Spring Creek, Little J, 10/5/20 - 10/6/20, Centre and Huntington Cos.

[greenghost]

Weather -- 60 -70 degrees, cloudy Monday, Bright sun Tuesday
Water temp -- 50 - 60 degrees
Water condition -- very low, but fishable
Bugs -- lots of caddis and tiny BWO, crane flies, a few Slate Drakes

After hearing stories about drought in Central PA, I almost bagged the trip. Glad I didn't. Streams were low, but very fishable.

On Spring, flows were surprisingly good. I've fished it when it was much lower. I caught many on BWOs size 20, ants, and even a couple on a hopper.

On the Little J, I chose to fish the lower end from the bottom of the gorge to the mouth. Again low, but not "oh-my-God-never-seen-it-this-low" low. I used an over-dressed elk hair Slate Drake dry and an iso nymph dropper most of the time. Did very well, especially with the dropper.

Overall, the trout have put the feedbags on. And the scenery, well hell, it was worth the trip alone.

 

[Dave_W]

Good report - thanks.

While we wait for rain to bring up the freestoners, many limestone influenced streams are in fishable shape.

 

[greenghost]

One thing I forgot to add. With the water being low and very clear, trout are extremely skittish. I used an 11 -12 ft leader. 6X for BWOs and 5X for isos. tippet 2 to 3 ft. w. Cast much longer and/or stay on edges with shadows.

 

[greenghost]

I hear you, Dave. I'm not even going to the Laurel Highlands until we get rain. Hopefully, Delta will help the cause.

 

[DaveKile]

Thanks for sharing. I might be heading that direction this weekend. I'll do a followup if I get there.