John Kumiski, Massachusetts

Massachusetts Fishing Report

Susan and I are in the commonwealth of Massachusetts, thus the Massachusetts fishing report.

Sumac leaves.

Monday afternoon I was looking for a place to go fly fishing in freshwater. I visited Wedge Pond in Arlington, Horn Pond in Woburn, the Merrimac River in Lowell, and the Concord River in several different towns. No access without a boat. I don’t have a boat here.

In Viet Nam Veterans Park in Billerica there is a small pond. I got a single fish, a banded sunfish. It was a small but beautiful fish, the first of that species that I have caught. It kept the skunk away!

Ripening pokeberries.

Then I spent some time photographing autumn in New England.

Tuesday morning I got up early and drove to Plum Island, hoping for giant stripers and bluefish. I went to the Merrimac River mouth. The tide was low but still outgoing. There was one other fisherman there, a spin fisher tossing a Hopkins spoon. He got nothing, the same as I. There was no bait or activity.

I walked to the jetty and clambered up. Using the jetty as a vantage I observed my surroundings. The ocean had significant surf, but all the birds were sitting on the beach. The river mouth lacked bait or any signs of life. I got in the car and drove to the south end of the island, through the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.

Milkweed pods releasing seeds.

By now the water was moving the other way. I walked to the east side of the island, where the surf was manageable, and started casting a Clouser Minnow. After at least thirty minutes of casting wasn’t I surprised by a strike! A small schoolie striper- skunk’s off!

Three more bass and a shad were caught and released and a couple strikes missed before such bite as there was stopped.

While taking lunch I considered the options. A decision was made to stay to wait for the outgoing tide and try it again.

More fishermen came once the tide began its ebb, all tossing spin tackle. We all worked it hard. I left at 430 without touching another fish. No one else hit anything either. A full day of fishing did not yield a giant fish of any kind, but four bass is so much better than nothing. I enjoyed watching nearly a full tidal cycle!

Thursday night I spoke to the United Fly Tyers of Bedford about fly fishing opportunities in Florida. It’s a great group of folks and I appreciate them hosting me!

On October 28 Fishing Florida by Paddle will be available. Click this link for more information!

That’s this week’s Massachusetts Fishing Report. Thanks for reading!

Life is great and I love my work!

Life is short- Go Fishing!

John Kumiski
www.spottedtail.com