French Creek/Chester Co./4-16-2017

[Van_Cleaver]

Visited my mother near Kimberton ended up on French Creek. Had planned to drive to the Tully but not only was French way closer (5 min.) I knew it would be less crowded. I hit three spots and didn't see another angler. That said it wasn't loaded with trout; at least where I was. Fished from a little after noon to 4:30; sunny and a brisk wind at times. Water low and clear; 62. Started along Pughtown but didn't move a fish despite covering the two best runs. Hit my favorite "sleeper" spot and got a 13" bow on the first drift. Moved my truck to another spot and hiked quite a ways and only rolled one fish near the bridge. Planned to fish down to the Fly stretch but there were fresh posted signs on the horse trail, so I turned and walked back to the truck; it was baking hot and I needed water. Decided to try below Rapps Dam Covered Bridge where I had fished with both my late brothers. Most of the "runs" were non existent but found one nice one and realized I had last fished it a few years ago with Mark who passed this winter. I landed four trout, a couple chubs and smallies, and dumped a trout when I lost focus watching a pair of wood ducks sail by. Anyway more walking than fishing but it was a relaxing yet spiritual trip.

 

[mszoke1802]

It's it worthwhile to fish below the covered bridge?

 

[Van_Cleaver]

There are three covered bridges on French. Pretty sue they aren't stocking the stretch just below the first. My last stop was below the third and furthest South. I wouldn't go back until we get some more rain, though, The creek is just above 1/2 median flow now. The fast runs I like are marginal and there isn't that much good holding water imo.

 

[mszoke1802]

Yeah I know the bridges, I live off Rapps Dam, and was questioning if fish were even in the creek. I've hit it several times without a strike at all.

 

[lestrout]

Yo mszo

The Commish sharply reduced the amount of stocking on French since the broken covered bridge reduced access as did a number of new postings from landowners.

 

[mszoke1802]

Lestrout, thanks, I was starting to think that was the case. Oh well, plenty of places to wet a line near me.

 

[Van_Cleaver]

That was exactly what I saw as well; I spooked almost no fish wading and the obvious holes seemed empty. Did spot one rather large Golden that somehow survived. I have been fishing that stream for over fifty years so have a pretty good feel for it. French was traditionally the the most heavily stocked stream in the county. Now posted signs everywhere and degradation from silt, etc. Normally I would have expected to move twenty or more fish as opposed to maybe eight. It will get another stocking but hopefully that will be accompanied by some reel rain.

 

[villeman]

I fished the lower part of section 2 on Saturday from 10-12 and managed 2 fish. Missed a couple also. This was my first time fishing French Creek. It didn't seem like there were not a whole lot of trout in this section. I did see about 6 other guys so I don't know if it has been hammered or not.