Deerfield River Fishing Report 4/12/18

Some warmer weather has finally arrived this week. Fishing will improve as water temps rise out of the 30’s. Water flows have been good below Fife Brook Dam with some minimum flows allowing good wading conditions.

Woolly Buggers 6-12, Sculpin Bunny 4, Headbangers 4, Pheasant Tail  12-16, Natural/Olive Caddis Larva  12-18, Black/Brown/Golden Stonefly Nymphs 8-12, Frenchies 12-16, Rainbow Warriors 14-18, Squirmies Pink and Red, Midges 24-26. Green eggs have been working good as well.

Felt soles, studded felt or studded rubber soles are highly recommended. Plain rubber soles are very slippery.

The water levels on the Deerfield River are constantly changing due to the many dams throughout. If you are looking to wade waste deep to stalk rising trout then the 130cfs water flows in the catch and release areas is the ideal flow. If you are willing to adapt and throw on a nymph or streamer then you’ll be effective during the water releases of 800-1,000. The lower river (below #2 Buckland Dam) the river widens out a bit and normally does not drop below 300cfs. Good dry fly conditions would be between 300-500cfs. If you are willing to adapt and fish nymphs and streamers then you can be effective at higher water levels. For the catch and release area you can check the water flows here: http://www.h2oline.com/default.aspx?pg=si&op=255123. For below the #2 Buckland Dam check the water flow here: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ma/nwis/uv/?site_no=01171500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060. Always be prepared and paying attention for rising water flow. They are subject to change always. Always check the flows before you go out and while you are out if possible!