Deerfield River Fishing Report 3/16/19

Warmer weather is upon us. Water is still quite cold 40-42 degrees. Buggers and streamers have been putting a few fish in the net. Some are suttle strikes and others are vicious takes. Heavy flies or a sink tip line is helpful to get down to the fish. This is the time of year you can get into quality fish. Check waterflows before you head out.

With the warmer weather the runoff will come. The Millers was fishable but has now gone back up. The Swift is slowly coming down and more access points will open up.

Olive Sculpin Bunny4, Sculpzillas 4-8, Olive/Black Woolly Buggers 6-10, Heisenbergs 6,  Mini DD 4, Mini Headbangers 4. Chart, Green and Clown Eggs 14, Chart/Tan Mops 10-12,  Pheasant Tail Nymphs 12-18, Natural/Olive Caddis Nymphs 10-16, Black/Brown/Golden Stones 8-12, Sexy Walt 12-16, Prince Nymph 12-16, Copper Johns 12-16, Pink/Orange Hot Spot Nymphs 12-16, Rainbow Warriors 14-18,  Pink Squirmies 12. 

Recommended equipment: 4-6 Weight Rods. WF And sink Tip Lines. 4X-6X Leaders and Tippet. Felt Soles, Felt + Studs, Rubber + Studs. Wading staff highly recommended

Water Flows for Fife Brook Dam can be found here: https://www.safewaters.com/facility/22

Water release schedule for the next day is posted after 5pm. Check again before you head to the river. Minimum Flow 130 CFS (Cubic Feet/Second). Ideal for wading and Dry Fly Action. Normal Release 800-1,000 CFS

Catch and release area #1 starts at Fife Brook Dam and continues to the Hoosac Tunnel Bridge. Fishable Year Round. Catch and release area #2 starts where Pelham Brook enters the Deerfield and ends at the Rt2 bridge. Water release from Fife Brook Dam takes approx. 2 hours to reach this area. Normal Release 800-1,000 CFS