Tea Creek, Mifflin Co. 12/28/07

[MKern]

Just got home form fishing the Tea. I normally only catch fish in the first mile or so of stream, but decided to fisht eh upper section today because the Kish and the lower half was high and moving fast.
As usual didn't catch much, but missed 3.
I was using my fingerling brown trout fly and then switched to a fly that I rarely use and never catch fish on: olive wooly bugger.
After about 100 yards I landed a fish on it. Then in another 50 yards I hooked and landed my largest fish of the year; a 19" wild brown with about a 12" girth. I took 2 good runs down stream using his weight and laying sideways in the current. Unfortunately I left my camera at home ofter a long debate with myself about taking it. I managed a couple ok pics with my phone, but nothing better than my camera would have taken. Guess I have to go catch him tomorrow.
Water temp was in the high 40's, and the stream was loaded with scuds.

 

[afishinado]

MKern wrote: "... (I) switched to a fly that I rarely use and never catch fish on: olive wooly bugger."

One thing I've found, I never catch fish on any fly that remains in my fly box.

If I were lost in wilderness and I had to chose one fly to have with me to catch fish to feed myself, it would be an olive wooly bugger.

I bet you went home and tied up another half dozen - right?

 

[MKern]

I didn't tie more, I have plenty already. But my confidience level increased for this fly.
I will say that the only reason I used it was becasue of the high water. But I did bring it along becuase of the possibility to use it.
I will also say that the only reason I caught that fish was because of the high water and the large fly tossed to him.

 

[afishinado]

It’s not really my favorite fly to fish. I prefer to use dries or nymphs, but under those conditions, off color and/or high water, I usually will try an OWB. I’ve caught nearly every common freshwater fish that swims in PA on that fly, and you can’t fish it wrong.

 

[spectorfly]

Olive wolly bugger + wild trout = success.......always!

 

[MKern]

Went back today to try and catch him again and get a good picture (even though I knew I would catch him again). Fished from 11:30 -- 1:15 and only focused on the upper mile and half.
Since the rain last night the creek was up another .5 inch or so, but the water was warmer: low 50's.
The fish were not in their usual lies for Winter, but more in feeding lies. Caught 8 plus, missed 4. Caught all on, you guessed it, the same olive bugger.
I wish I had more time to fish, I would have retraced my steps and hit the water a little harder.