Little Juniata River, Blair/Huntingdon County, 1/17/2015

[BrooksAndHooks]

We fished the class A section. You can check out stream info on Orvis etc. Water temp around 40, flow at 170ish, Air temps were around 20 when we started and closer to 30 mid day. Water was fairly low and crystal clear. Streamer fished 90% of the day and had 2 takes, both decent sized browns. Missed the hook on the most aggressive fish, managed to bring the first in. Did not see any fish other than those two. Saw 10 other guys throughout the day, seemed that everyone else was having a slow day as well. We covered a little over a mile of water, and skipped some sections to give other fly fishers some room to work with. We fished from roughly 8:30-5. Had to take a respite after a buddy took a little spill. Got back on the river around 10:30. Hooked up with my first fish around noon.

Weather was comfortable around mid day, and the water wasn't froze up really at all other than a few slow and shallow spots here and there. I enjoyed the trip even though it's a little farther than I usually drive. Beautiful stream and nice open water. Definitely a change of pace from the small freestoners I mainly fish near home.

We also hopped on spruce creek but only for about half an hour before dark. Similar conditions to Little J. No fish.

 

[DaveKile]

Thanks for sharing your report and pictures. A nice effort for a long day on some cold water in the winter.

 

[jim_k]

Surprised seeing that many people out this time of year and such cold weather.

 

[BrooksAndHooks]

Hooking up definitely made the day worthwhile. Winter fishing can be thankless but I enjoy the challenge.

I was also surprised by the number of people there. We were the first on the river that morning but had several groups walk up on/past us through the day then from down stream as we fished up. The forecast originally stated around 40 degrees for the day, so I'm thinking people planned the trip around that. The weather didn't show up, but the fishermen did!

Plan on fishing the gorge next time out there.

 

[afishinado]

Nice!

The LJ seems to getting better and better each season. Not that long ago it was a "numbers" river, IMHO. Now, more and more quality fish are being caught.

I suppose the C&R regs coupled with a few cooler summers with decent flows have really helped the River to become some special.

Really nice looking fish in that pic. Good job!

 

[BrooksAndHooks]

Thanks!

I hope it stays this productive, definitely seems to have the potential for some nice quality fish. I would agree the regs really helped out. It's also nice to have a place like that to fish year round.

We actually fished Saturday the 17th, I marked the date wrong. Not that it matters much.