W. Branch of the Brandywine. Chester Co. 4/2/2017

[Van_Cleaver]

Most crowded I've seen, since it was so high for Opening Day. After driving around (no parking anywhere) for awhile I settled into a local spot; muddy and one truck only. Not actually stocked but some nice water that fish wash into. The water was pretty muddy, and above average flow, but seemed really high since we've been having a drought. Sunny with scattered LB stones,and a lot of tan caddis mid afternoon. Forgot to dip but judging by the ussg downstream 45-50 or so late day is probably close. fished for two hours in the unstocked zone with out another angler in sight and manages a few; 13" Golden was the biggest. Moved into the "cheb zone" and found one legitimate parking spot. Got into a fast slot above a bridge and had it to myself so educated several more. Moved down stream into the most challenging pocket water and picked out a few more and then went upstream and steadily caught on a 14" bh caddis pupa. Caught a lot short lining fast runs and several stripping on the swing. Best moments; a family group just left a fast run. I picked up their trash and took three fish in five drifts, as well as a few more after. All and all a banner day for my first time out!

 

[Maurice]

Sounds like a blast! Good for you!

 

[Van_Cleaver]

It really was Maurice; basically there seemed to be lots of trout in every good run; just needed to get to them. Really didn't see a lot of fish taken. One of the runs was probably fished steadily form am til 4:00 being a stones throw from the parking lot. Still produced a few and a couple nice ones too. Forgot to mention despite the plethora of bugs I only saw a single rise from 12-5:45 which is when I fished. Looks like we may be getting into a more typical weather pattern too which bodes well for all our streams.