Report from Western MA

Walt & I launched around 7:50 am this morning, hoping to improve our score from the previous trips. Air temp was around 63 degrees with the water at 74 degrees. The breezes/wind did not materialize significantly until almost 11 am. Which is when we really started to connect. We pulled off at 2 pm. today, due to impending black storm clouds which threatened us.

We started off attempting to drift, but casting proved to be most effective during this relatively calm period of early to mid morning fishing. Once the wind picked up (ahead of the storm clouds), the drift bite increased significantly. And this attributed to our finally tally of 31 fish between us for the day.

Two were rainbow trout, a couple of gills, two pickeral (out over 23' of water no less!) with the rest being our target, crappie. Straight tails proved most effective, with a paddle tails next, Roadrunners last. I even tried drift trolling some of the Johnson crankbaits which I was so fortunate to win in last month's contest. Kept a rod going on them for about an hour, but no takes. Great action on these plugs and I maintain high hopes for their productivity in the near future.

Here are some pics of our day:









Our biggy for the day:



All in all a very pleasant experience. I believe Walt and the gate attendant are correct about a serious fish kill occurring last fall. The two previous seasons reflected an average take of between 70 - 90 fish per trip. So far this season, the results have been far less. But we will persevere an eventually our tally will improve. Even if it doesn't, this is still one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences any fisherman could par take. Especially with Walt at the helm.