Hay Creek, Berks County, 11/29/09

[Mariner]

I had an opportunity to fish Hay Creek today with a local. We fished on a private section in the far upper reaches which was ridiculously tight casting quarters, even with the leaves off the trees. It was a bit of a novelty, but there were some 5-6" trout there.

After that we fished the lower section between the Birdsboro Waters (end of Rt. 82 N) and a public bridge to a private driveway upstream. We were probably following JayL's bootprints on the way up (see previous stream report). Right off the bat I landed two 7-8" wild brownies on beaded hares' ears in #16. I saw two v. small fish rising in a long slow section above a defunct bridge abutment but couldn't tempt them. There was a significant midge hatch late morning.

Dapping in between boulders with a beige SW worm pulled out the fish in the picture. I'm a fan of annelids especially a day or two after precipitation.

The only fishermen I saw were two guys from Utah. Good fellows. I guess word is getting out.

 

[Mariner]

 

[sholgate]

Yea, I am really beginning to like that stream. Sort of love-hate relationship. Hate because of all of the harvesting but love because of the chance a few wild browns and surprises.

 

[Harpua]

Hey, I was there yesterday too. I think I was on the water from about 10:00-1:30. I parked at the end of 82 and walked downstream a while and then fished my way back up. Usually I just fish upstream from the end of 82 to the private bridge that Mariner mentioned. I can attest to the midges, there were quite a few in the air. Also saw some dark colored down-wing bugs about size 16-18, sorry don't really know my insects.

Anyway, caught 4 or 5 wild browns in the 8"-10" range and one little guy about 4". As always the fast water was the place to catch fish on Hay.

Love this stream but always wonder how good it could be if it were an unstocked C&R only stream.

 

[GreenMan]

Harpua, I often wonder that myself... at least for the sections above the dammed up park... I tend to think the wild browns would thrive...

Here are sections of Hay Creek that are stocked that could probably do without the stockers.. I've caught wild browns up to 19 inches in these sections...

 

[Harpua]

GreenMan, I know those spots well. I wish I could say that I've caught browns up to 19" there but I don't think I've caught any wild fish in Hay above about 12". Still love that creek though and it's good to know there are some bigger wild fish in there.