Neshannock Creek, Lawrence County- 9.13.14

[Mucka]

I woke up and had planned on painted the stairwell and hallway upstairs after putting it off for about 4 weeks... but I just had to go out today to get the skunk off from the premature trip to Erie yesterday morning. Decided to head to Neshannock Creek between New Castle and the DHALO area. Started out at about 9am, stream was slightly colored and had a really nice flow. weather was cloudy with some sporadic showers, and my thermometer was in a jacket hanging in my garage. I have had some decent luck here throughout the summer, still managing to catch a handful of trout here and there while targeting smallmouth in late July and August. Figured with the drop in temps I would go after purely trout today, and it was a good day for it. There are plenty of fish that have been hanging around since the initial stocking here, and I think the cooler wetter summer has allowed for them to continue to grow. Not a ton of fish around, but the ones that were to be had were quality fish. Only managed four in about 4 hours of fishing and lots of walking, but not one was under 15". The big boy in the picture below was probably in the 18-19" range (but end to top of cork is 11"), put up a great fight and an quite a bit of acrobatics as well. Helps ease the pain of yesterdays busted trip just a little more.

 

[streamerguy]

Nice job! It's been a great year for Neshannock. Lots of fish left in the general regs water, and I'm sure the DHALO has lots as well. Should be a good fall!

I haven't been there in a couple weeks, but I guess there's been a good amount of caddis lately. I was just on the Shenango earlier and there was a pretty good hatch for this time of year. No topwater action but I managed a few little smallies on streamers...

 

[fishingnoob]

its good to see someone else have a big catch on Neshannock. I posed earlier in the spring about also catching a rainbow the same size all I got were doubters. Great report, I'm gonna miss that creek

 

[Mucka]

Streamer- while I was there there was little to no activity with any caddis- I did see on the shops site that there has been a lot in the past week, but I can't say that I saw anything really. I love the shenango for small mouth... I've never made it further north to check out the area below the dam, but I need to make it up there this fall.
And Noob, I've caught some big ones there, no doubt. That's one of the biggest, only bigger one I got there was behind the shop after one of their fresh "lunker" stockings. The fish that have made it through the summer appear to be very healthy. This one was definitely a surprise though since it didn't come from behind the shop.

 

[mjkraw]

I was out on the Neshannock yesterday. Only fished for a few hours I'm the morning, but caught a few trout and smallies. Those are some nice fish Mucka

 

[Mucka]

Thanks. It's been a great summer for that stream

 

[DanVerona]

I got out to Neshannock on Sunday as well. Parked at Covered Bridge and fished upstream from around 10AM to 2PM.

Caught one trout on that deep bend by the "Island", and a few creek chubs here and there. Mainly was using an olive bird of prey caddis, sz 14, with a sz 18 prince nymph dropper.

I had never fished this section before and it's really nice! Reminded me of a spring creek when I got up past that island to the "meadow" section, but I didn't go up much further than that...

 

[Mucka]

I got mine (and all the creek chubs) on sz 16 stone fly nymphs and chartreuse copper johns. There are tons of sections that are really nice! One of my favorites is on the north side of New Castle. It's a perfect stretch of water filled with riffles and runs. Only thing, and it's a total shame, but the roadway on the bank is pretty much a dump. Filled with old couches, tvs, mattresses.. you name it. Not sure who tries to keep it clean, but they can't keep up with the personal landfill. This is the view basically on the base of the dump.. such a shame.

 

[streamerguy]

Mucka, that's one of the sections I've been fishing. Definitely a shame about all the trash. Kinda dangerous walking down the bank to the creek! Never know what metal or glass you'll step on...

I wonder if we can organize a stream clean-up? I know TU does them along Cool Spring. The only problem is the junk will return.....and that's not exactly the best area either. Won't catch me night fishing there.

Tons of nice(and scenic) water on Neshannock, though 90% of the fishermen stick to the upper DHALO. But I have no problem with that ;-)

 

[Mucka]

no complaints from my side of things either. I rarely see anyone fishermen there aside from, as you have put it, some herons and a couple of eaglets that have been flying around between New castle and the DHALO area.
I'm at that spot about once a week, and someone or some company does clean it regulary, the stuff that is dumped is usually on there for a week or two at a time, but they just can't seem to keep up with it. Terrible area too- I get a little nervous walking back to the car at Sunset- and keep all valuables in my car tucked away and hidden haha. The fishing there is just too good at times to pass up though!