Next Meeting: |
Rock Snot? Didymo? Didymo, or 'rock snot', as it is commonly known, is the latest invasive species to potentially impact our watershed. Originally native to Europe, rock snot has had a huge impact to New Zealand fisheries and was discovered close to home in the summer of 2007 in the Upper Connecticut River in Vermont/New Hampshire and the White and Battenkill Rivers of Vermont. Historically, rock snot has thrived in clear, cool, low nutrient waters but more recently appears to have become increasingly tolerant of warmer, more nutrient rich waters. Consisting of long stalks that intertwine themselves, it forms a matted yellowish brown mass that can choke out the insect life of a stream. When handled, it most closely resembles wet cotton balls or wool and is not slimy as most algae native to our area is and as the name would suggest. Unfortunately, there is no known way to eliminate or control this invasive species. Best information is that it has spread through contact with fisherman and can be spread in as little as a single drop of water. Our best protection is to educate ourselves to this threat and take the steps necessary to clean our equipment before spreading it further. Using the CHECK, CLEAN and DRY method is the best way to prevent it's spread. CHECK - Remove all visible clumps of algae and plant material from fishing gear, waders, clothing, water shoes and sandals, canoes and kayaks, and anything else that has been in the water. Do not wash down drains; dispose all material in trash. CLEAN - Soak and scrub all items for at least ten minutes in very hot water (at least 140 degrees F) with lots of soap. Felt-soled waders, clothes and other "soft" items need 30 minutes!! DRY - Whenever possible, dry items thoroughly for at least 48 hours before using them in another waterbody. Check thick absorbent items closely to assure that they are dry throughout. Equipment and gear can also be placed in a freezer until all moisture is frozen solid. Additional information is available at: //www.mass.gov/dcr/waterSupply/lakepond/hottopic/ht_didymo.pdf |
|
  |
It's finally here!
Now available at all Millers River Chapter functions and other area retailers including:
$19.95 - Proceeds benefit the MA/RI Council of Trout Unlimited and the Millers River Chapter. For more information on the new edition or to order your copy, click here. |
 Congratulations to Sharon Hood of Royalston, MA. Sharon won the grand prize raffle of a full day guided trip for two with Harrison Anglers!  Thank you to all that supported this year's banquet. Once again we had a great evening highlighted by a presentation from J.R. Greene talking about the history of the Quabbin Reservoir towns. We had a great raffle table and many people walked away with nice prizes. Thanks also to our many supporters including Flagg's Flies and Harrison Anglers. 
|
About the Millers River
The Millers River, located in North Central Massachusetts, originates in
Ashburnham, MA and winds its way westward through 46 miles before emptying into
the Connecticut River in Erving. With 392 square miles drained by this river
and its tributaries, its water levels can be quickly influenced by rainfall.
The tea-stained water characteristic of this river is a result of the high
mineral content of this vast drainage area.
In the early 1970's the Miller's River gained a deserved reputation for pollution as a result of industrial PCB contamination. In the years since these problems were identified, efforts by many state, federal and private organizations have resulted in substantial improvements to water quality and environment. While the effects of PCB contamination can last for years, today, the river once again supports an array of wildlife including an insect population that sustains and fortifies the fishery.
The Millers receives trout stockings in the Spring and Fall as well as maintains a population of hold-over browns, some rumored to be quite large. A state advisory recommending against the consumption of brown trout, due largely to their ability to hold-over, has the effect of making the entire river a defacto catch and release stream. Stocked Rainbow trout are the exception and bear the burden of the put and take fishery.
While there are many smaller dams on the Millers, none provide a cool water source throughout the year. As a result, summer temperatures can force the water temperatures well above 70 degrees and fishing for trout in these conditions should be avoided.
The river can logically be classified into upper and lower sections separated at the Starrett factory dam in Athol, MA. The upper section starts at the headwaters in Ashburnham, continues through Winchendon and Royalston before entering Athol. The lower section progresses from this point in Athol, through Orange, Wendell Depot, Erving and ends at the Connecticut River. Each section has designated 'Catch and Release" waters where only artificial bait can be used and all fish must be returned to the stream unharmed.
One word of warning, the Millers River is a difficult wading river, full of large, slippery rocks. Felt soled wading boots are a must. Studded boots and a sturdy wading staff are also welcome companions on this river.