Wissahickon Cr., 6/5/16, Philadelphia Co.

[DrNymph]

Time fished: 2p-6p
Air temp: Low 80's, humid
Weather: Cloudy, sporadic showers
Water temp: high 60's
Water clarity: clear
Water flow: lower than average, 50's
Bug activity: Sporadic tan caddies and lots of tan midges

First day that I decided to wet wade. It's late in the season for the Wissahickon, most trout are fished out at this point, especially in the popular areas. So, I geared up to cover a lot of water with plans to get to specific spots just as the storm arrived...which turns out was off by about 3 hours.

Started at Livezy mansion and immediately hooked into 2 rainbows subsurface on a double beadhead nymph rig. I worked my way downstream the whole day and fished a lot of new water and surprisingly pulled out trout from hidden spots. All Browns, I suspect they were hold overs as they were strong and were in typical fish hides. All fish were caught on frenchie patterns.

All in all, caught 7 trout and about 2 million sunnies. It was a great day exploring new water in a familiar place. If you're willing to bushwhack and travel, you can find pretty secluded runs on the Wiss.

 

[Nymph-wristed]

Thanks for the report. I love that creek, especially since I can walk to parts of it. I have had the same experience with hold-overs in spots downstream from where you were. When I was a young bull, I lost my driver's license for 30 days and a buddy loaned me a mountain bike. I found fish moved all over the place and were dumped in places that were not easy to get to. There are also some cool water seeps in the gorge that keep it below 70 for longer than most fisherman realize. Once in a while, I will catch a couple in August and September while chasing smallmouth, usually in riffles with their noses to the falls and plunges, sweating it out until the next cool night or rain, no doubt. It's always the browns who are left. I guess they are not partial to PowerBait...

 

[boogeyklat]

I don't think there are such things as holdovers in this stream. I may be wrong but it boils over the summer. I wouldn't wet wade it either but that is just me.

 

[Nymph-wristed]

boogeyklat wrote:
I don't think there are such things as holdovers in this stream. I may be wrong but it boils over the summer. I wouldn't wet wade it either but that is just me.

Not every year, for sure, but the fish I have caught in August and September while fishing for bass were not dead yet, so chances are they could make it if they avoided being stressed out by other guys like me. This was not a one-time thing either. I have been fishing the creek for 35 years or more, and it has happened a few times in the last decade, alone.

 

[pratt]

there are definitely holdovers in the Wissahickon....I've caught trout through the fall/winter - even after they discontinued the fall stocking. There are a few spots in particular that I've had luck catching in the 'off season'

 

[Nymph-wristed]

Water was 65 yesterday at 3 PM, even. I got two on a midge before getting caught in the rain (twice). After the rain, it was nothing but little bass on streamers, which was still fun.

 

[Mike]

Pratt is correct...no fall stocking but some trout being caught in fall and winter as seen by WCO

 

[Vinylrooster]

Just moved to east falls by way of Columbus Ohio and I'm really excited to check out the wissahickon. I live within walking distance and I'm trying to figure out the best access points. Thats the shame they don't do fall stocking anymore, I love late season trout fishing in the fall

 

[Nymph-wristed]

Not the only pretty stretch, but there is some beautiful water in the gorge from Walnut Lane Bridge all the way up to the falls at Livezey Lane. I lived in Roxborough for about 13 years, and it was great to have some fishing so close by. Since the construction was needed, scaffolding has prevented the PFBC from stocking Walnut Lane down to Lincoln Drive, but that too had some great, cold holes. Bass are doing fine in that section though. I hope that that stretch can be accessed again when the construction is complete. Enjoy!

 

[Vinylrooster]

Thanks nymph!


So I live near the intersection of Lincoln and gypsy. That's a shame about the stocking near me. Is there anything keeping fish from moving downstream (dams or naturals blocks)? Are you saying you don't bother going downstream of walnut lane?

I'm thinking about hitting the river tomorrow morning, what stretch do you think is best for summer? I understand if you don't want to drop spots on the Internet, so I won't be offended if you say no.

Thanks again for the advice

Rooster

PS, if your bored check out my youtube channel. I have some of my fly fishing adventures on there from Ohio and turks & Caicos. Hoping to have some up soon of this area....

https://www.youtube.com/user/VinylRooster

 

[Nymph-wristed]

The water has probably been at a steady 75-78 degrees or more for over a month now, so you won't find trout to target, but the smallmouth are all over that section, and down by you, mostly small, but a few 12 to 15 inchers.

 

[Vinylrooster]

Ended up getting a late start, but I got into a dozen or so smallies and sunnies. Thank you so much for the advice. Like you said, nothing too big, all under 8 inches. I'll put up some pictures if I can figure out how to!

Also, I ended up getting a ticket for parking about halfway down the hill near the livezy mansion. I saw right near the house that was clearly marked no parking. However, the spot I was parked in was a mini marking lot about 1/4 mile up the hill, had no signs at all and there was three other people marked in the lot...we all had tickets when I got back.

Any ideas where I should park next time?

 

[Nymph-wristed]

There is a lot at Kitchen's Lane and street parking at Mount Airy Ave and other street ends along Wissahickon Drive. Also parking lots off Henry Ave on the Roxborough side of the creek. Glad you got a few!

 

[Oregon_Owl]

Thanks for the thread. Always have a fond spot in my heart for the Wissahickon. It is where I took up fly-fishing many many years ago.