Penn's Creek, Centre County, April 19-21 2012

[Luke]

Penn's Creek. Water above and below Poe Paddy Campground. Very low water for this time of year, glad we are now getting some rain; about 225 cfs. Water temperature 59 degrees F. Water color was that beautiful green of Penn's Creek. The fishing was excellent with good action on nymphs all morning; found the pheasant tail and prince nymphs to be productive in a #14. Would come across some rising fish thoughout the afternoon and often found a sulpher emerger to be productive during that time. March browns were hatching in small numbers throughout the day and tan caddis hatches were also throughout the day.

Best dry fly action was at dusk when a nice March Brown (I think, there was some debate in our group about March Brown vs Hendrickson) spinner fall would really get the fish rising in numbers. I would appreciate if someone with a better handle on entomology would let me know whether these were March Browns or Hendricksons. To this, a #10 rusty spinner proved extremely successful and the best action was in the lower end of faster water with deeper water nearby for cover. The much needed rain came in on Saturday evening and shut down the spinner fall just as it was about to begin. That was a disappointment, but the rain is a blessing!

Achieved a surpring trifecta this week of brown (typical), several brooks, and one rainbow; this was unusual. Also, a bass and some chubs were had.

Had a fantastic week camping and fishing. I cannot wait to get back on this beautiful creek again soon.

 

[LBCaddis]

I was also on Penns Creek this weekend until the weather chased me home late Sunday. Definitely a March Brown Spinner fall. I was also using a #10 rusty spinner and did well.

 

[bikerfish]

there were both march browns and hendrickson spinners, at least where I was at near Weikert. and yep, a #10 rusty spinner did the trick just fine. I had the best fishing on penns that I've ever had, even caught 2 very nice smallies! most trout were between 12 and 14, with a few 16-17 inch fish in the mix. what looked like sulphers turned out to be craneflies.

 

[McSneek]

I was up for the day on Saturday, 4/21. Had the pleasure of meeting Luke again, comparing notes and sharing the water. My experience was similar to everyone elses. Same bugs, water conditions, etc. Nymphing the fast water was very productive for me. Most of my fish came on a #14 Sugar Daddy (see TCO website for pattern) dropped off a #8 rubber legged stonefly. I did get a nice one on the stonefly nymph. Only saw some sporadic risers and hooked and lost one on a tan cdc caddis. Also had some success dead drifting a tan pupa. Those were aggressive strikes. I quit to drive home a little earlier than I would have liked but it was raining hard by the time I got to my vehicle so maybe it wasn't a bad decision after all. So happy we're getting some rain finally.