When Big Bass are Easy: Mastering Pre-Spawn Bass Fishing Techniques
By Dave Weaver (Dave_W)
While most Pennsylvania fly fishermen target river smallmouths during the summer, bass can be successfully targeted all year and the "pre-spawn" is among the best times, especially if you're after large fish. When water temps hit the mid 40s - this would usually coincide with mid March here in the southcentral part of the state - river smallies become noticeably more active and move up out of their winter hibernacula. These winter locations are usually the deepest part of a river, often the low, deep, slack water in front of dams. As bass become more active, they start to spread out a bit but still tend to eschew current.
By this time of year, they start to feed quite a bit more but, unlike summer when most of the bass lay up in front of boulders and mid river structure and aggressively hit poppers, my experience has been that pre-spawn bass are shoreline denizens. In part, this is simply due to the higher, cloudier, water conditions so often prevalent in March and April. However, this preference for specific shoreline locations makes locating pre-spawn river bass more predictable. When you catch a bass, there's usually more in the same spot. Often these are large females staging to move to eventual spawning sites later in May.
Post written by David
Finding these spots starts in summer. If you've got a bass river nearby, walk the bank during summer and familiarize yourself with the shape of the shoreline when the water is low and clear. Come high water, you'll know where to go. Perhaps the ideal pre-spawn location would be a point of land that projects out into the river, especially if there are large chunk rocks or boulders on it. Oftentimes there are river willows or vegetation that grow on the point in summer, but that often has water flowing thru it this time of year. If downstream from this point, there is an eddy (there almost...
Top 10 Fly Patterns for Fly Fishing in Pennsylvania via ChatGPT
ChatGPT is an innovative technology that has been in development for years. Artificial intelligence (AI) was once limited to science fiction and academic circles. However, it has become widely available to the masses in recent times. AI systems are now used for a variety of purposes, such as producing prize-winning art, writing college papers, developing recipes, proofreading texts, and much more.
As a self-learning model, ChatGPT can answer complex questions. I was curious to know how knowledgeable and precise ChatGPT is about fly fishing. Therefore, I asked a reasonably straightforward but subjective question about fly fishing patterns in Pennsylvania.
The questions I asked:
“List for me the top ten fly patterns for Pennsylvania.”
The answer:
As a language model, I do not have personal opinions or preferences, but I can provide you with some commonly recommended fly patterns for fly fishing in Pennsylvania based on expert advice and local fishing reports. Here are ten fly patterns that are popular in Pennsylvania:
As a self-learning model, ChatGPT can answer complex questions. I was curious to know how knowledgeable and precise ChatGPT is about fly fishing. Therefore, I asked a reasonably straightforward but subjective question about fly fishing patterns in Pennsylvania.
The questions I asked:
“List for me the top ten fly patterns for Pennsylvania.”
The answer:
As a language model, I do not have personal opinions or preferences, but I can provide you with some commonly recommended fly patterns for fly fishing in Pennsylvania based on expert advice and local fishing reports. Here are ten fly patterns that are popular in Pennsylvania:
- Elk Hair Caddis: The Elk Hair Caddis is a versatile fly that imitates a wide range of insects, including caddisflies, stoneflies, and even mayflies. It is a good choice for fishing in both fast and slow-moving water.
- Blue-Winged Olive: The Blue-Winged Olive is a common mayfly in Pennsylvania and a popular dry fly pattern for trout fishing. It is effective in a range of sizes and can be fished throughout the season.
- Adams: The Adams is a classic dry fly pattern that imitates a range of insects, including mayflies and midges. It is a highly versatile fly that works well in a range of conditions and is a must-have in any angler's fly box.
- Pheasant Tail Nymph: The Pheasant Tail Nymph is a versatile pattern...
The Art of Handcrafted Wooden Fly Fishing Nets by Pennsylvania Artisan Tina Lewis
Fly fishing isn't just about catching fish; it's also about the gear and equipment that enhance the experience. For Pennsylvania artisan Tina Lewis, creating handcrafted wooden fly fishing nets is more than just a trade – it's a passion that celebrates creativity and craftsmanship.
Tina's love for the outdoors and fishing was instilled in her by her father, who was an avid outdoorsman and member of the Delaware County Field and Stream Association. He included her in all kinds of fishing and shooting activities, and her grandfather even worked for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
As a child, Tina turned to drawing as her creative outlet. Her love for comic books, especially Wonder Woman, fueled her artistic inspiration, and she continued to hone her skills by drawing those comic book characters.
Life moved forward and when the pandemic hit, Tina sought a way out of the corporate world after many years. A friend asked her to create a fly fishing net, and with the help of her husband, they began experimenting with bending wood, crafting net shapes, and coming up with innovative ideas. "It was an epiphany that this was fun and that people appreciated my art," said Tina. She was eager to jump in and make this her full-time profession.
One of the things Tina particularly enjoys is when customers request a special order that allows her to use all the wood pieces lying around the shop to create unique accents and additions that make each net even more exceptional. She also loves being able to transfer illustrations onto the wooden handles and enhance the nets with customized engravings.
However, marketing the business has been the most significant challenge for this young entrepreneur so far. With...
Tina's love for the outdoors and fishing was instilled in her by her father, who was an avid outdoorsman and member of the Delaware County Field and Stream Association. He included her in all kinds of fishing and shooting activities, and her grandfather even worked for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
As a child, Tina turned to drawing as her creative outlet. Her love for comic books, especially Wonder Woman, fueled her artistic inspiration, and she continued to hone her skills by drawing those comic book characters.
Life moved forward and when the pandemic hit, Tina sought a way out of the corporate world after many years. A friend asked her to create a fly fishing net, and with the help of her husband, they began experimenting with bending wood, crafting net shapes, and coming up with innovative ideas. "It was an epiphany that this was fun and that people appreciated my art," said Tina. She was eager to jump in and make this her full-time profession.
One of the things Tina particularly enjoys is when customers request a special order that allows her to use all the wood pieces lying around the shop to create unique accents and additions that make each net even more exceptional. She also loves being able to transfer illustrations onto the wooden handles and enhance the nets with customized engravings.
However, marketing the business has been the most significant challenge for this young entrepreneur so far. With...
Understand the Life Cycle of Mayflies for Trout Fishing
Introduction:
Trout are one of the most sought-after fish species for fly fishing. Understanding the life cycle of mayflies, an essential food source for trout, is crucial for successful fishing. In this basic guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about mayflies and how to use their life cycle to your advantage while fly fishing.
Green Drake
Mayfly Basics:
Mayflies, also known as ephemeropterans, are aquatic insects that are found in freshwater environments. They have a unique and short lifespan, making them a crucial part of the aquatic food chain. The life cycle of a mayfly consists of three stages: egg, nymph, and adult.
The Egg Stage:
Mayflies lay their eggs in freshwater, usually in the evening. The eggs then sink to the bottom of the river or lake where they will hatch into nymphs.
The Nymph Stage:
Nymphs are the underwater stage of mayflies, where they live and grow for several months to a few years. Nymphs are an important food source for trout and other aquatic species, and they are usually more vulnerable to predation than adult mayflies.
The Adult Stage:
Once the nymphs are fully grown, they will emerge from the water and transform into adult mayflies. The adult stage is short-lived, typically lasting only a few hours to a few days. During this stage, mayflies mate and lay eggs, starting the cycle all over again.
March Brown
Using the Mayfly Life Cycle for Trout Fishing:
By understanding the life cycle of mayflies, fly fishing enthusiasts can use this knowledge to their advantage. During the nymph stage, trout will feed on the nymphs. As the nymphs emerge...
Trout are one of the most sought-after fish species for fly fishing. Understanding the life cycle of mayflies, an essential food source for trout, is crucial for successful fishing. In this basic guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about mayflies and how to use their life cycle to your advantage while fly fishing.
Green Drake
Mayfly Basics:
Mayflies, also known as ephemeropterans, are aquatic insects that are found in freshwater environments. They have a unique and short lifespan, making them a crucial part of the aquatic food chain. The life cycle of a mayfly consists of three stages: egg, nymph, and adult.
The Egg Stage:
Mayflies lay their eggs in freshwater, usually in the evening. The eggs then sink to the bottom of the river or lake where they will hatch into nymphs.
The Nymph Stage:
Nymphs are the underwater stage of mayflies, where they live and grow for several months to a few years. Nymphs are an important food source for trout and other aquatic species, and they are usually more vulnerable to predation than adult mayflies.
The Adult Stage:
Once the nymphs are fully grown, they will emerge from the water and transform into adult mayflies. The adult stage is short-lived, typically lasting only a few hours to a few days. During this stage, mayflies mate and lay eggs, starting the cycle all over again.
March Brown
Using the Mayfly Life Cycle for Trout Fishing:
By understanding the life cycle of mayflies, fly fishing enthusiasts can use this knowledge to their advantage. During the nymph stage, trout will feed on the nymphs. As the nymphs emerge...
The Fly Fishing Shows 2023
It is a great event if you are looking for trips, rods, reels, flies, waders, tying materials, or any fly fishing gear. More importantly, in today's online world, it is the best way to get face-to-face with manufacturers, vendors, and industry experts.
Each of the shows is a multi-day event that includes a very large exhibit floor, fly tiers, retail shops, and plenty of educational programs. The outstanding classes are led by some of the best pros in the business. Many of your favorite celebrity authors are found teaching techniques and sharing some great ideas on how to improve your fly fishing. Some of my favorite classes are programs about fly fishing locations near and far.
For me, The Fly Fishing Shows are a great chance to catch up with some friends I don't often see. There is always plenty of members from Paflyfish wandering the exhibit floors or in the booths.
The Edison, NJ show is one of the biggest of the shows and the Lancaster event is clearly located close to home. I like going to both!
The local Fly Fishing Show Schedule
Edison, NJ: January 27-29
Lancaster, PA: March 4 & 5
You can find out more about times, entrance fees, and detailed locations here at the Fly Fishing website. For some more...
The Annual Paflyfish Spring Jamboree is set for May 19-21, 2023
The pavilion at Seven Mountains Campground is rented by Paflyfish and is used as a meeting point during the weekend. Plenty of impromptu conversations, fly-tying, and meet-ups occur at the pavilion.
At this time, we will not be going to plan any special speakers or activities. That could change, but there is always plenty of impromptu fly tying, casting lessons, and support on where to fish. So if you are unsure about the area, do not worry there are plenty of members from the site that can help get you started.
Many anglers from the site come up early or stay later after the weekend. Follow this thread for the latest details or ask any questions.
Please contact Sevens Mountain Campground directly if you would like to stay there that weekend. They have a limited number of cabins, RV hook-ups and campsites. I encourage you to make your reservations now.
Dates: Friday – May 19th - Sunday, May 21, 2023
Use the code: PAFLYFISH for a 10% discount.
Sevens Mountain...
EZ-P Wader Zipper
Check out this other review on Angling Trade.
Flylab | Substack
Fly-fishing insight: gear, travel, news, culture, the craft etc. Click to read Flylab, a Substack publication with tens of thousands of subscribers.
www.anglingtrade.com
A video with more details.
You can contact Bill Anderson here for more details: bjuniata@verizon.net
Seven Ideas For Cabin Fever This Winter
With the long winter season coming up ahead of us combined with virus restrictions many of us will be experiencing a little more cabin fever than usual this year. Rather than give in to the seasonal drag this is the time to really bolster that dry fly box and do all your typical winter activities. To help breathe some life into your yearly winter routine I’ve compiled a list of some challenges and activities to help get you through the cold season and defeat cabin fever.
1. Try New Tying Goals
While tying is the standard winter activity, maybe this is the year to change it up a little bit. The box expansion will in turn change up your selection while fishing and you just might find that new confidence pattern you’ve been looking for! The challenge is as follows: Tie 3 new patterns of each respective style (streamer, dry, nymph, etc.). This is the time to experiment and try some of the newer patterns coming from our younger tiers or some of the more out-of-the-box streamer patterns that seem to be invented every day! A couple of really awesome sources for new patterns with material lists and instructions are Fly Fish Food and their YouTube channel, AvidMax, and for streamers, Kelly Galloup is the guy. Instagram also has some extremely talented tiers that are always willing to lend a hand and have some wonderful videos too. Some of my favorites are SvendDiesel, Lucas Utrera, and hopperjuan_fly_fishing.
This is also the time to challenge yourself to pick up or master some tying skills you may be lacking such as spinning deer hair, Catskill-style dry fly wings, or nailing that perfect tapered nymph body. The list is really endless and I promise that it will pay off in the long run (especially if you’re constantly sacrificing to the bottom gods).
Lastly, spin up a box for your favorite charity with a selection of your best producers. A...
