches, 71% of the fish average over 12 inches, 195,000 rainbows will average over 14 inches, 71,000 rainbows will average over 12 inches, 12,000 rainbows will average between 9 and 12 inches, 500 brown trout will be over 18 inches, 43,000 brown trout will average over 12 inches, 81,000 brown trout average between 9 and 12 inches, 1,250 brook trout will average over 15 inches, 31,200 brook trout will average over 12 inches, 38,200 brook trout between 9 and 12 inches, 10,000 brook trout between 6 and 9 inches and 4,700 tiger trout that will average over 14 inches.

Anglers can check the DFW weekly trout stocking schedule pages for information about stocking in each district, or contact individual district offices. The schedules will be updated every Friday between March and Memorial Day.

.The following local waters were scheduled to be stocked last week subject to alterations or cancellations:  Pontoosuc Lake, Onota Lake, Laurel Lake, Stockbridge Bowl and the Farmington River.

Get your fishing equipment ready, oil the reel, replace the old line, patch up the boots, etc.  Don’t forget to print out your fishing license.  Pick up a copy of Trout Unlimited’s Anglers Guide to Trout Fishing in Massachusetts to find out where to go and what to use.  (The Bookstore in Lenox has a new supply of them).  Tell the kids, mom and gramps to get ready, too, because you are taking them this year.  There will be an awful lot of trout out there to catch and a lot of hours may have to be devoted to catching them.  It’s tough, but hey, somebody has to do it. *****

This Thursday evening, Rich Strolis of Catching Shadows Custom Flies will be the guest speaker at the Taconic Chapter of TU meeting at the Bass Water Grill in Cheshire. For him, fly tying is as much of a passion as fly-fishing, and this is something that he truly believes is an integral part of becoming a solid angler.  He will offer a fly tying demonstration and talk about a variety of styles and types of fly patterns from both simple to complex that will accommodate tiers of all skill sets.  Whether you are a beginner who wants to learn the basics, or a seasoned veteran who wants to brush up on some of your skills he will have something for you. *****

 

The event is free and open to the public.  Social hour starts at 5 PM, the presentation at 6 PM and dinner off of the menu (optional) to follow at 7 PM.  For more information, contact Ron Wojcik at (413) 684-4141 or rwojcik@bcn.net.  *****

The Berkshire Hatchery Foundation will be holding a kid’s fishing derby at the lower pond next Saturday, from 9 to 10:30 AM.   Please let them know if you are coming by emailing http://www.berksfish.com/events.html and giving the number of children attending.  Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult. *****

MassWildlife reminds us that black bears are emerging from their winter dens and seeking food and it’s time to take down bird feeders. In many cases, bears will ignore natural foods such as skunk cabbage and instead head to the nearest birdfeeder for a good meal. To avoid this problem, they are asking property owners to be proactive by removing bird feeders and other potential bear foods promptly and taking other preventative measures. 

 

The bear range is expanding eastward and some residents in eastern Massachusetts may notice bear activity in the coming months and years. Taking action now, by removing feeders and securing trash, will help avoid conflicts with bears now and in the future. “If food such as bird seed, pet food, unsecured trash or dumpsters are easy for bears to find, conflicts can occur that pose hazards to both bears and people.” says Laura Conlee, DFW Wildlife Biologist. Removing bird feeders will not create a problem for birds as feeding stations only supplement available natural foods.

 

 Click onto the MassWildlife website for more tips on preventing bear conflicts. *****

 

Parting reminder:  Falling into cold water (less than 50 degrees) can cause a cold shock response that makes breathing difficult and can lead to rapid drowning, even for experienced swimmers.  The wearing of a dry suit when kayaking in cold water is recommended as well as wearing a personal floatation device (PFD).  Kayaking with a buddy is also recommended.  In Massachusetts all canoe and kayak occupants must wear a US Coast Guard approved PFD from September 15 to May 15.  Readers are probably getting sick of reading this message every year and but I ask your understanding.  Each year there are new people taking up the paddling, fishing and hunting sports and may not be aware of the regulations and potential dangers involved with them.

 

Questions/comments:  Berkwoodsandwaters@roadrunner.com.  Phone/fax:  (413) 637-1818..

 

Cold, early April fishing days remembered

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Early April always brings back fond and humorous memories of the old days.   As mentioned in several previous columns, my fishing buddy Jerry Zink and I did a lot of fishing, beginning as far back as second grade in school.  I guess you could call us fishing fanatics, never getting enough of fishing.  It was always a sad day when February 28 rolled around each year for that meant the end of all forms of freshwater fishing until the third week of April.  (Now days in Massachusetts, we can fish year round). 

Those 6 or 7 weeks until fishing season reopened were brutal for the sportsman, for there was nothing to do on Saturday mornings.  At least the fly fishermen could tie flies during that period, but we weren’t fly fishermen back then.  Depression and boredom settled in.   Some guys hung around Dick Moon’s Sporting Goods Store or the department stores like the Big N, K-Mart or Zayres waiting for the new fishing stuff to come in and be displayed.  To cut the boredom, some guys traded in their cars for newer models, bought expensive record players, etc.  Some even took the opportunity to swap in their girlfriends for new ones.

Jerry and I were bored, too.  Finally, around 1970, when we were in our late 20’s, we decided to do something about it.  We bought NY fishing licenses and fished over there.  Their season opened on April 1 and that gave us an early start on fishing before the MA season opened.  We had to fish the rivers because the ponds there were frequently still frozen over. 

 We were bait fishermen back then.   Sometimes we fished with live shiners, but usually with worms or night crawlers.  The only problem was we couldn’t dig any earthworms or catch any night crawlers because it was too cold at that time of year.  Heck, many times the ground was still frozen.  Jerry solved that problem.  He ordered a supply of bee moths (grubs) from Minnesota.  He found out about them through advertisements in Field & Stream outdoor magazine.  The grubs came in containers stuffed with wood shavings and were relatively inexpensive.  And boy, did the trout love them.

We usually fished the Kinderhook Creek right across the border in nearby Lebanon and Canaan, NY.  More than once we slid down frozen, icy banks to get to the river’s edge.  The fishing was usually slow, but we managed to catch a few, even though sometimes it was bitterly cold.

 One cold day, we fished the Green River in NY near Hillsdale.  We could spot the fish but they were logy and very difficult to catch.  Back then if we didn’t catch our limit and we knew there were still a few fish around, we persevered until we did catch them.  Well, on this particular day, the fish were playing hard to get.  They were just giving us the fin.

 Brook trout fishing requires stealth and little movement, otherwise you will spook them.  We had to stand still in hip boots with our hands constantly exposed and wet.  We couldn’t fish properly wearing gloves because we just couldn’t feel the delicate nibbles.  Finally, after 3 or 4 hours, we had to leave them for it was just too cold. 

 We couldn’t wait to hop into my car and start the heater.  But when we got to the cart, my hands were so cold I had no strength to unlock the door.  Then I tried unlocking it with both hands.  No luck.  I asked Jerry to unlock it and his hands were just as cold as mine and he couldn’t unlock it either.  Then we tried unlocking it with 4 hands, my two and Jerry’s two hands on top of mine.  (That must have been a sight)  No luck. 

 Our hands were so cold and weak that we couldn’t figure out if it was us or the lock had frozen up.   Probably a little bit of both.  We couldn’t even flick the Zippo lighters to melt the locks.  We were standing there on a country road next to the car trying to figure what to do next, when a car approached us and Jerry flagged him down.  The driver lowered his window a little and asked if he could help us. 

 Now, here I have to paint the picture.  Here we were two young strong men weighing over 200 lbs each in our late 20’s approaching his car in our hip boots.  At that time, Jerry sported long hair, a full beard and mustache.   When he bent down to talk through the car window a look of sheer panic crossed the driver’s face.  Charles Manson, the murderer, was in the news those days and perhaps the man thought Jerry looked liked him and he would be slain right then and there on the spot.  When Jerry asked him if he could unlock our car for us, he floored the gas pedal and spun out, kicking up rocks and gravel.  We watched him race down the country road kicking up a cloud of dust that lingered for some time afterward.    Laugh…………You had to be there.

 Eventually we got the car door open and laughed all the way home.

Nearly 45 years have passed since that event but about this time each year, the subject comes up and Jerry and I still laugh like heck.  In retrospect Jerry wondered what the driver’s reaction would have been if we had just asked him to sit there for 5 minutes with the engine running so we could sit on the ground and hold our hands by his tailpipe.  Guaranteed, 10 minutes after he left the men in white coats would have arrived to take us to a warm place.

 

 

To Old Man Winter: Give it up!

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Even though there was over 18 inches of ice on our lakes on Wednesday (March 26), ice fishermen should be careful from here on. Ice fishermen love winters like this as they get in an extra week or two of ice fishing. They will find a way onto the ice, even if they have to lay boards from the shore over the open water to the ice. If you are one of them, be careful. There were times when my friends and I did that in the morning, but got wet feet getting off, due to the thawing during the day.

The Onota Boat Livery 2014 Ice Fishing Contest ended on March 16. Congratulations to the following winners who won $50 prizes: Largest pike – 22 lbs 13 oz, 45 ½ inch out of Onota Lake, caught by Rich Rando of Cheshire; Largemouth Bass – 5 lbs 6 oz, 22 inch out of Pontoosuc Lake caught by Austin Dufur of Adams; Smallmouth Bass – 3 lbs 1 oz, 18 inch out of Onota Lake by George Hess of Pittsfield; Perch – 1 lb 10 oz, 15 inch out of Pontoosuc Lake by Charlene Michon of Shaftsbury, VT; Crappie – 1 lb 8 oz, 15 inch out of Pontoosuc Lake by Joe Schwartz of Stephentown, NY; Pickerel – 5 lbs 3 oz, 28 inch out of Stockbridge Bowl, by Joe Chague (nephew) of Pittsfield and Trout – 5 lb 8 oz, 25 inch, out of Onota Lake caught by Roy Harvender of Stephentown, NY. *****

Say, remember that youngster mentioned in this column a few weeks back who caught all of those large pike? Dylan Crea, who recently turned 13 years old, had caught and released pike weighing 14.2 lbs, 15 lbs, 18.9 lbs and 19.8 lbs. Well he did it again! On March 13 he caught a 13.8 lb Tiger Muskie out of Pontoosuc Lake which was 40 inches long with a 15 inch girth. That in and of itself was a remarkable feat, but consider this: tiger muskies, which are a cross between a muskellunge and pike, have not been stocked into our waters since 2006. Furthermore, being hybrids they cannot reproduce.

According to information obtained from Google, their average life span is 8 to 10 years. It is quite possible that we will never see another one caught out of our waters, unless someone catches it again. You see, Dylan released that fish back into Pontoosuc Lake after measuring and weighing it. To see a picture of Dylan holding that fish, click onto www.berkshireoutdoorsman.com, then subcategory “ice fishing”.*****

This should be my last column dealing with ice fishing this year. It has been a great ice fishing season with a lot of big fish being caught. Seriously, I could have featured a picture of a big fish in every column. Some of the delegates of the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen recently commented on the number of large fish caught in the Berkshires through the ice this season and they asked Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Western District Manager Andrew Madden why. With tongue in cheek he quickly responded “good management”. *****
Keeping with ice fishing, last weekend, Joe Chague had an ice fishing class on Onota Lake for Sacred Heart Church’s Pack #20 Cub Scouts. He was assisted by his friend Dan Miraglia. The youngsters were taught how to cut holes through the ice, sound the holes, set up and bait tip-ups, how to jig for fish, etc. The kids made their own jig sticks. Midway through the class, they were provided with cups of hot chocolate.
They had a great time even though the fish were not biting and it started to rain. Each kid went home with a prize. The Onota Boat Livery donated much of the equipment such as bait, jigging sticks, sounders, etc. Perhaps we will see them out ice fishing with their parents next year.
Incidentally, DFW’s Madden reports that due to the delayed spring thaw, trout stocking will likely begin later this year, around the last week of March or the first week in April in many areas around the state. To find out what water bodies are stocked, click onto the MassWildlife Trout Stocked Waters page. Once stocking has begun, check the stocking schedules which will be updated by Friday of each week. For you folks who don’t use those new fangled computer gadgets, I will list the stocked waters in this column *****
The Lenox Sportsmen’s Club had it club elections a while back and here are its 2014 officers: President – Tom Ferguson of Pittsfield, VP- Mark Jester of Pittsfield, Secretary – Brady Kerr of Dalton and Treasurer – Bernie Abramson of Pittsfield.
The officers for the Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited are President – Allen Gray of Pittsfield, VP – Ron Wojcik of Windsor, Treasurer – Richard Bordeau of Pittsfield and Secretary – Marc Hoechstetter of Cummington.
Many thanks for your dedication and hard work.

Questions/comments: Berkwoodsandwaters@roadrunner.com. Phone/fax: (413) 637-1818..

Hi Matt

The kids in the picture are from Pack #20 Cub scouts. They are l to r: Brandon Todriff, Fritz Sanders, Josh Bartolotta and Joey Roccabruna.