Meadow Stream, Swamp Stream

Most of the small trout streams in Massachusetts run through dense forest in steep terrain. These streams are fun, but it's nice to have a change of pace from time to time.

One of my favorite streams, and fortunately one of the closest to home, is not like the others. This stream flows through relatively flat terrain, much of it swampy with few trees. Normally this would lead to lethal water temperatures, but there are  many springs which keep the water cold.

The Ausable Wulff - a great small stream fly

My favorite stretch runs through an area formerly flooded by a small dam. The former pond is now a meadow through which the stream meanders, forming deep pools near undercut banks. Brookies lie in wait under these banks, ready to pounce on any insect that slips off the overhanging vegetation.

The Meadow

Upstream of this section is an area I call the swamp stream. The land on either side of the stream is flat, muddy, and overgrown with small shrubs and bushes. In some sections the bushes have grown over the stream entirely, leaving just a few small holes in which to cast a fly. Despite the occasional difficult cast, brookies are abundant here. The tough terrain probably keeps most fisherman out, and the brush provides good protection from predators.

The Swamp

Aaron fishing the swamp

I've fished here 3 times in the past week, with all trips yielding multiple brookies. There are supposed to be a few browns in here as well, but I've yet to catch one.

Rain and cool temperatures in the next few days should leave our small streams in excellent shape - this week should be some of the best small stream fishing of the year. Fish are taking dries readily and we shouldn't have to worry about temperatures yet.