Wissahickon Creek - Philly - 6/8 and 6/9

[Nymph-wristed]

The mighty Wissy in the City of Brotherly Love is still fishing well this week. It's not a mountain freestoner, but it's damn pretty for being 10 minutes from my house and within the city limits of Philadelphia. Anticipating the 90 degree weather until next Wednesday, I know the party is ending sooner than later, but water temperatures were 64 yesterday at around noon, and 65 at 3 PM on a different but adjacent stretch today. With my son's school winding down, there are lot of half days and such, so close to home was perfect, and I am glad the creek is still in good shape from the wet spring and early summer. Two warm, sunny days, with the shot of rain on Tuesday, made for good conditions for all. A couple big tan caddis around, but only the sunfish really care. Mostly rainbows cooperating in the fast runs and braided deep holes. It is not really hard to find them this time of year, as they are where they should be, I suppose. I landed at least 8 yesterday and another dozen today, and I tangled with others that popped off. Just high-sticking with basic prince as the anchor and a couple different droppers. 90% took the prince in the fast runs. None seemed stressed when released. Don't get me wrong, I like the solitude of being the only trout fisherman left down there, but I will say it again: The stretch in the City that runs through the gorge could support a much better fishery if managed differently. A couple pics from today and yesterday:

 

[Mike]

Landing eight in one June outing and a dozen on the next sounds like evidence of pretty good management, but is it possible that the stream is stocked too heavily given that the stream will warm very soon?

 

[sarce]

Nice looking stretch of water there. 65 degree water still has quite a ways to go before it gets to lethal levels. By next Wednesday the rain and cooler weather returns. This heat wave may take water temps to the mid-70s but I wouldn't be surprised if after that the water temp drops to fishable levels again. Remember that there's a pretty big range between what temperatures are uncomfortable for rainbow trout (70+, and not safe to fish) and what will actually kill them outright (low 80s). So if some fish hang on just a little longer, they might catch a break with the weather.

 

[Mike]

The cumulative effects of sub-lethal temps are lethal. Such stress for RT starts at 68 deg F and the clock starts ticking, fifteen minute period by fifteen minute period over 68 deg, with mortality occurring based on an accumulation of those fifteen minute periods per month. Therefore, concerns begin at 68 deg F, not 78-81 F.

 

[Nymph-wristed]

Mike, I think the bait guys would disagree that it's too heavily stocked 😉 The issue is that until about this time of year, they stay right where they were put, often the most convenient places for the fork-stickers, which I understand, but also some honey holes for the guys who helped stock, which again are just convenient. It's a shame that with Forbidden Drive following the entire length that the same number of fish couldn't be spread out more for a different clientele who would use the resource beyond week 2 and then after subsequent bucket dumpings at bridges after.

I am part of the problem: The TU chapter to which I pay dues but don't really participate is content with its little slice of the Pennypack they worked hard to secure and preserve, but I would be happy to float stock the other trout stream in SEPA that needs some love now that I have some weekdays off.

 

[Jimbot]

Nice report man.

Good photos.

-bot

 

[JerryC]

That spot between the two trout looks very familiar. I think I've fished it a few times in the past. Most of the bait guys I've talked to think it's understocked. They just don't like to walk very far. If you wade certain stretches between Bells Mills and Valley Green in the summer you'll hit spots where springs seep in and the water is noticeably cooler. I've always spooked trout in these spots, mainly browns with the occasional rainbow. Browns seem to be active through the summer, especially early in the day before the sun starts hitting the water. I don't usually start fishing the creek till the middle of May and by then the top water bite is on and I chase the sunfish, smallmouth and largemouth in the creek though I always carry a small box of CDC and Elks and midge patterns in case I run into some rising trout.

 

[Nymph-wristed]

JerryC wrote:
That spot between the two trout looks very familiar. I think I've fished it a few times in the past. Most of the bait guys I've talked to think it's understocked. They just don't like to walk very far. If you wade certain stretches between Bells Mills and Valley Green in the summer you'll hit spots where springs seep in and the water is noticeably cooler. I've always spooked trout in these spots, mainly browns with the occasional rainbow. Browns seem to be active through the summer, especially early in the day before the sun starts hitting the water. I don't usually start fishing the creek till the middle of May and by then the top water bite is on and I chase the sunfish, smallmouth and largemouth in the creek though I always carry a small box of CDC and Elks and midge patterns in case I run into some rising trout.

I was deeper into the gorge, Jerry, but the same deal here too. I know of at least two little springs there and where you are talking about too. Gorgas Ln down to the blue stone bridge is some great smallmouth water! After a rain, the larger fish come out, just like the brown trout on a small pressured creek. Glad there are a few of us who appreciate this little gem and don't mind the walk! I for one find the hiking to be part of the fun.

 

[JerryC]

I've only fished that stretch a couple of times and not recently. Did all right on the smallmouth and sunfish. I've seen some big smallmouth and largemouth in the stretches I like to fish. Did catch one smallmouth a shade under 17 inches, but most are in the 8 to 10 inch range. The one thing I like about the sunfish is they seem to be in spawning colors all summer. Since they all seem to spawn in the same areas I've caught some interesting hybrids over the years.

 

[EazyP]

You'd be surprised, they hold over a lot longer in the Wiss than most would believe. Just have to do some walking to find them and have to read the holes right. My dad and I fish through August and get 15-20+ each outing. Great stream:

 

[PhillyFlyFish]

Bringing this old post back becuase I love fishing at the Wiss. and am glad to see others do too. I have walked most of the stream starting at the top of the Green Ribbon Trail down through Forbidden Drive. Tons of places to hang out/fish. Where you are allowed to fish, I've caught plenty of trout, smallmouth, and a variety of sunnies. Perfect for a quick trip after work. My only beef is the trash. Everytime I leave the Wissahickon I come back with a net or trashbag full of trash. Under appreciated might desribe it better than poorly managed. For a stream with so much history it's sad to see it treated so poorly. I know Friends of the Wissahickon do a lot of projects to help manage it. Stocking doesn't seem to be good for the creek, at least not where I fish.

 

[Nymph-wristed]

I was like, whah? I posted this? And then I saw it was a year ago.
Check out my blog for details but I had a dozen, mostly drop-shotting a pair of midges, on June 12th. Water temp was 64 that day at 11 AM.

 

[JerryC]

I was reading it to and had the same reaction when I saw I had replied to it. Haven't the fished the creek yet this year. Did take a walk along it with a group from my church on Monday. It's definitely in good fishing condition right now. We walked from Valley Green up to Rex Ave. Didn't see much in the way of trout. A lot of sunfish and several small largemouth, 8 to 10 inches cruising the shallows below the riffles at Wise's Mill Rd. I'm going have start tossing my 5 wgt in the back of my car so I can do a little fishing after we finish the walk.

 

[Dave_W]

PhillyFlyFish wrote:
Bringing this old post back becuase I love fishing at the Wiss. and am glad to see others do too.

It is usually best to start new threads rather than re-fresh old ones as readers become confused.

I like your enthusiasm for the Wiss, however. By all means write up a fresh report sometime soon next time you're out there. Water temps are valuable info.
DW

 

[Clams]

Wiss water temps are available 24/7 right here

https://waterdata.usgs.gov/pa/nwis/uv?cb_00010=on&cb_00060=on&cb_00065=on&cb_63680=on&format=gif_stats&site_no=01474000&period=10&begin_date=2017-06-22&end_date=2017-07-06