It has been quite some time since I’ve had the opportunity to fish the Millers, so I was glad to be back in the area a couple weeks ago.  The flows in Massachusetts have finally fallen to more easily wade-able levels, and I decided to go check out one of my favorite spots.  This section of the river has a little something for everyone.  It starts with riffles that empty into a long pool, which glides downstream into faster water.

When I arrived, there were only two other fly fishers there, and we all had plenty of room to fish.  The other two people were fishing everyone’s favorite riffle to pool section, so I fished the tail out portion of the pool.  I decided to try out this new streamer I’ve been experimenting with but haven’t used.   This streamer is inspired by a fly I was introduced to in Slovenia. It’s a size 10, and I don’t often have an excuse to toss flies that large.  Needless to say, I was excited to try it out.  In short order, I hooked a chunky rainbow and quickly brought it to the net.  It felt good to make a 45 foot cast, and feel a strike while swinging the streamer across the current.  Here’s a photo of the streamer I’ve been working on:

I took a lot of elements of the original design and added a cone shaped bead, some flash, and hackle to the body and sides.  I think it’s a great brook trout imitation, and most importantly; it works!  I caught a couple more, and ended up leaving a little early. The other trout fell to my old reliable.  (I may as well name that fly the old reliable) Here’s one of the bows with my dog, Arlo.  He’s gotten to be quite a barker lately, and was in a weird barky mood while at the river.  It’s back to training for him.