W. Branch Octoraro- Lancaster Cty 03-18-11

[nittspike]

Fished the W. Branch Octoraro FFO section yesterday from 9am-2pm. Stream was clear and high and very fishable. Did not get temp bc forgot thermometer. Was my 1st trip out for 2011, due a lot of work traveling. Managed 4 in the meadow on a combo of green bugger, black bugger, size 14 pt and copper john. midges and black stones all over. Moved to the upper reaches and fished the 1st big hole and managed 5 (all bows) on a black bugger. Moved down when i saw a much older gentleman approaching who I figured could not handle the grading below so he could fish on steady ground. Picked up a couple more in the faster water. Overall great day with several missed hook sets due to rust but it was good to finally get out.

 

[salmonoid]

Are you talking about the first big hole below the Black Rock bridge when you refer to the upper reaches? Was there any stocking that occurred from the top of the FFO section to the Puseyville Road bridge?

Thanks for the report - I've only managed to hit Donegal so far this year, but hope to get to Octorara sometime in the next few weeks.

 

[nittspike]

Yes that's the hole. It is just below the guide wire detailing the upper limits of the section. I did stop and check under the black rock bridge in the ATW section and did not see any indication of stocking. Last year just below the bridge they were packed in there at this time and you could walk across their backs! I was a little surprised there were not more in the FFO section so maybe there are more to come or have been poached!