It was absolutely a leading question, because I wanted one. He had made dozens over the years. I had plenty of chances to buy them in the past. I had never pulled the trigger, but now I was ready. So I asked if he had any of the little fiberglass rods available. “Oh no,” he …
Most nights I’d time leaving home so I could gear up right as the frogs began to sing in earnest. That wasn’t the event I was targeting, but the amphibian chorus corresponded with the evening hatch. Trout could be taken all evening long. But the action intensified once the sulphurs started hitting the water. Seeing …
I remember kneeling in the snow. I can recall the exact spot. It was right at the apex of a gentle bend. There was a log jutting into the water that covered the entire stream’s width but for a few feet. I held the trout firmly. I did so because I didn’t want it to …
How far do you have to drive to get to trout? How far do you have to drive to get to native trout? The second question is one that has been on my mind for as long as I have been fly fishing. There is something about wild fish, even if they’re teeny-tiny, that encapsulates …
In 25 minutes, I only scratch the surface of this historic fly fishing region. Situated in south central Pennsylvania, the Cumberland Valley boasts some remarkable spring creeks. Who doesn’t like big fish in small, beautiful water? While the rivers aren’t what they once were, they are still worth seeking out. Moreover, a great opportunity for …
Visiting a river with regularity reveals how the water is truly a world unto itself. Going fishing means trying to catch fish. That part means focusing on the water. Of course, there are other parts. One must avoid streamside obstacles when walking or casting. Other things, like trees, rocks, or non-fish animals are difficult to …
Larger fish will certainly eat dry flies and nymphs. But how do you go about catching the largest fish in any river? Big, meaty, streamers. There are differences between chucking articulated flies against the bank of a roaring tailwater and fishing a streamer in a small creek. There are also differences between dapping tiny attractor …
Spring creeks are amazing, beautiful things. Not only do they often offer some of the best ecosystems for trout around, they offer some of the best trout fishing year round. Nutrient rich water fosters a healthy, diverse biomass. Consistent water temperatures are warmer in the winter and cool in the summer. Fish thrive in spring …
Crystal clear. Bug factory. Low gradient. Constantly cold. Lush vegetation. Year ‘round. Lots of big, wild, selective, spooky trout. Each statement describes one aspect of spring creeks. But even all of them together fail to adequately communicate how special these unique waterways are. I’ve been privileged enough to fish spring creeks in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, …
Next week I’ll be spending a few days in Pennsylvania in pursuit of trout. Although the bulk of my time will be spent on some of the larger rivers in the central part of the state, my schedule allows for a detour to the Cumberland Valley. Basically, this part of South Central Pennsylvania includes all …
