731 | Fly Fishing Massachusetts with George Sylvestre - Cape Cod, Tailwaters, Midges

#731 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/731  

Presented by: Togiak River Lodge, On DeMark Lodge, Mountain Waters Resort

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Switching from freshwater to saltwater fly fishing isn’t always easy, but today’s guest makes it simple. In this episode, we talk with guide George Sylvestre about fly fishing Massachusetts and the flats of Cape Cod, the Tailwaters of the Northeast, and how to make a smooth transition between fresh and saltwater. George shares his top three differences between the two, plus expert tips on casting, reading the water, and targeting fish in both environments. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, this episode is packed with insights to improve your game.

Episode Chapters with George Sylvestre on Fly Fishing Massachusetts

Mastering the Transition: From Trout Streams to the Saltwater Flats

Many fly anglers start on freshwater rivers and lakes, but making the switch to saltwater fly fishing comes with some challenges. In this episode, guide and instructor George Sylvestre shares insights on fishing Massachusetts waters, from the tailwaters of the western part of the state to the flats of Cape Cod. He also introduces his Cape Cod School of Saltwater Fly Fishing, designed to help anglers confidently step into saltwater fly fishing.

Key Differences Between Freshwater and Saltwater Fly Fishing:

• Casting in the Wind – Saltwater fishing almost always involves wind, so anglers need to adjust their casting technique.
• Longer Casts – Unlike trout fishing, where accuracy matters at short distances, saltwater fly fishing often requires reaching fish that are farther out.
• The Strip Set – Trout anglers often instinctively lift their rod when setting the hook, but in saltwater, a strip set is crucial to securing a strong connection with fast-moving fish.

Fly Fishing in Massachusetts: A Diverse and Exciting Fishery

Massachusetts offers fly anglers a wide range of fishing opportunities, from technical trout streams to expansive saltwater flats. George shares what makes this state a special place to fish, with its mix of tailwaters, freestones, reservoirs, and a world-class saltwater fishery.

Top Fishing Opportunities in Massachusetts:

• The Deerfield River – A productive tailwater that holds brown trout, rainbows, and brook trout year-round.
• The Miller’s River – A freestone river that challenges anglers with changing conditions and a variety of techniques including dry flies, nymphs, and streamers.
• Stillwater Reservoirs – Great for targeting smallmouth and largemouth bass, plus a fun spot to take kids fishing.
• Boston Harbor & Cape Cod – Striped bass fishing at its finest, with miles of coastline and ever-changing fishing spots.

Exploring the Brewster Flats: Fly Fishing Cape Cod's Hidden Gem

Cape Cod is known for its stunning coastline, but for fly anglers, the Brewster Flats offer one of the most unique and exciting fisheries on the East Coast. 12,000 acres of tidal flats create an ever-changing landscape where anglers can walk for miles in search of striped bass and bluefish.

Why Fish the Brewster Flats

• Diverse Species – Stripers in May, bluefish in summer, and albies in the fall.
• Easy Access – Public access points make it simple to explore.
• Changing Conditions – A 12-foot tide swing means careful planning is key.

Guides like George help anglers navigate this fishery with clinics and guided trips focused on timing, casting, and reading the water.

Chasing False Albacore and Stripers in Cape Cod

September fly fishing in Cape Cod is all about variety. Mornings start with chasing albies as they crash bait along the coast. These fish are fast, picky, and put up a serious fight. Instead of constantly running after them, George likes to find their pattern and let them come to him.

Once the sun gets higher, it's time to head to the Monomoy rips, where strong currents create standing waves that attract striped bass, bluefish, and more albies. Fishing here is full of action—big fish, heavy flies, and rods bending deep into the backing. If you’ve never had an albie on a sinking line in rough water, you’re missing out on one of the best fights in saltwater fly fishing.

For those looking for a more classic flats experience, Monomoy’s Great Flats offer prime striper action. As the tide pushes bait into shallow channels, stripers line up like cars in a traffic jam, waiting for the perfect ambush. It's sight fishing at its best—just be ready for fast-moving water and changing conditions.

From Freshwater to Salt: How Cape Cod Became a Fly Fishing Obsession

George’s fly fishing journey started young, thanks to his grandfather’s curiosity about the sport. Growing up on the Connecticut coast, he spent his days chasing bluefish and learning the rhythms of the water. His fly fishing passion really took off later, after a trip to the Catskills that changed everything.

Over time, he found himself drawn back to Cape Cod, a place he visited every summer as a kid. What started as freshwater fishing in kettle ponds turned into a deep love for saltwater fly fishing. Eventually, George left his corporate career, got his captain’s license, and never looked back. Now, he spends his days guiding anglers through the diverse waters of Massachusetts, from tailwater trout to stripers on the flats.

Steelhead Dreams and Boat Tweaks: George Sylvestre’s Off-Season Adventures

When he's not guiding on the flats of Cape Cod, George is chasing steelhead on the Lake Erie tributaries. Every fall, he packs up his truck, cranks some Bob Marley, and makes the eight-to-ten-hour drive from Massachusetts for a few days of battling these powerful fish. This year, he’s heading out in the spring for the first time, eager to see how the bite compares.

Back at home, George can’t stop tinkering with boats. Whether it’s his 22-foot hydro sports skiff for saltwater or his drift boat for local rivers, he’s always making small tweaks to improve the fishing experience. Cape Cod’s tides and chop require a boat that can handle waves while still sneaking into quiet estuaries. It’s a balance he’s always fine-tuning, making sure his anglers get the best ride possible.

Winter Fly Fishing in Massachusetts: Midges, Tight Lines, and Cold Water Challenges

Winter fly fishing in Massachusetts means small flies, light tippet, and patient presentations. The Deerfield and Swift Rivers are prime spots this time of year, but they demand precision. With crystal-clear water, fish can see you just as well as you see them. That means size 22-26 midges and 6-7x tippet are the name of the game.

George uses a mix of tight-line nymphing and indicator setups, depending on conditions. In his Avon Path Maker raft, he floats the Deerfield and Ware Rivers, sometimes stopping to let anglers wade into productive sections. In winter, trout sulk low and slow, so getting your fly right in front of them is key. It’s not easy, but for those willing to bundle up and put in the work, the rewards are well worth it.

Mastering the Wind: Saltwater Fly Casting Tips from George Sylvestre

Saltwater fly fishing demands adjustments in casting technique, especially when dealing with constant wind. George shares three key casting strategies to help anglers adapt and make accurate presentations even in tough conditions:

• Sidearm Casting – Tilting the rod horizontally moves the fly away from your body, keeping it out of the wind.
• Casting Across Your Body – Shifting the rod to your non-dominant shoulder helps when the wind is coming from your casting side.
• Delivering on the Back Cast – Sometimes, turning around and making your back cast the delivery cast is the best way to fight the wind.

Practicing these techniques before your trip—even in your yard—can make a big difference on the water. Whether you're fishing the Cape Cod flats or any windy saltwater spot, these casting adjustments can save the day and help you land more fish.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/731