The Westfield River system, with its West, Middle and East branches, drains the hills of western Massachusetts through some of the most scenic and remote trout country in the state. Much of it is classic freestone water holding wild brook trout and browns, along with stocked fish in the more accessible reaches.
The water
The branches offer everything from small wild-trout streams to bigger river. The East Branch at Chesterfield Gorge holds a well-known catch-and-release section in a dramatic setting (covered on its own EB Westfield page).
How to fish it
On the wild-trout freestone water, a dry fly or a nymph fished through likely pockets and pools is all you need, and the fish, while not huge, are gorgeous and eager. Move often and cover water.
Tip On small wild-trout water, stealth beats everything. Approach pools low and from downstream, keep your shadow off the water, and a well-placed dry or nymph will move these eager wild fish.