The Berkshires. Western Massachusetts.
The Berkshire Mountains are located in western Massachusetts and Connecticut. The mountain range is the southern continuation of the Green Mountains of Vermont.
For the fly fisherman the Berkshires is heaven! The range is home to an exceptional number of fabulous trout rivers. The Deerfield, Farmington, Hoosic, Housatonic, Swift and Westfield to name a few. Brook trout, Brown trout, Rainbow trout and if you are in the mood for something larger and meaner there is also Northern Pike.
The Berkshires are within close driving distance from New York and Boston and reasonable distances from Montreal and South Eastern Ontario. The scenic mountain river valleys are dotted with quaint historic towns and friendly residents that embrace tourism and fly fisherman. Great Barrington, Lee, Lennox and Stockbridge areas are great spots to embark on a Berkshire Fly Fishing adventure. The area has an abundance of campgrounds, quaint country inns, luxury Bed and Breakfasts, beautiful hotels and resorts.
With numerous hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail, the Berkshires are a popular tourist and vacation getaway area. The region is recognized as a cultural center for performing arts, museums, art institutes, music festivals, the renowned Kripalu Yoga Center and the Omega Institute.
But most importantly the exceptional trout fishing remains under the radar of most fly fisherman and hasn’t received the attention or notoriety that it deserves. I spent some time last spring fishing with our new guide in the Berkshires. I had some of the best days of trout fishing that I have ever had. Trout fishing can be fickle. To effectively work dry’s you need to have a hatch. Otherwise you are searching blind with attractors, nymphs or streamers. It’s always a treat when you get to target 
rising fish. It then becomes a challenge of skill. Fly fisherman versus Trout. Which is smarter. Which is more skilled. During my stay I was casting to rising trout the entire time. I missed many takes but hooked at least 20 good-size fish each day. Including a number of browns over 20” that didn’t make it to the net. And one Brown over 24”. Timing is everything. But the river showed itself. These are vibrant rivers in an exceptionally beautiful area of Massachusetts.
The area has an extremely healthy fishery, which is supported by a stocking program on many rivers by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Stocking programs of Rainbow, Brown, Brook and Tiger Trout take place in May and late fall. These stocked fish serve to supplement the already vibrant natural fish population.
The thing about the Berkshires that makes it such an exceptional fly fishing destination is that there are just so many great rivers. This gives the guide a tremendous variety of fisheries options when rivers are running high or low. It allows the guide to select a river that may have better flows, clarity and insect action.
Massachusetts Fly Fishing Guides
Our head guide is a gem. He is extremely courteous, respectful and has a great sense of humour. He has a friendly demeanour that will immediately make you feel comfortable. His positive attitude, willingness to assist with gentle instruction and intimate knowledge of the local rivers and entomology place him amongst the top guides that we have had the pleaser to fish with. Our guide has guided clients in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming but The Berkshires is where he grew up and where he calls home. He knows the waters of this area intimately. For the hardcore technical Fly Fisherman that wants the challenge of targeting large trout or pike our guide can step it up to test your ability and skills.
If you are seeking a great trout fishing adventure in the North Eastern US this is definitely worth every penny. All fly fisherman dream of finding themselves on a river in the midst of an epic mayfly or caddis hatch. Trout rising to drifting flies everywhere. Usually we only ever get the chance to read about them in our favourite magazines. This is your chance to experience your fly fishing dreams.
Guided Fly Fishing Trips
We are a Catch & Release Only Service.
Walk & Wade
With an abundance of great rivers to choose from in the area we will organize your walk & wade day based upon which rivers are fishing best at the time. Walk & Wade fly fishing trips are 4 to 5 hours in length and can be designed to suit your physical abilities and skill level. Wading is generally easy. You wont be pushed beyond your comfort zone. Walk & Wade trips are limited to 1 or 2 fisherman. Snacks and beverages are provided. Alcohol is not permitted while fishing.
Rate: $250.00 US for 1 guest. $350.00 US for 2 guests.
Float Trips
There are many rivers in Western Massachusetts and Connecticut that are exceptional fisheries best 
suited for drift fishing from a boat. Float trips are a 4 to 6 hour float down a beautiful remote Berkshire river targeting Trout and/or Pike. If you have a preference of species we can tailor each trip to your expectations. Our guides have years of experience on the oars and beyond providing an outstanding fishing day your safety is our primary responsibility. The raft can hold up to 2 anglers plus the guide and is extremely stable. Float trips provide a comfortable and effective means of covering a lot of water and catching a lot of fish in a day.
Float trip availability depends upon current river water levels.
Rate: Single Guest Float Trip $350.00 US. Two Person Float Trip $450.00 US.
Season: Year round depending upon river conditions.
Casting Lessons
Do you want to learn the art of fly-casting? Or maybe you want to be a better fly caster, or a better fly fisherman. No matter your skill level, we all strive to be better. Our experienced fly fishing guides can provide you with expert guidance and instruction to improve your cast and fly fishing techniques. Group or one on one lessons are available any time of the year by reservation.
Rate: $100.00 US for a 2-hour lesson.
Equipment
Need equipment? We can provide all of the equipment that you will need for the day: Reddington Rods, Sage Reels, Waders (limited sizes available), Leader, Tippet and Flies.
Trout
4 to 5 weight rods with floating line. Leader, tippet and secret flies will be supplied.
Northern Pike
7 – 8 weight rods with floating lines. Loop connection sink tips. Leader, bite tippet and flies will be supplied.
What to Bring
Waders & Boots- Wading Staff
- Rain Coat (just in case)
- Polarized sunglasses
- Waterproof camera
- Hat
- Warm Clothing Layers
- Lunch
- Knapsack
- Enthusiasm
Flies, Leader, Tippet, Snacks and Beverages are included on all trips.
Fishing License
A State Fishing licenses is required for all trips. We will let you know in advance whether you will require a Massachusetts, Connecticut or Vermont license. You will need to acquire the fishing license prior to the trip and have a printed copy with you at all times.
Accommodation
At only a couple of hours from Boston and New York day trips to fish the Berkshires are within a reasonable driving distance. If you are looking to spend more time and want to find accommodations in the area there are a considerable number of options.
Hotels in the Berkshires: www.berkshires.org/business_category/hotels/
Campgrounds in the Berkshires: www.berkshires.org/business_category/cabins-campgrounds/
Vacation Rentals By Owner: www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/new-york/hudson-valley/berkshires/@42.45584951967908,-73.03598804882813,41.97987248618881,-73.56882496289063,10z/
