I wanted to fish the Penns this weekend.
from Bruce Fisher an hour ago.
Penn's Creek Angler Fly Shop Weikert Pa 17885.
I feel bad for the folks that have saved vacation time for this time of year to fish Penn’s Creek. Fishing this year has been challenging, but If I could pick any place on earth to fish during the whole month of May it would be Penn’s Creek.
This year we have been plagued by High Water and Wind. But the hatches so far have been very good and on time. I expect the same going forward.
The only GOOD thing I can tell you is during high colored water Nymph/Streamer fishing is generally good when fishing the edges or where you find bends in the creek. (I would not even get in the water) ***At 3050cfs, today we needed to fish a lake or pond***
It’s been my experience that when she comes down to 1500cfs Big Nymph/Streamer fishing will be viable. You can also expect at the 1300cfs level some Trout will start to rise in slow calm areas. But it is not easy fishing at these levels! You’ll need to get creative, pay attention and not make noise while walking the edge of the creek.
For Example: On Sunday a Lady and Gentlemen came into the shop and purchased a bunch of dry flies. These were my biggest March Brown and Grey Fox Dun’s and Spinners. So, I asked them where they were fishing and how they did. They told me they were in one of the larger pools near the tail out in the C&R and the trout were rising, they did very well. The level was 1340cfs. I wasn't shocked, the trout have to feed.
I’ve known for years that trout will rise in most conditions generally to the biggest flies the creek has to offer. (Stoneflies, March Browns, Grey Fox, Green Drake and the Slate Drake) if you read my story about Green Drake fishing where I had to swim across the creek at the end of the day to get to the other side of the creek you will understand. I’ll repost that story shortly, it might come in handy this year.
This is not an advertisement for you to come here and fish, conditions now are not good at all. But if you are stuck here possibly, I can help you. My customers of the last 18 years have become like family. The bottom line of this post is that fishing can be okay when the water is high and the biggest flies are pouring off. It will not be easy; it may just be time to learn. Big flies bring fish to the top in most conditions and most certainly the trout are feeding below the surface.
The only thing worse than your situation is my situation, I live 40 feet from the creek, I can’t avoid looking at this mess every time I walk out my door. To watch some of the best hatches of the year come off during high water and wind isn’t the best feeling. But I think the best is yet to come! I hope we’ll have good flows and good water temperatures all the way to July.
Penns Wed 8pm 3050cfs and on the drop, Brown Color, I’ll take a water temp tomorrow. Hatches: March Brown, Grey Fox, Black Quills, Yellow Duns, Caddis, Craneflies, Stoneflies, Olives and Yellow Sallies. Again, I'm NOT pushing anyone to Penn’s Creek! You should go elsewhere until she drops and cleans up.
In Addition, the next few days are good time to stop by and just chat.
Here’s the advertisement – The Orvis Helios 9ft 4 F is one of the Finest Dry Fly Rod on the Planet. Stop out and cast one and I think you’ll agree! The 8 ½ ft 3 Weight is also darn near perfect as well. I'll be using the three weight shortly.
All the Best!
Bruce Fisher
