wgmiller
Well-known member
I met up with Sal around 10 AM at the Walmart in Carlisle and proceeded to do a "mini tour" of CV limestoners. He had already fished some of the LeTort prior to my arrival and was warmed up landing a few.
Our first stop was the Heritage section (Bonnybrook). I had never been to the LeTort or any other CV limestoners for that matter, so I was more than curious to explore them. I read a lot about them and knew the LeTort was difficult, so I didn't set my expectations very high.
The skies were crystal clear and the air temp was in the 30's to low 40's. Fresh snow on the ground made for a picturesque trip. I didn't take the stream temperature as I wasn't really concerned about it this time of the year.
Sal and I fished from the start of the Heritage section down to the I-81 bridges with no luck. Fish were seen, but weren't taken. We threw mostly sculpin flies as well as scud and sowbug imitations. Sal did a little exploring and there is no doubt what these fish fill their bellies on!
We hit another section of the lower LeTort after this and saw some monster browns hanging out together. Sal landed a few browns in the 12" range, but couldn't get the "hogs" to take his offering. We did experience a BWO hatch while in this stretch and after seeing a few risers, did offer them our imitations with no takes.
The difficulty of this stream will make me come back time and again. It's frustrating to know that it is such a fertile stream that is loaded with trout, only to be unable to get to them most of the time.
It doesn't get much better than this!
Sal tries to find a lane
No secret why the LeTort browns are so healthy!
We wrapped up our time on the LeTort and took a jaunt out to Big Spring. The air temperature had cooled off considerably for this portion of the trip and the creek had a nice "steam" coming off. We parked at "The Ditch" and fished downstream. I ended up landing a small "wild" rainbow which was a first for me.
Sal worked a waterfall at the end of the "Project" waters in which he had a few strikes, but no takes. I sent my white #6 bugger over the falls a few times with the third time being a charm. I got a tug and the fish promptly proceeded to take off downstream. I thought I was going to be able to strip it in, but no such luck! A healthy 13" brookie was brought to hand that Sal was visibly excited about. He told me that it was the largest wild brookie he's ever held. This is a guy who has caught some monster fish, so I'm glad we were able to bring it to hand. I 'outfished' Sal on Big Spring and outfishing Sal doesn't happen too often! 😀
I really enjoyed Big Spring and will definitely be back. In fact, I'd almost have to say that I'd go there before I make a trip back to the LeTort. I like the project water and what they did with creating habitat. For someone a couple years into fly fishing, it makes 'reading' the water a bit easier and at least forms a starting point for finding fish.
Overall a great day on the water and I'll take my skunk on the LeTort for the redemption I got on Big Spring. I would encourage anyone who has never been to these waters to put them on your "bucket list". They will humble you, but in the end make you a better fisherman!
Thank god I have Mike Heck's book because I will be reading it many times over. I fished limestoners like the Donegal and Lititz Run, but they just don't compare to what these streams offer.
Big Spring
Wild rainbow
Healthy brookie
Sal - feel free to add or correct me on any portions of the trip!
Our first stop was the Heritage section (Bonnybrook). I had never been to the LeTort or any other CV limestoners for that matter, so I was more than curious to explore them. I read a lot about them and knew the LeTort was difficult, so I didn't set my expectations very high.
The skies were crystal clear and the air temp was in the 30's to low 40's. Fresh snow on the ground made for a picturesque trip. I didn't take the stream temperature as I wasn't really concerned about it this time of the year.
Sal and I fished from the start of the Heritage section down to the I-81 bridges with no luck. Fish were seen, but weren't taken. We threw mostly sculpin flies as well as scud and sowbug imitations. Sal did a little exploring and there is no doubt what these fish fill their bellies on!
We hit another section of the lower LeTort after this and saw some monster browns hanging out together. Sal landed a few browns in the 12" range, but couldn't get the "hogs" to take his offering. We did experience a BWO hatch while in this stretch and after seeing a few risers, did offer them our imitations with no takes.
The difficulty of this stream will make me come back time and again. It's frustrating to know that it is such a fertile stream that is loaded with trout, only to be unable to get to them most of the time.
It doesn't get much better than this!
Sal tries to find a lane
No secret why the LeTort browns are so healthy!
We wrapped up our time on the LeTort and took a jaunt out to Big Spring. The air temperature had cooled off considerably for this portion of the trip and the creek had a nice "steam" coming off. We parked at "The Ditch" and fished downstream. I ended up landing a small "wild" rainbow which was a first for me.
Sal worked a waterfall at the end of the "Project" waters in which he had a few strikes, but no takes. I sent my white #6 bugger over the falls a few times with the third time being a charm. I got a tug and the fish promptly proceeded to take off downstream. I thought I was going to be able to strip it in, but no such luck! A healthy 13" brookie was brought to hand that Sal was visibly excited about. He told me that it was the largest wild brookie he's ever held. This is a guy who has caught some monster fish, so I'm glad we were able to bring it to hand. I 'outfished' Sal on Big Spring and outfishing Sal doesn't happen too often! 😀
I really enjoyed Big Spring and will definitely be back. In fact, I'd almost have to say that I'd go there before I make a trip back to the LeTort. I like the project water and what they did with creating habitat. For someone a couple years into fly fishing, it makes 'reading' the water a bit easier and at least forms a starting point for finding fish.
Overall a great day on the water and I'll take my skunk on the LeTort for the redemption I got on Big Spring. I would encourage anyone who has never been to these waters to put them on your "bucket list". They will humble you, but in the end make you a better fisherman!
Thank god I have Mike Heck's book because I will be reading it many times over. I fished limestoners like the Donegal and Lititz Run, but they just don't compare to what these streams offer.
Big Spring
Wild rainbow
Healthy brookie
Sal - feel free to add or correct me on any portions of the trip!
