Kish Creek Mifflin County; 9/8/2019

[MKern]

Fished from about 3pm until 6:30.

Water temp. was 63 degrees and the flows were fairly low.

Caught mostly wild browns that were all clones of each other at about 10".

I did catch one large bow, about 15", that had very vibrant colors and a giant bright red stripe down her side.

Saw a monster fish, probably pushing the 30" mark. Which is why I'm not disclosing the exact stretch of stream I fished. (Not to have it all to myself, but to prevent a horde of people targeting it)
I will say that you can't miss this fish because it sticks out like a sore thumb.

All of my fish were caught on a size 14 PT, which was my bottom fly.

 

[Dave_W]

We have complete confidence that you will soon catch this fish and post a pic.

We eagerly await this.

No pressure, of course. 😎

 

[jifigz]

Mkern, I know Kish very well and it certainly grows some real bruisers. A brown pushing 30" is in no way out of the question on that stream, as you know. I have a fairly good idea of where I think you are referring to.

 

[jifigz]

On a side note, you didn't see any BWO's? I enjoy some of the slower stretches in the narrows this time of the year dry fly fishing. Some of the only dry fly fishing I do all year, actually. But at this point I barely even fish. There just isn't enough time..

 

[MKern]

No BWO's. A few fish rising and I only saw one mayfly and one caddis in the air.

Not a brown trout, BTW. Think a little more highlighted.

 

[MKern]

My buddy tried to stealth-fully catch him and dropped some nymphs on his nose and he didn't even move. Eventually he was weary and swam around.

I should have tried a big crayfish pattern.

His lie was perfect for a big fish to sit and have big food funnel to him and really difficult to have a fisherman get a drift. And it was even out in the open.

 

[jifigz]

Interesting..well I know where we can go and witness some massive wild browns this time of the year getting ready to drop back in spawning areas. I know you know where I'm talking about.

 

[Tups]

Kern. Highlighted sore thumb is an apt description. And a mannly brute of a fish. He was disinterested yesterday 9/15 also, as was his little brother just downstream. Water was very low and clear. A few small pale mayflies emerging and occasional caddis. Caught a half dozen small browns and a gorgeous 10 inch rainbow looking like a streambred fish. Size 16 primrose pheasant soft hackle.

 

[IdratherbePhishing]

I’ve seen the fish caught twice this year, if we’re all talking the same fish. Early in the year it was 26 inches measured. Assuming it’s bigger now

 

[MKern]

Went to a different section last night and had little success.
Only caught two, but the water is fairly low. Still flowing good, but low.

This is a section that typically produces a bunch of fish. However, i suspect they have moved up and are awaiting rain/spawning; or are holding in the deep dark pools.

Did see a pile of midges right at dark.

 

[Tups]

Mkern: Was that different section upstream or down of the highlighter behemoth? I will likely be fishing Kish this weekend, which is why I ask.

 

[MKern]

Up stream. I was in Yeagertown.

Below the highlights guy might be good.

 

[Tups]

Mkern. Thanks for the update. Yeagertown can be good in the fall. But some rain and higher water would really help the streams in Mifflin Co.

 

[MKern]

I was hoping it would actually rain Monday evening. It did sprinkle a mist around 6 and rained for a couple minutes around 9. Nothing that had an effect on the water levels.
If it would have rained I was hoping to get out tomorrow. Maybe I'll fish the river instead.

Too bad too, I love the kish in the fall and some of the brookie streams around are great too.

 

[jifigz]

I agree. We need some rain. This is a killer time for smallies though, just saying.

 

[AFISHN]

Has the sm fishing picked up in front of your place?