French Creek/Chester Co./6-1-2014

[Van_Cleaver]

Was at a jazz event in Chester Springs this eve. and stopped by a popular open stretch of French. Water was clear and 63, and higher than normal. Didn't start till around 7pm and was hoping for a Sulpher hatch that never happened. There were tan caddis, a few large brown may flies, midges and a few Sulphers right at dark. I have been fly fishing this stream for over thirty years and there used to always be Sulphers, Cahills, or a mix, this time of year. Very few risers and I caught four sun fish and a chub on top, as the light went down. A fair no. of trout left; I hooked three in the first fifteen min. and lost all of them. Then broke the ice with a small rainbow. Soon after I hooked a beast and eventually landed it it on my three weight. Just under 6 lbs on a kitchen scale and a scad under 24''. I was unable to properly revive it so ended up taking him to my brother for smoking. Hooked around ten and landed about half; lost another fairly large trout as well. So the lack of a good hatch was sad, but at least there were still plenty of fish. I really didn't get to fish my favorite fast water runs due to the hour. Felt bad about killing the big trout, but he didn't stand a chance where he was, and my brother was pretty happy to get him.

 

[The_Sasquatch]

I was curious about French Creek. I don't know much about it or the state park. Is it mostly a put and take fishery, or are there wild fish in the park?

 

[sarce]

Plenty of wild fish in the park, but none in French Creek that I'm aware of. Just basing that on word of mouth, havent fished it myself. Have to go to small brushy streams up there for wilds - might be more trouble than it's worth this time of year.

 

[The_Sasquatch]

I was in the park last July and saw several small streams, but I didn't know if they'd produce or not. I think I'll take a drive over the park just to explore one of these days.

 

[sarce]

I've always enjoyed spending time in the park, whether fishing or not. If I lived a little closer I'd be there all the time!