Evening Sun Fly Shop

There are many places where one can buy fly rods, reels, lines and fly tying materials but one will be hard pressed to find all of that AND fly fishing knowledge like one will find at the Evening Sun Fly Shop in Pepperell, Ma. "Charlie" Shadan has it all!! This place is fully stocked with everything that the fly angler could ever want PLUS Charlie is a fountain of information on local (New England) rivers, conditions, flies and tactics. Planning a trip to Montana?? Ask Charlie on where to go and what to do when you get there. Saltwater?? Ask Charlie!! I will not mention any establishment on this forum unless it's worth it. The Evening Sun Fly Shop fills that requirement. I bought a great Temple Fork 4wt from Charlie after discussing my needs. I put that rod to the test on the Swift this past month. Perfect!!!!!

In case anyone is wondering - this advertisement is free. Check my link to the Evening Sun Fly Shop. You will benefit if you stop here.

BUY LOCAL if you can.

MRF

Finally, the first cast of '08 - Swift River

Well, my start to the 2008 fly fishing season started about a month late! I got down to the Swift below the hatchery around 7:30am to find two other fly fishers in position. It was cold with lines freezing to the guides and the reel seizing up every few minutes.

Things have changed in the two months since I've been there. First, that injured blue heron that everyone was "feeding" is gone. One angler said it was reduced to a pile of feathers a few weeks ago by some critter. Second, the billion small rainbows of November and December are long gone except for a few survivors courtesy of the "catch and keep" regs that we have to live with until July. How was my "Opening Day"? Eleven rainbows and one good brown in about 3 1/2 hours. All were caught on a size 16 hot spot. A few of the 'bows were in the 14-16 inch range and all were taken just below the "pipe". The 'bow in the picture is a bit over 12 inches.

A good day and a good start to the year. Only three months until the Millers is fishable.

MRF

I Hate Winter but....

The Millers River in South Royalston

Well, I broke my New Years Resolution by not getting out to fly fish in January. A few storms and other obligations kept me off the Swift River in January. That may be ok since the river has been a "pushover" since late November. I'll be out in a week or two.

So what has this fly fisher been up to? Fly tying, what else. I've tied up lots of dries which in these mid-winter dreams will float perfectly over rising browns which will always rise and be landed. That's what winter is in New England. I hope that I will be able to pass some fly dressings on to you this month. I have one that really worked for myself and for those that I guided this past season.

Stay Tuned,

MRF