This was a strange trip for even me. The night before I had a massive melt down with certain personal things going on in my life and I was in a very bad mood in the early AM. I planned on hitting the Letort but on my way to Sheetz I had 0 enthusiasm to go and fish the Letort. I decided to check out one of the 2 new wild trout waters added to Lancaster County (as I already knew about the other) and got half way there and decided this wasn't going to make me happy either. I didn't know what to do, where to go and I was starting to worry because thoughts of fishing were bringing me no joy and that just isn't like me.

I finally decided to hit some of Southern Lancaster Counties wild trout streams, find a big rock and drink beer in honor of St. Patties Day. I called Josh (Slaymaker12345) because he always said, "Gimme a call if you need to talk or just drink a beer". Josh is a great friend and I gave him a ring. Plans changed quickly as he told me he was floating the Conestoga River with a few bow fishing buddies. Thoughts of pre-spawn smallies instantly brought the excitement of fishing back full swing.

I called Dave (FishIdiot) to get a better understanding of winter and summer holds because frankly, I have no idea. Its been a few seasons now and I have had some great luck fishing for Smallmouth Bass, but I'm still a newbie and out of my element in the WW game. After a great and informative conversation, I felt confident I might find a few bass. After all, isn't half the Smallie game, especially in the early season, just finding where the dang fish are?

I did learn one thing on the way to the River, the 2 guys that would be bow fishing are just as fanatical about their sport as fly-fisherman and that makes them ok in my book.

We put in just above Lititz Run and there is an area along the River just downstream of there that an eagle has decided to build a nest. I could not get any pics of her as she flew off to get food but she was quite a sight to see.


I believe the other guys might have gotten a few pics of her beside the nest but I don't have access to them. Sorry.

This trip for me was about mainly relaxation and letting the world go for a day. I didn't fish hard at all, besides this was my first time in a kayak and I was really focusing on not losing my Smithwick's and rod while taking a dip. That much I did accomplish!
I think Josh was impressed I was able to take the riffles and didnt tip the boat once.



We did beach the kayaks a few times and fished some nice runs. Nothing. It seemed that the fish had not moved up into the seams yet and were likely still holding in the very deep still water.

The guys bow fishing (Dane and Alec) were crushing large carp and hooting and hollering the whole time. They were having a blast and so was I really.


I mean look at this beautiful river nestled in the middle of amish country.

Eventually we got down to the Country Club Golf Course and there was very deep water. So deep I could no longer see the bottom. I have a feeling this might be a good place to really target the bass and it is probably a good place to find musky in this river. We got out of the river at Conestoga Pines.



There they are! All my fish took my sculpins I tied for the Letort. Had to throw a heavy fly.......the fish were on the bottom.
Jig and slow......thanks Dave!

So it appears the SM Bass from 23 downstream are likely still slighty in winter mode but are coming out of it slowly. Wont be long now before they start taking some summer lies. Big stoneflies buzzed all around but not a single trout eating them Just smallies crushing streamers, arrows crushing carp and peace. Really it was peaceful. I had a blast Josh! Thanks buddy I owe you one.

A few side notes:
I broke the tip off my other fly rod stringing it up in the parking area. Tomorrow Ill be at Orvis Downingtown sending in 2 rods and buying a 9 - 10' 5wt just for this river.
I am addicted to this SmallMouth Bass fishing. I fear it might be worse than my trout addiction! God Help Me.

Oh and.....


HAPPY SAINT PATTY'S DAY!

Oh no....not Sal! Fishidiot converted another one to the WWI...


Looks like you had a great day. Good stuff, nice report.

Nice report - glad to see yuh nailed 'em. I'm surprised the bass weren't spread out a bit more but this year everything has been hard to pattern. If Mother Nature didn't throw us a curve once and awhile it wouldn't be "fishin."

"Trout are for Suckers"

Great Report!!!

That sounds like a blast, and glad to hear you were honoring St Patty's Day with some Smithwick's at the same time. Sláinte!

Oh, and bummer about the second rod. I ordered a backup 9' 5wt from Cabelas just the other day, I think their Wind River model is around $40, and I have nothing but good things to say about the 8'6" 5wt I've had for about 3 years. Although I do have to say that I foresee an upgrade to the 9' 5wt Orvis Clearwater outfit in my future....

Damn! I need to go fishing today!

Nice report.

Tell Slay his launch permit is out-of-date...LOL No biggie as long as you aren't using a state park lake or PFBC boat launch

Toss that steelers hat in the trash! Jusssst kidding. Another nice report!

Quote:

LOL! and regular trout season opens in less than two weeks! It seems to me that the C&R special regs are slowing down a bit. After every trout has been caught a couple times, they slow down quite a lot. Almost no topwater dry action so far this year? ..... for me, anyway?

One of my fave lakes has a temp of 54 today. The warmwater bite has begun.
I was catchin' bluegills pretty good today with my 3wt. Sometimes I wish I didn't sell my 1wt Superfine?
Even some small gills on top! ....... and it's still winter? kinda strange?

Nice report and picks sf. The smallie fishing is only going to improve.

It's been a great winter for trout fishing, but I'm definitely ready for some WW action!

I've been out in smallmouth fishin' a few times in the last week. Certain spots on the Susky are hot right now. Man you should here those bass hit the surface. Only caught a few so far.

Had a 3 foot carp jump clear out of the water after a deer hair mouse I tied. The carp missed it and bumped it out of the water like a dolphin does to a ball. I wanted that carp bad.

I kayak fish for bass all the time. I'm still better at spin fishing as far as smallies go, but I've been catching more on the fly rod than I use to.

Good to hear your day turned out ok. I golf on st pattys day.

Brian, I had a blast on this trip, wish we got in to more fish though. But it was relaxing just to be out. I've got some pics for you from Alec's camera. I'll see if I can post them on here, or just send them your way.
WG, Yeah I know I used to moor the boats at speedwell and haven't renewed the stickers, yet! Dont plan on using any PFBC launches in the near future... but I'll be tagging up soon on the yaks and the johnboat.