Leaves are piling up and the nights are growing chilly, unmistakable signs that autumn has arrived. While the season's changes are easy to spot on land, quieter transformations are happening in the ponds, lakes, and rivers across Massachusetts. Beneath the surface, freshwater fish are shifting their behavior in response to cooler water and shorter days.
Seasonal changes in water temperature and oxygen levels have a powerful effect on freshwater fish. Because they're cold-blooded, the surrounding water regulates their body temperature, metabolism, and activity. In general, warm water speeds up their metabolism, while cooler water slows it down. But despite the falling temperatures, many freshwater fish become more active in the fall.
Signaled by the decrease in day length, fish begin feeding heavily to build up fat for the long winter. Feeding strategies used in the summer may also begin to shift. To conserve energy while still gaining calories, predators like largemouth bass stop chasing quick, small baitfish and favor larger prey for a bigger payoff. Bass, northern pike, and pickerel often gather around remaining weed beds, drop-offs, or currents to wait for an easy meal.
As temperatures drop and aquatic plants die back, the water holds more oxygen and maintains steadier oxygen levels. This allows fish to feed actively in various areas of a waterbody throughout the day and night. Coldwater fish, like trout, are no longer confined to deeper waters and can spread out across a waterbody. Warmwater fish like bass, pickerel, crappie, and bluegill, spend time in shallower areas, especially late in the day when the water temperatures are higher.
As you layer up and head out this fall, remember that the fish are making their own seasonal adjustments too. If you like to fish but have never thought of fall as prime fishing season—it's time to reconsider! Equipped with the knowledge of these seasonal shifts in fish behavior, and these tips for fall fishing, you can take full advantage of one of the most rewarding times of year to cast a line.
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Friday Front Porch Feature: Allendale Pines North
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Are you looking for an inexpensive home to raise your family in? Then this might be the home for you. And if not, there's a couple other options.
Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week we are showcasing model homes at Allendale Pines North.
Teton Management is opening its new manufactured housing development next Allendale Pines at 395 Cheshire Road, and has three different model homes to choose from.
All the models have three bedrooms and two baths in 1,280 square feet, and include two parking spaces. The Monroe full-porch is on the market for $194,900, Monroe half-porch $189,900, and The Aspire for $204,900. View a video tour here.
The lot rent is $550 a month and it includes trash removal and recycling, as well as water and sewer. Tenants are responsible for their own utilities and lawn care/snow removal. Dogs and cats are allowed, for up to two pets.
We spoke with Val Whaling from Teton Management about the new homes.
What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?
The three models — Monroe Full- Porch, Monroe Half -Porch, and The Aspire — are Titan Home products manufactured by Champion Homes and stand out in the current market because:
The purchase price of these homes is well below current market rate single-family homes in Berkshire County.
The 5 Star Energy-Efficient rating (featuring energy-efficient windows and high- performance insulation) and one-year warranty on the home, sets these homes apart from older, stick-built homes.
These homes are built to strict HUD standards and include structural integrity in order to meet federal standards for durability, safety and wind resistance.
Are there any stand-out design features?
Stand out features include: open concept floorplan, covered porches, stainless steel appliances, large laundry room /mudrooms, and large glass walk-in showers.
What kind of buyer do you see this home being perfect for?
First time homebuyers/ professionals preferring home ownership vs. renting, empty nesters wanting to downsize, and cost-conscious individuals preferring the affordability of these homes.
What's the neighborhood like?
Allendale Pines North will be comprised of 22 brand-new homes, on individual lots, set on beautiful property, neighboring the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. The property is located at 395 Cheshire Road, Pittsfield, offering proximity to retail shopping and dining. Additionally, Allendale Pines North property is well managed by a reputable owner/operator. (All adult community residents are approved via community application approval process.).
What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?
"Imagine the cost savings of owning a brand-new, energy-efficient home, easy to maintain and allowing the convenience of modern day and easy living, in a quiet, well-managed community."
What does the home come with?
Included are: Stainless steel Whirlpool appliances (refrigerator with icemaker, dishwasher, and gas stove/oven), and closets equipped with shelf/hanging rod. Plus an 8-by-10-foot Amish built shed, two wooden entrance stairs with wooden handrails and black wrought iron spindles, two-car driveway, sidewalks and brand-new water/sewer infrastructure.
You can find out more about these homes on its listing here.
*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.
Teton Management is opening its new manufactured housing development next Allendale Pines at 395 Cheshire Road, and has three different model homes to choose from.
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According to town counsel, the Select Board cannot impose a moratorium on short-term rental regulations, Select Board Chair Deborah Maynard said during its meeting on Monday.
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