Our Own Paradise

I don’t think that anyone sees Massachusetts as a trout “capital,” ranked world-wide or even nationally, compared to locations like Colorado, Utah, Canada, Iceland, and parts beyond. Many wonder how this relatively small state, where almost half the land has no wild trout to speak of, stack up to these havens, these world-renowned angling paradises? I respectfully submit that Massachusetts wild trout water is not only on par with these greats, but that Massachusetts trout water is worthy of notoriety, worthy of protection, and worthy of fishing! While the water may not be the most accessible, the rivers (generally) might not be wide enough to bomb 90’+ casts to big salmonids, Massachusetts is without exception, one of the most diverse and beautiful places to fish that I have ever been to, and I am proud to call it “home.”

Fly fishing for trout has, and continues to bring me to some of the most awe-inspiring places. Some locations I have passed by countless times in my youth, never noticing or appreciating them at the time, some places practically scream, “come fish here!” as I get closer to them, part of the adventure is trying to visit and demystify them all. Clients, family, and friends have all heard me utter the words, “so much water, so little time,” and I really feel that if you fished Massachusetts alone, all day and every day, it would take you a lifetime to visit all of the water, if not more. In exploring these wooded havens, I find something completely different than I find in any other form of fly fishing. The quietude, interrupted only by the sounds of nature, calms my heart and mind, I can focus on just being present in the moment and enjoying everything around me. This is but one aspect of the amazing experience that is fly fishing for wild trout in Massachusetts.

With short and light rods in hand, rigged with floating line and the small streamers that I find so effective, we make our way to waters oft-overlooked by the casual angler and weekend-warrior. These tight-quarters streams, technical and unforgiving, are the waters I enjoy fishing most for a number of reasons – from the lack of other anglers, to the sheer joy of being in such naturally beautiful and historical places, I treasure these are magical spots and am lucky to share them with others.

When my clients and I go to these waters, we rarely (if ever) see another angler, not that the waters aren’t plenty fishy, though they often appear that way to the untrained eye. The fish we encounter on these waters aren’t large, they are rarely in excess of 12” in length, but they are without hesitation, unequivocally beautiful. We find these fish in the shallow riffles, deep runs, and unbelievable under-cuts that line these rivers and streams, and they are (almost) always hungry, and always provide a thrilling experience once on the line. It has been my experience that wild brook trout hit the fly harder, (release and) run faster, and possess an unparalleled beauty when compared with other trout of the North East. Tossing a roll or bow-and-arrow cast down-stream, there is almost immediately a fish on the line, and after a quick trip to the rubber-basket net for a picture or two, our new friend is released back to where he/she came from to swim and fight another day.

There is something about brook trout streams that set them apart from all other fishing opportunities in New England. When you go brook trout fishing, with or without me, it’s important to take time to appreciate all the beauty; in the trees and grass, in the breeze that blows, in the sound of the babbling brook, and the awe-inspiring perfection of the creature in your net. I cannot speak strongly enough about the countless angling opportunities afforded to us in Massachusetts, but I will implore you one last time to come and visit, see what it’s all about!

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Geoff Klane, better known as Brackishflies is a tremendous figure in fly fishing and New England. His passion for fly fishing is unparalleled. Geoff shines bright through his work of guiding as well as unbelievably unique and beautiful rod building. For all of his fishy photos, flies, rods, and guiding, be sure to follow Geoff on Instagram at @Brackishflies

Photos by Brady Hall