By John Gregg Watsonville, CA.—  The 4th of July is synonymous with 1776, Independence Day and our founding fathers.

If you happen to be in Beantown on the 4th, well, that means the Boston Pops Orchestra, fireworks, cannons, and church bells on the Esplanade along the Charles River.

Now we're not sure if John Adams, Paul Revere or Samuel Adams were fishermen but you would hope that they got the chance every once in a while to wet a line. We say that because west of Boston and all that the magnificent and historical city has to offer is some of the very best fishing in the Northeast.

You don't have to be a statesman, a silversmith, a brewer, or for that matter a founding father to enjoy some of the nation's most spectacular scenery and the chance to go fly fishing.

Fishing guide Walt Geryk is at the top of his trade and he has spent a lifetime fishing the fresh waters of Upstate New York to the Berkshires of Massachusetts, through the Quabbin Reservoir watershed and to the shores of Cape Cod. It should also be pointed out that those waters have some of the very best salmon, steelhead, trout and striper fly fishing in the Northeast.

Walt runs the Northeast Flyfishing Guide Service, which is located in Hatfield, Massachusetts, about 78 miles and a world away from Boston. You can still cheer for the Red Sox, the Patriots and the Celtics but the focus is on fly fishing.

JG: Where were you born and raised?

WG: I was born in Northampton, Massachusetts.

JG: You live in one of the most beautiful areas of the country how did you first get involved in fishing?

WG: At about the age of 6, there was a nice trout river behind our house and after watching all that traveled to fish this area, I became intrigued.

JG: What is your favorite fishing memory growing up?

WG: Fishing with my two best friends, walking about ½ mile to these secluded holes on the Mill River finding nice trout and a pool full of big suckers. Catching trout was special, but hooking the suckers was a blast!

JG: How long have you run the Northeast FlyFishing Guide Service and how did you get started in the business?

WG: I have always enjoyed teaching. I was one of those fishermen that always seemed to have the luck and others would either ask or watch what I was doing to be so successful. So about 25 years ago, I started part time and that turned into a full time occupation in the fall of 2001. The enjoyment of teaching and watching the client's reactions and to hear their comments about the day are very rewarding and self satisfying for me knowing that I made them a better flyfisher by days end.

JG: What should folks from around nation know about fly fishing Western Massachusetts and New York?

WG: To go along with the beautiful scenery with trout rivers that make you feel like your in Montana, the fly fishing is great too. Mostly all the Western Massachusetts rivers hold trout in the range of 14 to16 inches, with obviously smaller ones, but also quite a few 17-20 inches. Big and small rivers can be found here in Western Massachusetts. The Upstate Lake Ontario Region of New York has by far the best trophy trout salmon and steelhead waters in the Northeast. Lake Ontario run Pacific Salmon averaging 22 pounds with plenty of larger ones available almost daily throughout the season running into the high 30s and even reaching 50 pounds. You can also find domestic rainbows averaging 7 pounds and running into the twenties, with steelhead averaging 8 pounds and again running into the high twenties.

JG: What is it that you like about fishing in New York's Tributaries of Lake Ontario, Pulaski's Salmon River Region, along with the Deerfield, Westfield and Swift rivers of Western Massachusetts

WG: All of those waters allow the opportunity to catch trophy fish for the area fished, with the exception of the Swift, which is very small and tight. The other rivers are medium to big rivers for the Northeast and they offer more miles and sections to explore. And yes, even the Salmon River in New York, you can find some seclusion and good fishing if you're willing to take the time to walk it and explore.

JG: Tell us a little about the fish you go after on your guide service?

WG: I enjoy big water and the opportunity to hook up large trout or salmon. So our main target is the trout family in Western Massachusetts and the trout family, including steelhead and the Pacific Salmon family of Kings and Cohos in upstate New York. All of our fly fishing is done traditionally, no split shots or slinkies.

JG: Can you share with us any tips about fishing in Western Massachusetts and New York?

WG: Trout streams are not a big secret to figure out, because somewhere else you've probably fished one with very similar characteristics, so apply the same approach to these as you would others. It is always a good idea to stop by a local shop and ask; what's the three typical flies used and go from there.

JG: What do you believe sets your service apart?

WG: My emphasis is put on the total experience and being sure the client is a better fly fisher by day's end. Having my clients become a better fly fisher by days end is a must and that's the only thing I can really guarantee them. Catching fish normally every day produces fish even for the most novice beginners.

JG: I know, as with most guides you are very concerned with preservation of the environment and the various species of fish in Massachusetts and New York. What do you believe people should know about when they go out on a charter on a fishing trip?

WG: Most of all, these fish are not a yearly renewable resource. They don't get to be trophies over night, and for the most part they are stocked as very small specimens. An awful scenario would be if all hatcheries were to close down tomorrow...where would our fishing be in a few short years? Hopefully we never need to see the answer.  Just practice and promote "Catch and Release" with safe handling and proper revival of all species to be returned to the wild. Remember limit your kill and don't kill your limit. If we all do our part in preservation, the outdoors will be a better place for all.