Drawn from approximately 70' below the surface of the
Quabbin Reservoir, the Swift River discharges through
the base of Windsor Dam and boils up to what is know
to locals as the "Bubbler." From this point downstream
to Rte 9, the Swift is an outstanding Catch
and Release - fly fishing only, tailwater fishery.
Cold water from the Quabbin, with seasonal temperatures
ranging from 37 to 61 degrees, allow this river to be
an excellent year-round trout fishery.
It is well stocked with rainbows with some nice brook
and brown trout in the mix. You might also find a few
landlocked salmon in the Swift, which may have been washed
over the spillway. Trout in the 16-18 inch category are
not uncommon. By mid summer all trout are very well educated
and become more difficult to catch. The immediate area
at the "Y" Pool, is one of a few spots where dry fly
fishing can be had year 'round. You will find many fly
fishers here, willing to share what fly, size and techniques
they are using if you are having difficulties.
This area and beyond the Rte. 9 Bridge, gin-clear water
is the norm with shallow flat pools, joined by riffles,
and runs that lead into a few deeper pools. The first
large pool below the dam is led by a shallow gravely
riffle flowing into it. This pool is known to locals
as the "Y" pool, as you can see by its shape. Along with
many fly fishers, some accompanied by local guides, you
can find many large fish cruising the pool and the bouldery
and backwaters of the spillway section. Fishing here
can surprisingly produce a picture perfect trout, found
feeding on the edges of the far banks.
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Downstream from the pool's end, the Swift continues and
wanders through the cover of the forest with the bottom
turning siltier. With limited gravely runs to be seen,
trout are found here in abundance throughout the year
and are very noticeable in the heat of the summer. If
you walk up from the Rte 9 Bridge during this time, it
is a great way to get out of the heat and to enjoy the
solitude of the area. This tranquil setting is usually
broken up by the slurping sounds of trout devouring caddis,
deer crossing your path, or fly fishers enjoying making
their "perfect" cast. During the heat of the summer,
you can get away with a short sleeved shirt during the
day, but make sure you pack a sweat shirt for the evenings
when the sun sets over the horizon, it can get pretty
cool here. |
From the Rte. 9 Bridge to Cady Lane, the catch and release
fly fishing only regulations change from July 1 to December
31. Catch and release, artificial flies and lures only,
open the Swift up to conventional tackle during this
time. The characteristics of the river remain much the
same as the areas above the bridge, with the inclusion
of deeper and slower pools which will eventually turn
into "jungle style" fishing. Few flyfishers can be found
in this area because of the lack of casting room. This
area is popular for the spin fisher and with the available
boat launch, you will see canoes and small rowboats well
below the Rte 9 Bridge. Holdover, a few wild, and annually-stocked
trout abound in this area as well as regularly stocked
fish from the state hatchery that is located downstream.
For the most part, the Swift River is lined with trees
that provide shade. The section below the bridge is accessible
from Route 9 and the roads bordering the river. To enter
the area know as the "Bubbler", you canwalk up from Rte
9, with a shorter way through the Quabbin Reservoir main
gate. This will take you by the visitor's center, where
many of your questions can be answered. As you cross
the dam and take an immediate right, you will end at
a parking lot and picnic area. Once there, you can see
the small power plant with the "Bubbler" just below it.
This is a great area to cure cabin fever during the winter
months, practice new techniques and maybe even meet some
nice people who are doing the same. If you decide to
spend a day or two on the Swift River, there is beautiful
site seeing in the watershed and picnicking areas for
the family. Just 10 minutes west from the main gate on
Rte 9 is the Town of Belchertown. Here you can find snacks,
sandwiches, and fast foods as well as tackle shops to
answer any questions you may have.
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