Clarks Creek, Dauphin County 4/16/16

[McSneek]

FFO stretch. 11:00am - 4:00pm. Think it's been at least three years since I fished Clarks. Had hoped some of the massive log jams from the last flood had finally blown out but they're still there. Lots of sediment build up and almost still water in places. Some the better spots that I recall just aren't there anymore. Water is low. Very clear as usual.

Steady dose of red quill spinners hovering over the water throughout the day. Also caddis, hendricksons, black stoneflies and bwo. Had no luck for awhile and didn't see many fish. Found some risers in the slow water between log jams and a parachute red quill was the ticket. Kept that fly on and just stalked risers for the rest of the day. Caught one here and there and kept things interesting. A lot of fish tight to the banks as always.

The Clarks Valley is a beautiful place. Clarks Creek is not what it used to be IMO. Probably be awhile before I go back.

 

[outsider]

I've said this before, Clarks Creek needs some improvement. Remove the silt catching trees.

 

[wbranch]

McSneek wrote;

Clarks Creek is not what it used to be IMO. Probably be awhile before I go back.

Yep, I couldn't agree more! Back in the mid 1980's when I first moved to PA and a friend took me there I loved it and 20 fish days were not unusual. As time went on the fishing really started to fall off. When those huge dead falls appeared a few years ago I really lost my interest in going there as so much of the previous good runs and holding water were now slow moving silt ridden pools. I've not fished Clarks in two years and after reading this post it will be at least another two years before I consider going. I used to love to go because the brookies that were stocked were very colorful and 10" - 12" which was a great size. They used to love to eat very small, #20, soft hackles that I would swing.

It is also the only place (thankfully) that I was ever within 15' of a full grown black bear!.

 

[Biggie]

I haven't been to clarks in at least two years. Used to be on my regular list to fish. Used to be great. I might try it this spring to see for myself if it still is in a bad way.

 

[krayfish2]

I live right here and don't fish it. Like Matt said, in the 80's lots of fish, some big fish and lots good holding water. The fallen trees have really changed the character of the FFO section. I'll lend a chainsaw and my back to clear the jams out. Some are very large and think HEAVY equipment would be needed to remove some of the fallen trees. There are lots of standing trees that are dead and could be removed in hopes of not adding to the log jam problem.

 

[717BrownTown]

I can't imagine the red tape to get approval from the state to do a stream improvement project on that stretch !

 

[afishinado]

Haven't fished Clarks since the flooding. Woody debris is one thing, but it sounds like a mess.