Elk Creek Erie County - Upper river - 11/1 - 11/3

[wbranch]

Went to Elk Creek with my two long time buddies from New Jersey. Arrived Sunday around 2:00 p.m. Went to Legion and it was crowded and I didn't touch a fish. One buddy caught one and the other three.

Monday we went up river and did very well even though there was not much water. We hooked thirty-two steelhead and landed twenty-four. Some jacks, a couple 4-5 pounds and a couple 27" - 28". Tuesday the river was at least six inches lower and the fish were few and far between. We walked a mile up from the car and found a ton of fish holed up in a pool.

We had it entirely to ourselves for four hours. We hooked many fish and landed more than enough to bring big smiles to our faces. Left at 11:00 as it is a long walk back to the car. Decided to go home since the water would be even lower today. It was a great trip with two guys I've fished with for fifty-five years.

The larger of the two fish I am holding was 27". The fish I placed along side the rod was 28" and it ate a emerald shiner, was into the backing in less than ten seconds and I had to chase it down river. I landed it 100 yards from where I hooked it.

 

[krayfish2]

Nice work Matt.

 

[dano]

Good strategy heading up.
During low water years, many of those past due fish that enter tend to cover miles a day when the level finally spike upwards. As the level drops, the best numbers will be near top and bottom (new fish) of the water shed with fewer concentrations scattered in between. Two-three days after the last rain event, silver fish were found in the mckean area.
Nice work.

 

[salmonoid]

I had a similar experience years ago on Upper Elk. We parked and walked downstream a bit; the water level had dropped significantly after a rain event. We encountered a guy coming out who smiled and wished us luck. And we found out why - there were dozens, if not a hundred fish stacked in a shallow pool and long riffle, basically trapped there by the falling water. We had a blast, although my bait fishing brother and buddy outfished me handily.

I miss the opportunity of getting up there, and walking miles on Upper Elk.

 

[troutwilleatflies]

I fished Elk yesterday in the rt 79 area and down to Sterrantania,very few fish present and they were "holed up" and had lock jaw.Water is very low and clear,nead a HEAVY rain bad.