The East Branch of the Westfield River at Chesterfield Gorge is one of the prettiest pieces of trout water in Massachusetts, a catch-and-release section running through a dramatic rock gorge. It holds a mix of wild and stocked browns, rainbows and brookies, with better-than-average size thanks to the protective regulations.
The water
Freestone runs, pools and pocket water in a scenic gorge setting, managed as catch-and-release so the fish grow and hold over. The protected stretch fishes well through the cooler months.
How to fish it
Nymph the runs and pockets, match hatches with dries, and swing streamers for the bigger browns. Barbless hooks and careful handling keep this C&R fishery healthy.
Tip In a catch-and-release stretch, the fish get pressured and smart, so refine your drifts and go lighter on tippet. The reward is trout that have been allowed to grow, so handle them gently and keep them wet.