Spoiled, selfish children have a habit of poor behavior when the game isn’t going their way. Their frustration reaches a boiling point. Then they grab their ball and storm off in a petulant frenzy. The result is that the game is over and ruined for everyone. The spoiled child in this case is the person (or people) in charge of making the flow decisions for the West Branch of the Farmington River. And once again, they’ve decided that if they’re miserable, everyone who uses the river for recreation should be miserable.
For years, it’s been no secret that the MDC doesn’t care about managing the West Branch as a viable tailwater fishery and recreational resource. For over a year now, their unconscionably selfish reaction to not wanting any further financial responsibility for Hogback Dam has been to release only the minimum flow as-required-by-law. Anglers be damned. Canoeists, kayakers and tubers be damned. Business who depend on robust river flows be damned. Fish and wildlife be damned. It’s their ball, and they’re taking it away in the name of corporate greed.
If it’s all too confusing, this one-page, one-side sheet explains the legal flow requirements for both Colebrook and Goodwin dams. We thank the Farmington River Watershed Association for providing it. And we damn the MDC for reducing flows and damaging our river, simply because they can.
In the meantime, we can only hope for rain up north, which would require the MDC to release more water — and more rain locally, which would bump up the Still River.
currentseams.com 
On point thank yiu
You’re welcome. I’m currently looking into what (if any) meaningful action we can take.
30 years ago the Farmington was a put and take river stocked with 9 – 12 inch fish, with a 6 fish daily limit. FRAA organized a multi-year campaign of political pressure to force the state to properly manage the Farmington fishery and look at what we have now. The folks who did that work aren’t around any more so who is going to dig into this now (FRAA, TU, FRWA, etc..)? We all have to pitch in but some organization must take the lead or we will be dismissed as rabble.
I wish I had a simple solution or a focal point to direct comments. If one becomes available, I will certainly post it here.
Awareness is part one. Seems that constant pressure and attention is necessary to have even the slightest impact. Driving 2.5 hours each way is unfortunately beyond my capacity and I am not sure any internet or social media acts will fall short on effect, but I am open to every suggestion
Sorry for the delayed response. When I have a good next action step, I’ll let everyone know on these pages.
My local tailwater here in Maryland is facing a similar situation. The releases from the reservoir have been minimal for more than a month now. Unfortunately the recreational interests (fishing, rafting, etc.) are far from the primary concerns of then agency that controls the water releases.
We then feel your pain. West Branch Delaware also has water flow issues. The maddening thing is that it is caused by a human factor, not Mother Nature.
Have to wonder how many ‘cfs’ would equal 10billi
Have to wonder how many ‘cfs’ you can get from 10 billion gallons of abandoned water?
I just wonder how they sleep at night. Their actions are despicable.
Unfortunately, you can’t fix stupid!
Makes no sense and your comments are spot on.
They’ve earned every harsh word.
Fished on Tuesday and was shocked at the condition of the river in June. Lots of invertebrate habitat dewatered and the rock-snot! Going to be a rough year unless some political pressure can be applied to MDC for more flows. Previous posters are correct that this has become New Englands destination fly fishing river and that alone should garner support from business to fishermen organizations.
On the bright side of my trip, a simple Stewart’s Black Spider size 18, swung with a hand twist retrieve put a smile on my face with a number of appreciative trout.
I’m delighted the Spider was treating you right. I haven’t fished Stewart’s Spiders in a while. That’s going to change.
[…] yesterday from 2pm-6pm, and we were faced with the lowest flows I’ve encountered this year (thanks, MDC!) We started off in the PTMA, running just under 100cfs. By covering some fast water, we were able […]