East Branch Antietam Creek, Franklin County, 6-30-2011

[ArcadeFire78]

Took a nice drive over 233 to fish East Branch Antietam Creek. Really pleasant weather with little humidity and a nice breeze. Fished the morning hours starting at the Waynesboro Reservoir upstream. Did not make it all the way up to the dam area. I have been fishing Shaeffer Run in Perry County as I continue to hit up mountain streams because I enjoy solitude.

This was my first time fishing this stream and I was really amazed with how clear the water was. Beautiful stream as I got to the extent of my fishing upstream. Crystal clear. I have been improving my skills slowly and shaking off the rust after a long absence from fly fishing. Managed to catch a few minnows/chubs and hooked a brookie but I got so excited it being my first trout in a long time I lost him. I received a few hits as well primarily using dries. Used a Yellow Humpy, Letort Cricket, Letort Hopper, White Wulff and had the most success with the Cricket/Yellow Humpy.

At the extent of my fishing I found a very deep pool with a large trout looming but I could not manage to get him to take for about 30 minutes. I tried dries, nymphs, streamers and the most I got was a curious examination and then he turned his snoot up at me.

All in all, a good day because I am improving and because the area was beautiful. Take care all!

 

[bigslackwater]

I'm a little unclear of the location. Were you upstream from the actual reservoir or the water treatment plant along rattlesnake run road? I've always wanted to try the water upstream from the reservoir. My theory is that big trout in the reservoir have moved up there and not many people go after them.

I've just got in to fly fishing again. My wife and I went back in May off of Rattlesnake run Road (by the plant) and we each caught a brookie in the first 15 minutes! It was her first time fly fishing so it was an awesome experience! I've been in love with the Old Forge area since I was a kid so if you know of any other good fishing spots around there, I'd like to hear about it. PS this is my first post on this forum 🙂

 

[jmh159]

bigslackwater, I saw you were from waynesboro, and checked your facebook on your profile since I have friends in w-boro, and realized that I have seen you perform with Big Whiskey...you are a hell of a musician my friend, welcome to the board.


Sorry for hijacking the thread, just thought I'd say hi.

 

[bigslackwater]

Hi Jmh159! Thanks for the kind words. Yes that is me. As if music, work, and family wasn't enough to occupy my time 24/7 now I'm getting in to fly fishing! I've got a lot to learn... Let me know if you ever need a fishing partner. Greencastle isn't very far!

 

[Fishidiot]

bigslack,
Welcome to the PAFF forums. We've got a good crew here.

 

[willscreek]

One thing's for sure about the area slackwater's talking about, from the plant up to the dam it's an extremely low canopy. It's a lot of fun fishing that stretch of water and there ain't nobody going to come out of there without getting their rod in at least 1 low pine tree. I've been surprised a few times by catching a few browns way up through there.

 

[bigslackwater]

I'll have to try that area next. I've only fished to the last dam near the plant. Bellow that dam is where we had the best luck. I wonder if they stock that stretch between the dam and the spillway? It seems like both structures would prevent any stockies from wandering in.

 

[jmh159]

bigslack, I think they stock from the spillway of the reservoir on down. That water is Approved Trout water. I've caught natives and stockies all through there. My dad and I climbed up around the dam by the treatment plant and hiked up in a ways and had pretty good luck. We ran into a camp someone had set up and it sparked our interest in camping up there sometime. There is also some nice largemouth bass that hang out in the deep water above the dam.

 

[bigslackwater]

I've camped back there before! Probably close to 20 years ago.

 

[ArcadeFire78]

I fished above the treatment plant and also did see some Largemouth Bass as well. And also it is quite right about the low canopy, it was tough casting. Enjoyed it though. I got from what I estimate as halfway between the plant and the water itself and it was beautiful there. Had a good time. Take care all!

 

[bigslackwater]

FYI, There is an easy access to near halfway between the plant and the reservoir. There is a little pull off along Old Forge Road with a gate. Look for horseback riding trail and a new bridge (maybe 5 years old). It's a nice little picnic site. The bridge can be seen from the gate. It's about 200 yards from the road. I'm thinking of trying back there within the next week.