<Ok, it's Winter and the only game in town will be the Swift at least from late December through mid March but maybe even earlier. As you know the Swift is a neat tailwater that doesn't freeze over and provides good fishing through these dark months but some winters are different than others.
Last winter we started a flow rate of about 50 cfs which continues. This rate is fairly low which will cause the water to cool off more quickly than if the flow was higher. You saw ice forming around the PIPE section last year in places that it had never appeared before. This colder water will lower the trout's metabolism which will decrease their need for food. The Y Pool isn't really effected because the water hasn't had time to cool off yet. (We're talking about ice close to the current and not along the shore, shore ice is common).
Am I complaining? Sort of. Fishing seemed a bit slow below Rt.9 last Winter and I believe that's the reason. The remedy? Bring the flow up to 100 cfs. It's a good flow and most anglers like it better than 50 cfs. Will it happen?? No way unless we get pounded by rain but we are in a drought that doesn't seem to want to end.
Things are still doing well on the EB. Get there before it freezes over!!
Time to tie some flies.
Ken
9 comments:
I like your revised 'three rivers' name. I remember once two or three years ago the Swift ran over 400 - I want to say 800 but may be wrong. Couldn't put your toe in then. The good thing was that salmon and lakers washed over the spillway . All summer the spillway flowed and held some nice fish. That was exceptional. There are now still plenty of picky fish below Rt9 and more above. 50 cfs probably won't vary much, nor will the bubbler water temp. That's the beauty of this tailwater. Go get 'em.
Bob O,
The salmon went over the spillway in the Fall/Winter of 2011/2012. That high water over the spillway lasted until around May but they kept the release from the dam at a good, solid flow. The Summer of 2009 had flows around 700 and fishing was terrible. I have some posts from that time which record those events.
Ken
The fishing in November that year was unbelievable on the Swift. It was a blast catching roaming salmon and lakers in 2 feet of water below Rt 9. A rare treat that I've only had the chance to experience once on that river.
Kozpa,
I agree. That year was the perfect storm: Quabbin overflowing just as the salmon started to move around to spawn. Maybe we will see it again some year.
Ken
Ron C.
This fly collection is offered by TU and is a collection of what you already have in your fly box. If you are new to fly fishing and don't tie your own this may be considered a starter kit.
Ken
I hit the EB on Sat. and for me, had an epic day. Fishing to rising fish in the middle of Nov. is just a blast. 11 bows and one beautiful brown that filled my net. I am not sure I would have made the 2 hour trip if not for this blog... thanks!
tbooth,
Wish I was there but my daughter was getting married that day (my family has an epidemic of marriage lately - hers and mine) but that wonderful Indian Summer day did have me thinking about the EB. I'm not a bad father just a fly fisher!! Anyway, I had a great day and so did you!!
The EB is where it's at!!
Ken
Ron C,
"Portuguese Flats" on the Millers???
I've never heard of that spot and I've been fishing that river for 30 seasons. Guess someone decided to name a spot lately. Oh well.
Ken
Ok, it's Winchendon and that area that you are talking about. I don't fish that area with all the great water down below.
Don't get me going about the Gorge Pool. I can trace that name back to the 1940's through Rodney Flagg who said that's what anglers called it back then. The other names were created in 2004 and that's a fact. I like local history as you can see.
Ken
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