Massachusetts - Deerfield River
Coldwater trout fishing in southern New England can be hard to find in summer, which makes the Deerfield River tailwater in northwestern Massachusetts a special place. There are two catch-and-release areas: from Fife Brook Dam downstream to the Hoosac (railroad) Tunnel, and from Pelham Brook downriver to the Mohawk Campground. Beware of water-level changes caused by power generation. Reach the river via Zoar Road off U.S. 2 near Charlemont. Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, 617-626-1590; mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/dfw_toc.htm

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Guide's Tips
Species: Trout
Guide: Harrison Anglers; harrisonanglers.com; 508-255-2620
Rig Specifics: 7 1/2- to 8 1/2-foot flyrod with a 3-foot leader, tapered to 2X, and a sink-tip fly line. Use woolly buggers and other big flies.
Quick Tip: Don't let the fly sink too much. Once it gets down, strip it back quickly. A lot of the hits are purely because the fish is curious.
Where to Fish: The 7-mile stretch from the Fife Brook Dam in Florida downstream, along River Road.

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Photos From Deerfield River