2005 Brown Trout Stocking
For the third consecutive year, members of the Millers River Chapter worked
with the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Wildlife to stock brown trout
into the upper Catch and Release stretch of the river. This section, commonly
referred to as the Bearsden area, is among the most remote sections that the
Millers runs through. In a new twist this year, Paul Fischer and Pat Higgins
float stocked the more remote downstream areas using improvised containers
attached to pontoon boats. Given reports from anglers fishing the Bearsden,
this has been another huge success. Thank you to everyone that came out and
lugged buckets of fish!
Youth Outreach
The Millers River Chapter of Trout Unlimited is committed to raising awareness
of our watershed and exposing our youth to the sport of flyfishing. Pictured
is Ken Elmer giving a casting demonstration to a group Boy Scouts at a recent
gathering at the Gardner Fish and Gun Club. In addition to casting lessons,
tying demonstrations and lessons are available. Please contact
Ken Elmer to learn about other
opportunities for your group.Back the Brookie
Native to waters from Georgia to Maine, the brookie is considered "America's
fish" by many a remnant of days gone by, when all streams and rivers were pure
and crystal clear flowing freely through lush forests and natural landscapes.
The current decline of native brook trout signals a decline in watershed health.
And unhealthy watersheds cannot provide clean water, a basic necessity for life.
Back the Brookie combines the best of Trout Unlimited - passionate, dedicated,
grassroots volunteers with professional fisheries staff - to work towards the
brook trout's future and the health of our watersheds.
This campaign focuses its efforts in three major areas. First is advocacy of
the brook trout. Because of its 'canary in a coal mine' qualities, the brook
trout is an ideal focal point for TUs environmental goals. Second, education of
the public is absolutely necessary in order to garner support for our initiatives.
And third is undertaking habitat projects. As a result of advocacy and
education efforts, TU expects to be able to raise funding to support habitat
projects throughout the brook trout's native waters.In New England, this effort got started in the Fall of 2004 when a TU study highlighting the most prominent threats to brookies was released.
For additional information, please visit the official Back the Brookie website.