Deerfield River Fishing Report 5/15/20

Hendricksons are here, pretty much up and down the Deerfield. Finding fish eating them is another story. I expect with the warmer weather more trout will start looking up for dinner. In the meantime if you don’t see fish rising, nymphs are getting it done–pheasant tails in a size 12 are great imitations of the Hendrickson nymph and are bringing many fish to net. Big stones like Pat’s Rubber Legs and caddis larvae are also producing. Smaller streamers like woolly buggers in olive and black will work as well. When you do find rising fish, comparaduns and sparkle duns in mahogany or pink are very effective.

The MIllers had been coming down nicely, almost to fishable levels in the Erving/Wendell area but I fear tonight’s rain may push the flows right back up. The Bear’s Den area will get back down to decent levels faster.

The various branches of the Westfield, even though on the high side, have been fishing well. The same nymphs as above will produce as will smaller streamers. Do check the flows before you go. For the East Branch, flows under 500 cfs are best. This river tends to drop fast.

Guided trips and lessons available, and we will start floating the river again next week! The store is still closed but Governor Baker will make an announcement of Monday morning with his reopening plan and we hope that we can see you all in the shop in the very near future!

Dries: Midges, tan Caddis 16-18, BWO 16-20, Hendrickson’s 12-14

Nymphs: Pat’s Rubber Legs,  Golden or Black Terminator Stone 8-12,14-18, Pheasant Tail Nymphs 12-18, Frenchies 12-16, Tan/Olive Mops, Natural/Olive Caddis Puppa/Larvae 12-16, Red/Copper Johns 12-16, Pink Squirmies 12, Sexy Walt 12-16. 

Streamers:  Woolly Buggers Olive/Black 6-10, White/Olive Sculpzilla 8,Bank Robber 2, Mini Headbangers, Complex Twist Bugger, Heisenberg Baby Bow/Cowboy/White 6, Sculpin Bunny, Black/Brown Rubber Bugger 4, Olive and Gold/White Mini Drunk & Disorderly.

Water Flows for Fife Brook Dam can be found here

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

For Miller’s River in Erving here

For Miller’s River Bear’s Den area here

For East Branch of the Westfield here