landlocked atlantic salmon

Fishing Ethically

Quick Note: The word “redd” is used frequently in this post. For those who are unfamiliar with this term, a redd is the nest of a salmonid (trout, salmon, or char) where their eggs are deposited. To create a redd, the female digs a depression in a gravelly substrate with her tail. For this reason,Continue reading “Fishing Ethically”

In Lieu of Stocking

What a strange start to fall! With water levels as low as they have been, Mass Fish & Wildlife made the atypical decision to not stock many of the state’s regularly stocked rivers. In talking with local anglers, not one could recall a time when such a decision was made, including the horrific drought ofContinue reading “In Lieu of Stocking”

Fall Angling Opportunities Still Abound in Maine

I received some very disheartening news today: the water levels in many of my local rivers are too low to even support stocked trout this fall. Massachusetts limped through one of the worst droughts on record this summer. As the seasons turned, it seemed some autumn showers would replenish our lakes and rivers. Yet evenContinue reading “Fall Angling Opportunities Still Abound in Maine”

Rangeley Memorial Day Weekend 2022

Yes, I went to Rangeley over Memorial Day weekend. And yes, I’ll admit, it has been a while. With the school year and sports winding down, I figured I’d have all the time in the world to write this post. However, this was about the opposite of how the last few weeks played out. I’veContinue reading “Rangeley Memorial Day Weekend 2022”

If Only …

Over the past couple weeks, I’ve discovered one fundamental truth of the pastime we all love: fishing is hard. Perhaps that’s what makes it such an addictive sport. As school and activities have kicked into full-gear, and the end of Daylight Savings Time has granted far fewer hours of afternoon sunlight, I find it increasinglyContinue reading “If Only …”

6 Surprising Fish You Could Catch in Massachusetts

Massachusetts anglers are well versed with a myriad of fish species. On the eastern coast, striped bass, bluefish, and bluefin tuna rule the choppy Atlantic waters, drawing spin and fly fishers alike. Further inland, warmwater species like largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and pickerel abound. During the spring and fall, four species of trout are stockedContinue reading “6 Surprising Fish You Could Catch in Massachusetts”

Memorial Day Weekend at Rangeley

There’s something so magical and serene about breathing in the crisp mountain air, surrounded by spruce trees and Canada jays that there truly aren’t words to describe it. Rangeley, Maine is one of the most enchanting places to wet a line on this planet, and it holds a special place in my heart. My familyContinue reading “Memorial Day Weekend at Rangeley”

Chasing Giants

Every fall, the Stillwater River in Sterling, MA experiences a landlocked salmon run that makes anglers giddy. The fish, ranging anywhere from two to eight pounds, leave Wachusett Reservoir sometime in mid-to-late October to spawn. They are triggered by cooling temperatures and huge rains that raise the water level significantly. Once they are in theContinue reading “Chasing Giants”