Sipping Trout and Ending the Drought

Sorry for the lack of posting folks. Between finals and moving across the state, Moose and I have both been swamped the last few weeks. Although I haven't been fishing as much, some great things have been happening! The hatches on all of the streams in Central PA have been popping off. Sulphurs were just starting to get heavy when I left, so keep those boxes full! I got out a few times before I moved out and it was extremely successful. Nothing is better than throwing on some 5x, a dry fly, and not having to worry about the hassle of nymphing. Here are a few pictures of what we've been getting into.

 

Now, what I am REALLY pumped about. One year and 5 days ago my Dad and I went out on our first musky trip of the year, and I caught my first two Musky ever...on conventional tackle. Now, fast forward to this year, with similar conditions, on a Tuesday again, at the same spot, at the same time, BAM, I hooked and landed my first ever Musky on the fly. I cast the fly pictured below close to the shore and after two strips, I stripset on what I thought was a bass. About 10 seconds later, this 28" Tiger Musky jumped a few feet out of the air right in front of us and my Dad yells "It's a Musky!" I fought it through a few more jumps and runs, and we landed this mini-beast. We howled in excitement and shared one of the greatest father-son moments I have ever had, next to the double we had last May. Needless to say, I will never forget this, and hopefully there will be many more to come. 

"The Ludwig" This is the fly the Musky took

First ever Musky on the Fly! 28"

My version of "The Ludwig"

Ty

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Hatches Reports, Opening Day, and Musky Flies

How's it going guys. Been slacking a bit lately with the blog, but not with the fishing! The weather has been pretty awesome the past week or two and we've been taking advantage of it. Due to the rain last week, we kept our efforts to Spring as it usually doesn't blow out. Midges and Little Black Stoneflies have been very consistent and fish are taking them up top! When the conditions cooperate, some heavy Blue Winged Olive hatches have been coming off too. Last Wednesday it was pretty sunny and a decent Grannom hatch came off on Spring in the afternoon. Overall, fishing has been pretty good. It's going to be awesome once the clarity gets a little better and the fish really start keying in on the dries.

Little Black Stonefly

Innnnnn other news, this weekend was the Western PA trout season opener. Like every opening day, we spent the weekend at the cabin with family and friends and it was a blast; the weather was beautiful for once too! Aside from the crowds and the token crazy bait fisherman, it's great to get out there and enjoy the time on the river. I spent a lot of time sitting on the bank, soaking up sun, and trading fish stories. Although the fishing was only decent, the memories will last forever. Ya can't beat that. 

Pine Creek

Doubled up with Papa Loo

I will be headed home next weekend for Easter, and plan to do some Musky fishing with my Dad, which I am really looking forward to! I've been itching to get after them after my last float, and the conditions should be great (aside from the moon phase but oh well). Here are a few recent patterns I plan to fish this weekend. Hopefully the Musky gods will be with me and I can finally boat one. I've taken damn near 1000 casts since my last tango with a toothy so it's bound to happen soon. I've got a feeling....

This one swims real big

Last but not least, get out and fish people! The weather is beautiful and all streams should be coming alive. 

Ty

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A good day fishing and some sweet hackle

I met up with my buddy Evan, from Sidling Hill Hackle, bright and early to do some "almost spring" trout fishing here in Central PA.  It was a rough morning getting to the stream, seeing as I was a little too ambitious last night at the bar.  4 hours of sleep is plenty though and the day was great!  We caught a ton of fish Czech nymphing, which was a little new for me.  I've been rocking the dry fly dropper for a while now but this stream called for the Czech. Evan gave me some pointers and we were both catching fish in no time. Golden stoneflies, BWO nymphs, and Olive Scuds were the hot flies today. No fish pics today due to the rain...sorry folks.

Once we got back to the car, Evan gave me some of his awesome hackle and I hooked him up with some Musky flies that Moose and I tied. We couldn't be happier! Talk about some serious Musky Bacon. Hopefully the Musky are lovin it as much as I am. Check out Evan's hackle at sidlinghillhackle.blogspot.com

Ty

Mmm thin mints

Musky Bacon

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