Pennsylvania Fly Fishing

The Fly Fishing Show in Somerset, NJ - 2012

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:30:00 -0000

When winter brings it's frosty cold grip, it is the time of year that I start lamenting for my days fishing on the Little J and other streams. Well not the crappy days when I miss like 40 fish and only catch 3, the really good days when I get like 40 or 60 all on the same fly and never have to move. Not sure what day that was, but I remember it like it was yesterday or dream maybe.

Well it has not been so cold, but my dreams of fly fishing certainly get better when I get to share them with friends. I usually find the winter Fly Fishing Shows are a great place for some winter meet-ups.

I made my way this past weekend to Somerset, NJ for the The Fly Fishing Show. This years show seemed to have a lot more vendors and attendees. Can't tell if it was the better weather or the slightly improving economy, but none the less it was pretty busy on Friday, too.

We all go to the shows for different reasons. Mine is to meet up with people I seem to spend more time with exchanging emails, forum posts and tweets rather than actually sharing a beer. For me the expectations of finding a deal are just not what the show is about.

The exhibit hall was filled with many of the usuals, but several new faces as well. One of my first stops was to check in with Mike Heck and get the early show report. He was pretty busy with folks stopping by and then heading over to the Stackpole Publishers booth.

Justin and team from Allen Fly Fishing were at the show for the first time. It was good to catch up with the guys on Friday night discussing everything from musky fishing to photography and even plans on an upcoming trip out East for them this spring.

I jumped into a real good seminar with John Miller from West Branch Angler. Excellent rundown on what to expect on the East and West Branches of the Delaware. More importantly, what a motivator to hit the Upper Delaware this year and join Krayfish and the guys for the summer Catskills Jam.

George Daniel shared some insights at his workshop on Central Pennsylvania Streams that was very well attended. I have been spending a lot more time in and around State College lately and reading George's book, Dynamic Nymphing this winter. So I was glad to catch up with him and figure out some time to hit Spring Creek this year.

Looking forward to catching up with everyone who will be attending the Fly Fishing Show in Lancaster next month.

I want to thank my friend Keith for keeping us schedule during the show. We just need to get something scheduled this spring for a trip to the Little J and see if we can find one of those good days I seem to dream about.

Check out the forum for more personal insights from other Paflyfish members.

The Evolution of a Vest Fisherman

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:10:00 -0000

Ahhhhh the evolution of a vest fisherman.
by Maurice

Stage One: get vest fill with unmentionables over time until its so heavy your back hurts at the end of a fishing day.

Stage Two: Decide to get a pack...smaller, holds less, straps to back rather than hanging on shoulders. no more back pain.

Stage Three: realize pack is too small and holds too little so get a bigger pack, still just a front pack but larger. You become front heavy and tip over easy......

Stage Four: Find a BETTER pack that has a backpack on it. Now you can carry a raincoat, water bottles, TP, everything you would ever need until you realize now you are carrying more than you did with a vest and your back hurts again. But less than if it were all in a vest.

Recommendation: The beauty of Chest packs/rucksacks is that they have a deep yoke around your neck, (don't pull on your neck like a vest) and most importantly they strap snuggly to your pectoral area (chest) to take the weight off of your shoulders where a vest focuses it on your shoulders.

Fly of the Month: The Goldilocks Stonefly

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:20:00 -0000

By Gaeron Friedrichs (gaeronf)

As we all know, winter is here. To me, it sure doesnât feel like it. Thereâs no snow at all. But since its winter, itâs time to go to the winter flies. When someone says winter flies, I typically think big stoneflies, or little midges. Here Iâm going to show you a pattern I developed. The Goldilocks Stonefly is a golden stonefly representation. Keep in mind, this isnât just a winter fly, it can be used year round, but it is a super effective fly in the winter. It incorporates some great realistic and attractive aspects. For example, the use of rubber legs and Australian Possum give the fly superior movement. Typically you want stones to be super heavy. I use a tungsten bead on this fly, along with a great deal of lead (or lead free) wire. This is due to the fact that the abdomen, legs, and thorax is all natural material. As some of you may or may not know some natural furs, like hareâs ear and possum, will decrease the sink rate of a fly. Thatâs why we balance the fly out with the extreme weighting. Like I said before, the rubber legs (used for tails and antennae) will give the fly great movement, and the fly will breathe great with all the natural materials. The back will give the fly a little contrast and flash, and the thick rib gives a distinct ribbing. The hook I love to use is a Skalka Streamer hook. This hook is super strong, and has a ridiculous point. So first, letâs look at the exact recipe:

Goldilocks Stone
Hook-Skalka Streamer Hook size 6
Bead-Matching Gold Tungsten Bead
Additional Weight-A large portion of lead wraps. Used here is .025. Be as liberal or as stingy as you wish
Thread-Golden Stonefly colored Danvilleâs Flat Waxed Nylon
Tails and Antennae-Gold or yellow rubber legs. Round or square doesnât matter. Barring optional.
Rib-Brown, Copper, or Amber colored MEDIUM UTC wire
Abdomen-Australian Possum/Icelandic Sheep Golden Stone Blend
Abdomen Cover-1 strand of wide Mylar tinsel
Thorax- Australian Possum/Icelandic Sheep Golden Stone Blend
Thorax Cover-2 strands of wide Mylar tinsel
Additional Materials-Brown and Black Sharpie

Read detailed instructions here.

2011 PAFF Eastern PA Tying Jam

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 02:00:00 -0000

The 2011 PAFF Eastern PA Tying Jam was held at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center. This event was unique, in that there were 19 demo tiers that were given 10 minutes each to explain and tie a fly pattern of their choice.

There was also a table set up for beginner tiers. The beginners were instructed in some basic techniques, and had the opportunity to tie green weenies, foam beetles, and also the flies from the demo tiers that provided kits.

Tying flies "in the spotlight" was new to many of these tiers, and while most were nervous, none needed to be so. All of the demo tiers handled their presentations with a lot of skill and style.

My intention in setting this event up was to allow each tier to showcase their skills, share their techniques, and learn tips and tricks from each other. Judging from the response here, and the smiles on their faces, I'd have to say this event was a huge success.

Please keep in mind - I just arranged a place for this to happen. The members that attended provided the magic that ensued. The skills, spirit, and enthusiasm on display at this event was remarkable. Gatherings like this foster goodwill, and promote comaraderie amongst the members of this forum, and all guests.

I'd like to thank all the guys that helped with this event - it couldn't have happened without you. Your generosity was truely impressive.

Special thanks go to the guys from Hokendauqua TU for running the beginner's instruction, especially tony300wby of this forum. One classy guy, and one of the best tiers I've ever met.

I'd also like to give a shout out to Glenn McConnell, owner of McConnell's Country Store/Fly Shop. He donated several hundred dollars of swag for the raffle. His shop has become the gold standard of fly shops in Northcentral PA.

Here's the pictures that I have so far from the event - feel free to send me any pictures you may have of this event, and I'll add them in.

H.A.

Fly Tying Swaps of 2011

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 01:10:00 -0000

Fly tying swaps are one of those pretty cool outcomes of Paflyfish that I never anticipated when the site was started many years ago. Sadly, I can barely tie my boots let alone a Blue Winged Olive CDC Cripple.

So when I see others putting together #14 caddis pupae with ice dubbing I get a little envious. I think my eyesight is getting worse by the second and probably won't even be able to see my AARP card when it comes in next year, so staring down a #24 hook and tying up a midge I might as well be changing the radiator in my wife's car. I am much better at computers, I can at least enlarge the font on the screen.

For those not familiar with the swaps that happen in the Fly Tying forum they are an often random proposal suggested by the members of the forum on a specific theme of flies for a swap. Over the past year there have been several swaps including: Holiday, BWO, Beginner, Meat Box, Sulphur, Steelhead and Midge to name a few.

People then sign up in the thread and share ideas about what fly they want to tie. A participant in the swap then completes enough of their flies to share with others in the swap and sends them off to the swap organizer. Fly tying recipes are included to keep each other educated on the ties being shared. They are then organized and mailed back out to the group.

Kudos for those who have organized these swaps over the years. I can only imagine they are like herding cats at times. Flyfishermanj has been in the center of several of these swaps over the last year. He recently shared a few dozen flies with me including a March Brown Varient by flytyingfred and a Snow Shoe Sulphur Emerger from Boss_Steb. All these fine flies masterfully tied.

Flyfishermanj explained that he enjoyed seeing ties and techniques from others. He now has added some of those patterns from others to his own fly box. The swaps work well with an influx of new tiers participating with the regulars.

FreguentTyer also shared with me the flies from the BWO Swap this past fall. It was loaded with CDC split wings, comparduns, loopwing emergers and several other attractive patterns.

Some upcoming swaps will be the annual PAFF Swap and a possible Drake Swap too. The Drake sounds good as that is a fly I can easily see. You can check the swaps and other conversations about fly tying in the forum.

PFBC Photography Contest 2011

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:30:00 -0000

Photography is a great passion for many anglers. Everything from fish porn to some really exceptional stream photos show up on Paflyfish. I spend a third of my time fly fishing with a DSLR hanging around my neck..

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commissionâs (PFBC) once again is holding their annual photo contest. There are three judged categories with prizes to boot. The category âAnglers and Boatersâ invites photographers to participate with submissions showing themselves and family members on the water. âWaterway Scenicsâ invites inspiring environmental images of your favorite Pennsylvania stream or lake. The category âReptiles and Amphibiansâ encourages photographers to capture a moment when they might see a frog, toad, snake, turtle, or salamander in their native habitat.

The PFBC annual photography contest has recently extended its deadline for entries to December 31. Past winners have seen their works featured in Commission publications such as Pennsylvania Angler & Boater magazine and enlarged as visuals for PFBC sportshow exhibits.

To obtain an entry form, complete with contest rules and past winning entries, visit http://fishandboat.com/anglerboater/photocontest/00photo.htm

Conquer the Cold: The theory of bigger being sometimes better

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 12:00:00 -0000

by Guest: George Daniel

There are no absolutes in fly fishing and thatâs why I refer to this approach as a theory. While this âtheoryâ produces good results, there will be times you will have to adjust your way of thinking as there are no absolutes in fly fishing. What Iâm referring to is trying to get inside the mind of a wintertime feeding trout. Think about it, wintertime is a period when these cold blooded critterâs feeding habits slow down as water temperatures drop. In many river systems, trout begin to drop back into the slower moving bodies of water in an effort to expend less energy. Although their metabolisms may slow down, feeding is still on their mind and the wintertime can be the right time for the angler to venture out to the river. Often the most popular sections are void of anglers and Iâve had several days where the action would rival a May sulphur hatch. A wintertime feeding trout may not always mirror its springtime foraging behavior, but trout still need to eat and a larger presentation may be the ticket. Sometimes all trout need is a little encouragement so I often call upon larger patterns to create that desire.

By larger, Iâm referring to nymph patterns as large as #4 and small as a #10. Yes that big-even on spring and limestone streams. Think about this, trout feel sluggish and less motivated to continuously chase small food items down during these cold winter months. Instead, it seems logical that trout would be willing to spend less energy chasing down larger food items. Move less and obtain more calories! Large stonefly, caddis, egg and worm patterns are my usual wintertime suspects. Nymphing is normally my first choice as I can slowly present the flies. Streamer tactics also work well but only when trout are feeling up to the chase. The idea is to present a pattern that can fulfill a troutâs hunger with only one energy surge. In many ways, this relates to human wintertime eating behaviors.

During the warmer months I find myself constantly snacking throughout the day-mostly due to my high level of physical activity (Fishing, playing with my kids, my daily workout regiment and so on). However, I snack far less during the colder winter months as I expend less physical energy (less daylight=less playtime). This theory also plays out well for me when targeting trout during extreme cold weather conditions. Trout may indeed feed less during the winter but I believe they become more opportunistic foragers. Many of the live bait fishers I stay in contact with have their greatest results fishing larger baits (sculpins, night crawlers, and live crayfish) in the slower moving waters during the winter months.

The moral of the story is you still need to be dynamic-change when necessary but donât be afraid to present larger than average patterns during the wintertime. I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the results.

George Daniel is assistant manager at TCO Fly Shop, in State College, PA. He travels the country conducting fly-fishing clinics for various groups and organizations. George is a former member and current Head Coach of Fly Fishing Team USA. Some of his accomplishments include being a two time national fly fishing champion, won The Fly Fishing Masters, and ranked as high as fifth in the World along with other competitive achievements. George is currently working on his first book with Stackpole Book and will be available January 2012. The title of the book will be âDynamic Nymphing.â He lives near Lamar, Pennsylvania. If you want to keep up with George in the Internet you can follow him on his Facebook page here.

Getting Your Fix With Fly Fishing Podcasts

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:00:00 -0000

Over the past year I have found myself spending a lot more time on the road for work. Things have been busy and these days I enjoy all business opportunities I get. While in the car I have been completely turned off by terrestrial radio and all the political blowhards on both sides of the fence stirring the pot for their own self interests. I have come across some ways to get some of my fly fishing fix with a few different podcasts during the week.

Probably the most prolific interviewer of fly fishing notables is Roger Maves. Roger's podcast "Ask About Fly Fishing" is an Internet radio show that he has been doing since about 2006. Roger has some really great interviews with some wonderful folks in the industry almost twice every month.

What I like most is hearing from a wide range of freshwater anglers, saltwater enthusiasts, biologists, fly tiers, writers, guides and photographers. With with over 130 interviews that include the likes of Eric Stroup, Gary Borger, Joe Humphreys, Jim Klug and plenty more you would enjoy. The interviews provide some in-depth and current takes on what is trending in the industry.

Roger offers the radio program online and to download for your MP3 player at his website here.

More recently I have added "The Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast" hosted by Tom Rosenbauer to my iPod. Tom is currently the Marketing Director for Orvis Rod and Tackle and has been broadcasting the show since 2008. Almost every week Tom covers a topic that informs and educates beginners and experts alike.

Tom's conversation cover a range of topics like setting the hook, fall fly fishing, tippet tips, steps for getting kids into fly fishing and so much more. The Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast can found on the Internet here or on iTunes.

Download some of these podcasts on you iPod or smartphone before your next road trip and enjoy some quality time on the road!

Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited Wins the 2011 Gold Trout Award

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:00:00 -0000

It is with great pride and pleasure that I have the privilege of announcing here on Paflyfish that Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited is the 2011 recipient of the Gold Trout Award. The Gold Trout Award is a national recognition to only one of about 400 national TU chapters annually.

CVTUâs efforts across the Cumberland Valley are well known and include the Rivers Conservation and Youth Camp, restoration of Big Spring Creek, land preservation and sinkhole remediation along Letort, stream improvement work on The Run, removal of old dams on Yellow Breeches, and many more outstanding endeavors many of which youâve probably heard about.

If youâre a member of CVTU (or any TU chapter) â kudos to you for fighting the good fight. If youâre not a member, your local chapter could use your help. If you, like me, love the unique streams of the Cumberland Valley, please consider joining or supporting CVTU. We have many hands-on work projects every year and conduct a first rate fundraising banquet and appreciate donations.

Iâm also proud to announce that my friend and fellow forum member Justin Pittman (JPittman) is the new President of CVTU. Weâll be in good hands.

Further down, please take a look at the press release provided courtesy of CVTU Vice President John Leonard for more information. By all means, visit the chapter website for additional information. If you have questions, youâre also welcome to PM me as well.

Detailed information and photos of the Chapterâs activities leading to the Gold Trout Award can be found on our web site - http://cvtu.homestead.com

Dave Weaver (âFishidiotâ)

More after the break.

Spring Creek Canyon Opens

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 01:20:00 -0000

On September 30, 2011 Spring the Creek Canyon Cooperative Management Coalition unveiled a jointly managed environmental area of 1,800 acres in Benner Springs, Pennsylvania. The canyon is now jointly managed by Pennsylvania Game Commission, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, the state Department of Corrections, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and The Pennsylvania State University and Benner Township. Originally closed to the pubic as a part of the Department of Corrections' Rockview State Correctional Institution is now open to hikers, hunters and anglers.

For anglers this provides access to a stretch of water from the Benner Springs Hatchery downstream to the Fly Fishermen's Paradise. The new parking lot and extended trails provide easy access to these new waters for some. Actually many would sneak in although technically off limits in the past.

The new waters on Spring Creek are a great addition to some of the finest trout waters in Pennsylvania. I really enjoyed the new stretch as I felt I was a little more removed from the population of Happy Valley. Red squirrels, hawks and the canyon take you off the road and connect you a little closer to nature.

More pictures, videos and a canyon map can be found on the PFBC dedication page here. More photographs from Dave Kile have been posted on the Paflyfish Facebook fan page here.

New parking lot

Ron Kohlman of Indiana, Pennsylvania in the Spring Creek Canyon.