Little Juniata, Huntingdon Cty/4-20-14

[LetortAngler]

Fished the J for the first time this year in hopes of hitting the grannom hatch. Stopped at the fly shop but no good news yet of any caddis, so I decided to do some nymphing. As soon as I got to the water I noticed small blue quills/olives were hatching but not any risers to be seen. Water temp was still in the upper 40s and a bit high but good clarity. Began with smaller nymphs in the faster waters but had no luck. I normally down size my nymphs when I'm not having any luck but being the water was still up I put on 2 size 14 green caddis nymphs and was able to start picking up fish. As the day progressed I did see a few grannoms popping off, now that most of the cold weather is over things will start picking up I hope.. 4 browns later, ( all around 11-13 inch mark I called it for the day and headed home. Like always on my way home I look over at Spruce Creek hoping one day some more stream would open up to the public, a shame that such a great steam has so little access.

 

[YorkFlyGuy]

I am planning to head out to Huntingdon Co. this weekend on an annual trip to fish some smaller streams in the Tuscarora. I have been here for a few years and have yet to get into the j. Planning on doing it this time out. Is it cold water all the way through the county or do the tribs warm it up at a certain point. I ask because I think most guys refer to fishing it higher north than my group will be; so I will have to ditch or convince if that is where I need to be.

 

[sarce]

This time of year you will find trout all the way down to the mouth. Also, tribs usually cool the water they flow into.

 

[fishingood]

Fished last above Spruce Creek and the church last night 6-8. To my astonishment, there were a good number of grannoms in the air, but not nearly as many fish rising as one would expect. Took one about 15-16 inches on the surface right off the bat, thought it was going to be a great night, but that ended up being the only fish caught, they seem to be finnicky and really keying in on the motion of the fly, and even jumping a foot or two out of the water to get them. Only had a handful of misses the rest of the night, want to go back tonight and/or tomorrow.

 

[YorkFlyGuy]

Good to know sarce.

It might end up being more of an exploring mission than an actual fishing mission, I guess I will just have to wait and see.
I have to say, I am pretty excited no matter the success, a busy off stream life has kept me from getting out until this weekend and it is looking to be decent weather instead of the rain they were calling for.
*Fingers crossed