Some of you guys may remember this blog from way back in the day (well.. April). It was another blog that focused on local rivers in MA, primarily the Quinapoxet (hence the name). I was a big fan of it, and I have some good news… It’s back!
This blog is worth checking out. It’s good if you’re looking for reports on rivers in Central MA, and other information. Since I live in northeast MA, I talk a lot about northeast MA in my blog. It’s good to have a recourse that focuses more on central MA. So if you have a little extra time, give it a look.
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Looks like pretty good river. I don't fish for stockers, but found out that this river has some unstocked pocket water in the upper reaches. Might be worth checking out.
I have done some research and found that the Quinapoxet holds some decent numbers of wild brookies and browns, but the habitat is being degraded due to too much angler traffic and the stocking of rainbows. Maybe it would be a good idea to establish a catch and release and wild trout management area on this river because it would allow the river to heal and save the state money because they wouldn't have to stock. Maybe you could bring this idea up to the state or your TU chapter (that is, of course, if you agree with me).
Yeah, I don't have have much experience at the Quinnie, but I have caught a few wild ones from there. Also, importantly, both the Quinnie and the Stillwater are vital spawning grounds for the Wachusett Reservoir's salmon. There are only a few rivers that are suitable for spawning salmon, and it's sad to see people disrespecting the rare fish, and trashing the rivers. So to the point – yes, I agree with you 100%. The next place (or places) that need to become C&R are the Quinapoxet and the Stillwater. The natives and salmon need to be protected. And I have brought it up with state workers and similar figures, but you know how these things are in MA. Sadly, we may never see this river become C&R.
But the river is worth checking out.
~Troy
Hi Troy, You may never see this because it is 4 years later… haha but you say that the Quinnie hosts spawning salmon?
Does the stillwater also have natives? TU and the Fly Fishers Federation is launching a new program that is designed to create native fish conservation areas (NFCAs look it up). Maybe this could be a site for MA. Also, I would try and stick with it and change can happen (depending on your schedule and motivation to make it happen). If you reach out to other fly fishers with the same viewpoint, then you might be able to form a coalition to make the wild trout and salmon management area a possibility on these two rivers. Maybe the local TU chapter would consider something like this. Also, reach out to Steve Hurley of Mass DFW. He may be willing to help. I'm just throwing this out there in case you wanted to know my opinion..take it or leave it. I don't know your schedule, so if you are already too busy then it is what it is.
I am not sure about natives in the Stillwater. I don't fish over there very often, but it wouldn't surprise me if they were in there.
I looked up NCFA's, and it does seem like a great plan. I think that the Stillwater and Quinnie could use something like that, or a plain old C&R policy. And a large percentage of anglers who fish these rivers agree that there need to be restrictions. I'll won't be making a full time job out of trying to convince them, but I'll keep with it when I can. If I run into DFW workers, I always talk to them, and I'll do some talking with other groups. There is a large group that want's some change too, the only thing in the way is the fact that a ton of spin fishermen fish here to catch and keep. The DFW probably feels they need to cater to the majority of the anglers. I actually think fly fishers are the majority, but not everyone agrees.
~Troy
Great to see such a large group that wants change. Wish we had that majority here in RI. I tjink
Sorry accidentally hit post. But I think a C&R may not be enough, but that may be where you guys have to settle. I would set your sights on a wild trout management area in the upper part of the rivers that prevent stocking. This is what will really help the spawning salmon and brookies. The lower part can continue to be stocked and degraded, so the catch and keep crowd as something to look forward to. I personally think this upper and lower half method of management needs to be implemented on every river with wild trout because it makes the most sense in terms of habitat quality and angler happiness.
I agree with you about C&R not being enough, but actually has a fair chance of happening. But the upper and lower division is a good idea; it would satisfy both crowds and keep the fish happy too. I will bring this up with some people who have connections with the DFG. Thanks for that idea.
~Troy
No problem. Trying to satify everyone may not be as daunting as the DFG makes it out to be.
Fish migrate ,sometimes long distances. This has been proven with salter brook trout and salmon are known for their migration. The river and watershed have to be managed as a whole.
I agree with what you are saying, but I think that some protected area is better than none. Besides, they can always move from the C&R section to the unregulated section; a few fish would be kept, but not as many.
Thanks for checking out he blog,
~Troy