April 2025 Newsletter

Central MA Chapter of Trout Unlimited - April Newsletter

 

 

Hello Cold Water Fisheries Advocates,

 

We continue to provide opportunities to fill some of those holes in the fly box made by donations at the stream.

 

The April meeting will be held at the Auburn Sportsman’s Club.

 

Date: Monday, April 7th

 

Start Time: 6:00PM

 

Our April meeting (4/7) will be dedicated to this Dam removal project and the path forward. We will have Sasha Dyer from the MA Fisheries and Wildlife Board Member, Central Wildlife Representative.

 

You do not want to miss this one. Sasha will provide us with much information and please, bring your questions.

 

Think about the impact of this successful dam removal on the Quinie and it's residents (and Spring/Fall Visitors!). The fish are probably talking about their great-great-great....... grandfather used to swim over this new length of stream.

 

Also, what are you going to do differently with the potential of a 5+pound Brown at the end of your line!!!

 

This will kick-off follow-on projects to support this newly rejuvenated Cold Water Fishery. The Excitement continues.

 

Also, we are very interested in local event opportunities for the Chapter. We would love to hear any your ideas on events that are either fishing or community service/Cold Water related. Please send your thought and ideas to:

 

centralmatu@gmail.com

 

The Season is upon us!!!

 

I've already had some good success down on the Farmington River in CT. The weather was still cold, so down and dirty was the approach. I pulled out my Czech Nymph rod that was just re-fitted with a new 3X leader. I like these new micro swivels and had one attached to the 3X leader. I added a short section of 4X off the micro for the 1st fly and ran 18" of 3X down to the next micro. On that micro I attached another short section of 4X and an 18" section of 4X. with the 3X backbone - I hope to only lose 1 fly at a time. Keep in mind, I am now running all my nymphs on jig hooks. I avoid a lot of hang-ups and like the firm set in the upper lip.

 

I started with a green caddis in the middle, a Frenchie on the end and a San Juan up top. Nothing. I then switched to a Black Stone Fly. I've tried the Pat's Rubber Legs, but have not had mutch success. This one is tied with a bunch of Tin Wire wrapped on the body and flattened. I build up the body with a very fine black chaniel with rubber legs, tail and antennae and a big Bead for weight.

 

The first fish gave the most subtle of takes. Very slight, but enough to feel with the tight line. Set the hook and off to the races. A nice 15" Brown. Shortly after, a similar strike, but a better fight from an 18" Brown.

 

Great to be back on the water.

 

Here are some options for you that we will discuss at the April meeting:

 

Event #1 - The Caddis Weekend on the Deerfield - Estimate is the first weekend in June (6 - 8)

 

This is prime Caddis Time and a whole lot of fun. The TU Council puts this on and there is good attendance from all the chapters in MA. There are cabins that make the event very easy and planned activities throughout the weekend, but the big focus is dry fly eating Browns. We will be looking for those interested at the April meeting and then make reservations as required.

 

This is a very interesting stream and conservation success story. TU worked with the state to secure the upper stretches of this stream for Native Trout. Due to the nature of the stream, the abundance of food and endless supply of cold (bottom release water), the native fish are well established. The state no longer stocks the upper stretch and the fish you catch there are natives - and those natives get big!

 

Event #2 - A weekend on the Farmington River in CT - Friday, Sept 19 thru Sunday, Sept 29 - Two Weekends!

 

There were not many dates for the cabins on the Farmington. However, we found a September opportunity and have a cabin for a stretch in September that includes 2 weekends. The weather should be perfect for fishing and the Farmington is always producing something that we can copy with some feathers and thread. We will be looking to get names on the calendar at the April meeting. Priority will be going to those with more meeting attendance.

 

We hope to see you at the April meeting and as always -

 

Pizza Will be served!

 

Tight Lines,

 

Peter Sterndale

 

President, Central MA Chapter of Trout Unlimited

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