By KenP on 6/29/2010 9:57 AM

This morning, between 9:45 and 10:00, I had a few minutes before I had to go open the store.  I stopped at the Fly Fishing Section of the Delaware White Clay Creek.  I walked half way up the stretch and stopped at the gravel bar next to the thin water just above "the Island."  I stood there and carefully and systematically searched the water for trout.  I saw three (maybe 4) trout in three minutes.  Then I went down to the top part of  "O'Donnell's Hole" and saw four trout in the same amount of time.  I just stood there quietly and looked hard.  That's more than a trout per minute.  What does this mean?  THERE ... ARE.....PLENTY..OF...TROUT around!  Are they sluggy?; yep (I'm feeling sluggy in the weather too).  Are they spooky?; yep.  Are they getting picky? You betcha.  But they are there, now we have to ... Read More »

By KenP on 6/28/2010 10:54 AM

As most of you probably expect the White Clay Creek stream temperature is way up for this time of year (some reports indicate mid seventies), and the water level is down a bit.  This is not go for the trout.  They will be in shade, at springs, and in riffles.  They will probably be hunkered down and doing more night feeding.  Best time to go for them will be gray light in the morning and late afternoon to dark.  If you catch any fish, try to get them in quick and release quick to limit their stress.

In slow flow areas, you will be seeing a dark green or bronish green tint to the water.  This is algae or other phyto-type micoorganisms/plants.  This can affect visibility for you and the fish and oxygen levels.  It can also gum up your fly and line. Rinsing your fli ... Read More »

By KenP on 6/27/2010 8:05 AM

This time of year is when the streams become relatively empty.  The diversity of fish readily willing to hit your fly is at its max. No one is around to watch or bother you.  Absolute peace and tranquility. 

In addition to the Eden I just described, this also provides opportunity.  You can try new things.  Mess around  with casting techniques and experiment with various presentations.  If you goof, who cares; you're the only one that will know.  Also, play around with new patterns.  Here is a simple one: tie a bunch of buggers in different colors and combinations.  Se how the fish react.  This is how I fell in love with the blonde bugger that works so well in the summer.   Don't underestimate how a slight size or colo ... Read More »

By KenP on 6/26/2010 10:37 AM

The Alaskan adventure June 2010 was quite a success.  Rainbows averaging 23" were hungary for string leeches, sculpins and caddis dries.  Here's a sample of the nice wild leopard rainbows we go to catch.

Pix was taken with a Fuji WP waterproof camera in the Alagnak River AK,

Ken

By KenP on 6/25/2010 1:32 PM

Just wanted to let everyone know that I was able to get a White Clay Creek grand slam today - one trout, one smallie, one red eyed rock,one bluegill and one fall fish.  Actulaly,  the bass fishing was spectacular using a mini bugger and Edson Tiger streamer.  The trout was caught on a black midge, and the pan fish were taken on a #16 black caddis dry.  The fall fish was almost 17".  Seems like the water is holding fish in the deep niches.  Water temp was 69 this morning.Try the state line location for the bass as both the PA & DE sections are good holding water.

Ken

By KenP on 6/21/2010 12:00 PM

Most of our blogging centers around the White Clay Creek.  But there are a bunch of other streams in our part of the Delaware River Basin that offers good fishing.  For example, yesterday afternoon I spent walking a section of the Christina Creek. 

The Christina Creek is a stocked stream from around Covered Bridge Farms down to Rittenhouse Park.  Although this stream is stocked with a fraction of the trout the White Clay Creek is, it also has almost zero pressure this time of year.  It is much smaller than the White Clay Creek, with lots of snags and vegegation.  But it is a good stream to sharpen your skills with.  There are many pools, bank cuts, and dark holes in this stream.  It can be tough going and challenging, but the fish are there.  They can be very hard to see ... Read More »

By KenP on 6/20/2010 7:58 AM

Well, we're in the middle of a hot and muggy weekend.  These type of late spring days means a few things to me.  Trout will be tougher during the day.  Early half of the morning and from about 4:00 on in the afternoons are your best bet.  Not to say you can't catch trout during the day, but it is trickier.  If you can only get out in the middle of the day, find heavily shaded and spring areas. Also in areas where there is shade with broken patches of light, work the light patches.  Fish will often set up at the light/shade line (in the shade).  The change from light to shade (and vice versa) helps fish see food floating on the surface.  I often fish big flies during the day to give the trout something worth going after.  

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By KenP on 6/19/2010 8:25 AM

For those of you who aren't familiar with or don't use tandems very often, the common belief is that two flies in the water give you twice the chance to catch a fish.  That isn't the whole truth.  A good tandem set-up (fresh water or saltwater) will increase your average catch numbers, period.   I guess the key thing to realize is that the flies in a tandem rig work together, i.e., it's more than just two or more flies in the water.

For example, I use a set-up for trout that includes a beadhead nymph and a midge pupa.  Now I can fish the beadhead by itself and catch some fish most of the time.  However, in a tandem rig, I catch a fewer fish on the beadhead, but the midge pupa hammers the fish.  Why? Well, the beadhead does three things: 1) it gets the midge pupa to the right depth; 2) it g ... Read More »

By KenP on 6/18/2010 10:42 AM

Most of the fishing reports for the White Clay Creek (DE & PA) have been very good.  But I am starting to see the fish getting more selective when it comes to flies.  Also, certain flies work better for one individual than another.  This is typically due to when and where the fly is being used AND the variation of presentation between fly flishers (i.e., their style).  A particular fly fisher simply has more mojo with certain flies, which eventually become his/her go to flies.   

When on the stream, do not spend too much time using a particular fly if it isn't being productive.  Don't get rid of it, just put in back in the box (after it dries), and try it again at a later time. For those of you who keep a diary/log, this is when ... Read More »

By KenP on 6/17/2010 1:16 PM

Reports are coming in that the water is low.  Low water can be a relative term.  For example, this year we had good flows throughout the spring due to the good groundwater recharge we had this winter and early spring.  Well, flows are getting to the point where the usually are around this time of year. What does a lower flow mean to me?  It means clear water, sometimes warmer water, and shallower water.  All of this adds up to spooky, picky, and often lazy trout.  Now is when you get to see how good you really are.  Positioning yourself for the best presentation, making a good first cast, and having a good drift all becomes more important.  

As for me, I know I've been fishing a little bit sloppy because I was able to get away with it.  ... Read More »