' Something to think about: if you fish the wrong fly long enough it will sooner or later become the right fly." - John Gierach
It was a bamboo week on the Swift for sure. In my 50 years of flyfishing I never saw a collection on cane addicts as this past week.
First it was Steve and Kristin last Sunday. I asked the usual question "what kind of rods do we have". First Kristin pulled out a vintage Orvis 6 ft 6 inch 4wt impregnated bamboo rod that was as close to mint condition as a 1970's rod could get. And it was a rocket launcher. Steve was not to be beaten when he assembled a Ted Simroe 8 foot 4wt. For those outside of the bamboo world Ted Simroe was one of the last artisans to work for the great Leonard Rod Company. Like the Orvis rod above it was a dream to cast.
As we made our way to our spot I noticed another angler just downstream from us and guess what? Another bamboo guy! That made three bamboo fans working a 300 yard section of the river. Not a graphite rod in sight!!!
It didn't stop there. I had worked the river with a 6 foot 3wt Paul Young for over a week but changed over to a Rick Taupier (of Swift River Rod Company) 7.5 foot Sierra rod for a DT 4wt. I love this rod!!!! Then someone said "Hi" and introduced himself as Pat and if I had a few minutes he'd like to show me something. Back he comes with a 7 foot 4wt rod made from a Payne taper. The neat thing is that he built it by himself starting with splitting the culm (cane) which makes him a "maker" and not an "assembler'.
It seemed that I had gone back in time to when cane ruled on the Swift!!!!
The Brookies And Their Fall color.
Ok, the brook trout are not yet running to their spawning areas BUT they are certainly putting on their Fall colors. Book me for a 3 or 6 hour trip on the Swift for this Autumn action.
BTW, I've heard encouraging reports about the Millers and the EB. The trout have survived the drought and are hitting flies. Let's take a trip.
Ken
11 comments:
You reminded me to break out my little Orvis 4wt for Olive season! Need to have Rick work on my Heddon.
Hard to find a cane rod over 8ft for a 4 wgt. that will work on the Swift. Thomas made one at 8.5ft a 3pc but it is very heavy in the hand.
Simroe's rods are excellently crafted as good as any Leonard. After all Ted was the master rod builder at Leonard during the late 60's ,70's 80's and some of the 90's.
Spent most of the morning scouting fishing spots (not fishing, just walking and observing) between the dam in Bondsville downstream to the industrial park, and downstream again to three rivers. There appears to be much cover and really inviting and interesting water to fish. I saw a few fish here and there and only one fisherman, but the surface action was non existent in the morning. Can any chime in on the fish population in these stretches. Seems like the cover and water is there to hold some fish all year long.......and no kayakers. Trying to get away from the "same old" on the swift.
I am really impressed with your efforts and really pleased to visit this post.
Oversized sturgeon in Oregon
Alex,
Thank you!
Chico,
Good to hear from you. Someone told me of trout caught were the Swift enters the Ware (just recently).
Steve,
I have an 8ft 5wt repro that actually feels good with a 4wt DT.
Anonymous 10:20,
Say HI to Rick for me.
Ken
Hey Ken,
I have an old long Montague Sunbeam from maybe the 50s that is in good condition but needs some work - (guide replacement, silk and maybe a new coat).
Any recommendations for a MA repairman for split cane?
-Andrew D
Andrew D,
Rick Taupier of Swift River Rods in New Salem is the guy to see on this. Just google up his company. IMHO the Montague, unless it has sentimental value may not be worth the cost of refinishing. Most Montague rods were low end although I once had a 9ft 6wt Montague Flash that was a decent rod.
Ken
Thank God for this downpour. I always fear for the tiny brookies in the hills during droughts.
Unknown,
I agree!
Ken
Chico, I will chime in. That part of the Swift is as much like a spring creek as you'll ever see. Still cold enough from the bottom draw of Quabbin though it is miles downstream. A real gift of a river, but the DFW treats it otherwise as if it were a put and take river or pond that warms up in summer. It could be so much better than it is if it weren't pounded by the freezer stuffers.
That said, time on the stream is needed to get to know the zones that hold trout. Not many zones do unfortunately. This time of year is especially difficult with depleted trout populations. Those that are left are dialed in to the smallest insects you can imagine. On my way out of another skunking I studied the insects drifting down and there was a steady parade of spent wing #26 tricos and blue winged olives.
Not as many brookies as in past years either. Not even close.
Sam
Sam,
The DFW should be electro shocking the Bondsville section to let us know what we have down there.
Ken
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