The East Branch gets its share of stocked trout throughout the year, and its cold, fertile waters provide a good forage base for holdover fish. Anglers may access the East Branch by going north on Route 32A into Petersham. North of the town line, the stream goes under the road. Downstream from here is Quabbin land and its seasonal restrictions, but the upper side is open to fishing year ’round.

To get there, go past the bridge and take Glen Valley Road, which parallels the river, into the Harvard Forest. The headwaters are along East Street in Petersham Center.

The Hoosic River has been neglected by anglers because of heavy PCB pollution, but that trouble is largely confined to the main stem. Both the South and North branches offer superb angling, and neither is polluted.

The South Branch is along Route 8 in the town of Cheshire. Beginning below Cheshire Reservoir, fish downstream by following the abandoned railroad bed that crosses Church Street and goes along the river.

The North Branch Hoosic River is paralleled by Route 8 from North Adams north through Clarksburg to the Vermont border. The area near Clarksburg State Park offers good fishing with several interesting pools and riffles.

Both branches are stocked heavily by the state, and have enough deep pools and runs to sustain a good population of holdover trout approaching 5 pounds.

This is a misunderstood stream, largely because of local myths and pollution horror stories, but quality fishing is there for the angler willing to try it.

There are, of course, many other fine trout streams in Massachusetts, and many waters are equal to those mentioned here. One of the best things an angler can do is get a good map, such as the DeLorme Atlas and Gazetteer series, and start prospecting. Also, anglers should check out the MassWildlife Internet Web site at www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw for regulations and publications listing stocked trout waters.

A bit of research, a little legwork, and you’ll find that the good old days of Massachusetts trout angling are right now!