September 6, 2024
Summer is over, or is it?
January 3, 2024
Well it’s winter. At least that is what the calendar says. At times I really do not believe it is , due to the current weather. Perhaps that will change and my outdoor activities will change accordingly. But the forecast today is calling for snow over the weekend.
Winter usually means tying flys, doing shows and getting my equipment ready for the coming year. It has been a few years since I was standing on safe ice drilling holes to do some.
October 2023
The run has officially started. Although not in large numbers, a small early arrival of some steelhead is always a good sign of what the early season fishing can hold.
Many fishermen are waist deep in the water and hopefully catching plenty of fish in their local streams. The trout stocking program is in full swing and we fly fishermen are seeing low clear water and endless opportunities to pursue our favorite sport.
February 9, 2022
I have been fortunate to fish with some excellent fly fishermen and on some of the better-best bodies of water in the Eastern US. One such stream that stands out is the South Houlston in Tennessee. It is near Bristol Tn and an easy drive down I81S. It has an excellent population of wild browns and rainbows. Also it gets stocked regularly with rainbow trout. It is a bottom release stream and fishes well throughout the year. I enjoy fishing from May until the fall frost comes at the end of summer. The Sulphur hatch is a daily occurrence with exceptions. Also I have seen BWOs and Black caddis hatching in fishable numbers. It has power generating abilities so water levels change daily. Wading is relatively easy during lower water releases and there are options for bank fishing and float trips when the waters are up. I fish a standard Harveys dun pattern and see no need for anything else to have successful days when the flys are coming off. Do not get me wrong, I fish other flys such as a purple midge pattern in slower periods of time without major hatches. There are other streams both large and small worth fishing in the area if options are needed. Most fishermen will do well and it may be one of the best trout fisheries in the east or even in the USA. Lodging and other amenities such as restaurants are limited in the immediate area, so do some homework and make reservations prior to your trip. I do not guide there but am willing to share any knowledge I have gained for those who are interested.
December 28, 2021
It appears covid is still with us and making things tough on many of us. I am still doing my personal schools for you and your small group through 2022. Guiding is available locally as well as in Erie for steelhead. However, I have found I am no longer 21 yrs old and trying to do 3 days in a row is just a little more than my 68 yr. old body can handle so, I am cutting down on guiding to a 2 day max with a day or 2 off to rest my bones. Erie steelhead will have limited openings so, do not wait until the last minute to book me for guiding. I assume my schedule will be the second week of October through the first week of November for the 2022 season.
The 2021 steelhead run was back to what it was years ago. By the first of October the first run was up and beyond Rt. 98 on Elk Creek. This made for some fantastic fishing with the run spread out and plenty of room to fish.
April had a decent shad run on the Rappahanock in Virginia and our local trout was on par for the year.
I hope to see all my old friends at the shows and on the streams, as I am starting to spend more time in my easy chair thinking about fishing than being on the stream.
Be safe and have a great year in the out of doors.
Happy New Year, Tony
Saturday October 16, 2021
July 21, 2021
As 2021 hits midsummer, our lives are looking a lot different than one year ago. It is nice to see our part of the world getting back to normal.
March 10, 2021
2020 was a trying year to say the least. I personally saw many changes in my personal life as well as my business. The Covid-19 virus made major changes in my life on the scale that wars had made with my parents and grandparents. A lot of thought went into the future of “The Addicted Angler”. Currently services are still be provided with a few changes in 2021. I expect my second vaccination on March 13. This should make a big difference in making close contact with my guiding and fishing school clients. All of the schools will need to be private only. This means no set dates with open classes. You will know everyone involved in our outing and can set the dates that suit you. If you are interested, please call or email for your required dates and other information. Also guiding is either 4 or 6 hour days with schools having the same timeframe. You can elect to do multiple days if so desired.
I expect to see local fishing to be similar to previous years. Distant trips can be scheduled with federal Covid-19 guidelines applicable. Erie PA steelhead trip-guiding will be mid to late October due to changes in fish run timing in recent years. As always your health and safety is a priority and having a good time on the water is what we are all about. It is recommended that masks be worn when it applies and the use of common sense with other precautions. Please read your PA fish regulations booklet for 2021 as there have been some changes that could effect your time on the water.
This year will mark 42 years working in the flyfishing business for me and I still strive to make your outdoor experience a pleasant one. Putting over 200 days a year on the water or ice for 40 years has given me a perspective that only a few can have. My hope is to share that knowledge with as many other enthusiasts as possible. I look forward to a great year on the water and hope we all can see some sense of normalcy in the future.
Tony
October 1, 2020
As summer’s daylight shortens and fall leaves start to drop, skamania steelhead are either in their native streams or are in the progress of doing so. Currently in Pa, Elk creek has a small run of fish in the lower areas of the stream-river. With some heavy rain, stream levels will rise and the first steelhead runs will take place. I prefer to catch these early bright cromers that are active but very finicky. Fishing techniques usually are different then the traditional chuck and duck. I prefer to swing wet flys, pull streamers and even use large dry flys to entice these selective fish. Usually it is sight fishing at its best. Some days you will have sore arms landing fish in the 6 to 10 lb. range and the next day you may only get 3 or 4 takes in an 8 hour day. This is what makes fishing exciting. No guarantees. My methods are different then most fishing for them, as it is more conventional fly fishing. Also I have spin tackle and bait for the non fly fishermen or women. For those who would like to keep their fish for table fare I provide a cooler and we take them to the local fish cleaning-freezing station for you to pick up when you leave to go home. No need to get your hands dirty or concern that the fish is not properly prepared and refrigerated. If you are interested go to the Erie trips Fall page for details Call or e-mail me for open dates. We will discuss Covid -19 precautions when we meet, please bring a mask in case one is required.
April 9, 2020
Aquatic seining: 4-8-2020
January 22, 2020
With 2019 behind us, 2020 could be a better year to put some time on the water. Last year’s extremely warm temperatures as well as high water made for some tough fishing. High water is never a fly fisherman’s friend, as well as tough wading for all fishermen. Even those fishing lakes had high, off color (muddy) water at times.
Some highlights from last year’s fishing for me were a few very successful trips and a few very good days on the local waters. Our early season Grannom and Hendricksons were sparse to say the least. Sulphur numbers were down so the Breeches was not up to its usual self for dry fly fishing. However, wild trout populations remain good and stockings were heavy. I tried to fish some new streams within an hour drive from home and found some peaceful fishing in adjoining counties for stocked trout a few days after they were stocked. Early season shad runs in Maryland and Va were on par when I was fishing for them. Our shad trip to the Rappahannock in Fredricksburg was a success with catching and camaraderie. My Delaware river trip was slow. Not a good year for shad and not a lot of bug activity for rising trout.
Some of the other Cumberland County streams, fished decent with the limestone water remaining at more normal levels. Mid to late summer saw some saltwater fishing. I caught my biggest flounder ever. It was 25 inches! However, right now current regulations in North Carolina do not permit the harvesting of flounder. I did not even have my phone or camera so you will have to take my word on this catch. Also late summer took us to the Crystal Coast on NC for some Spanish Mackerel fishing.We trolled for a few hours and my wife and I caught 40 plus spanish. We kept about 1/2 of them and ate them every Friday until mid winter. October takes me to my second home in Girard ( near Erie Pa). Fishing for early run fish was slow. However, the late fall-winter season picked up as the run keep steady. Currently, with some help from the weather Erie Pa steelhead fishing has remained as good as it has been in years. But be prepared as cold weather can mean creeks get frozen and moderate rain can cause creeks to get blown out. Check the weather and call a reputable shop before going. Jim and the guys a Folleys Campground and shop in Girard, can be a good source for accurate information on Elk Creek.
Sept. 3, 2019 Early Steelhead Preparation
If you are not an experienced steelhead fisherman then this information may be of value.
July 23, 2019
Summer has shown another year of non-typical weather. It is getting very hot which is not so unusual but spring rains have not let up. Our local streams have been above average flows and often bank full all year.
April 1, 2019
No not an April fools joke!
March 2019
We have received more then our share of rain and snow for the last 6 months. As of March 11 all streams are beyond bank full. I fished a local limestone today with some flooding over the banks into field areas. I landed 2 fish and had one other flash at my Tesselated darter pattern.Remember only certain special regulated areas are open to catch and release fishing in our area for trout. Also some of the non-stocked sections of trout water are open to catch and release also. Call Fish and Boat to be sure. Just because your buddy said its open does not mean that is so.
Our opening day should see both Hendricks and Grannom Caddis. Perhaps high water will make fishing a little changeably but many times mid day fishing will see bugs and trout taking them for a week plus. I wish I had a magic wand to tell them when to come off but no such luck so you may have to pay some dues to catch those hatches. Some years they are constant for a week plus and next year you may only get a day or two on the Breeches. Most of the bait and hardware guys have had there fun first thing in the opening day morning and are usually taking a break with some refreshments. Some may be really enjoying the refreshment if you know what I mean. Bottom line is most guys are more then willing to let a fly guy work on some rising fish in the Pm on opening day. If not move up or down a few hundred yards and you should find some friendly guys.
Tony
February 14, 2018
The Yellow Breeches has received it’s winter allotment of trout from the Anglers and Conservation Association and the state will be stocking our special regulated waters in Cumberland County on February 21. These fish will make your catch rate go up and are usually much easier to catch for at least a while.The Breeches has plenty of wild trout but a different approach is needed to catch them in any numbers. Also certain sections contain higher populations of wild fish and some of the lower sections do not contain any. This is due to water conditions.
It is time to start stocking your boxes with flys such as blue winged olives and small black stone flys. If there is any surface activity these are the two main flys. I suggest to use smaller to mid size nymphs. These will be a very good producer on most days as well as some streamers and even a bugger or two for those fresh stocked fish.
I am doing my shows and have made a few adjustments. Please note the up-dates on my calendar.. This is a great opportunity to get advice and stock up on needed supplies.
I was able to fish southern Va last week and caught a crappie. Only fished for 1/2 hour but I got my fix for the day, so to speak. We have been having mild weather and the snow is gone for now but rains have swollen creeks to bank full levels. Also old man winter is giving us a 2 to 5 inch snow fall Saturday evening. Next week will be in the 50’s, so hopefully I will start putting time back on the water. Remember March 1 is the closing of the open water sections of most streams in Pa. Consult your regulation book or call the Pa Fish and Boat Commission to be sure you are fishing legally.
December 2017
Winter may be the time for many to hibernate, however, there is a lot to do and even more to see. On warmer sunny winter days our limestone streams can fish fairly well. I like to fish smaller pheasant tail nymphs and some scud patterns. Also one of my favorite streamer patterns is the testalated darters. If you can not remember that just remember the TD. Yes those are my initials as well as the fly name. It imitates the testalated darter as well as a sculphin, that is on a diet! If winter fishing is not your cup of tea, then there are out door fishing shows that will meet every fisherman’s needs. These shows are put on by local non-profit organizations such as our fire departments and conservation organizations. Many have food for sale and are good places to get local fishing information as well as information on that yearly fishing trip. These shows can offer you a different menu then those big national shows that many go to and are sometimes disappointed.
I do seminars for some, so watch my events schedule and I hope to see you at the shows. The events calendar dates will be added or corrected as dates are confirmed
Perhaps we will get lucky and get some cold weather to do some ice fishing.
Tony
Summer July 29, 2017
Summer is in full swing and the fishing has slowed down. The hot summer weather brings out the worst in me with allergies and other minor problems. For the fish, water temperature is one of the biggest problems. A few suggestions are to fish as close to springs as you can and also fish early in the morning or late in the evening when air temperatures are the coolest which keeps water temps slightly cooler also. Some streams contain good water temperatures throughout the summer. Mainly the limestone creeks such as Big Spring, and Letort are just two examples.
It will not be long before one of our largest hatches comes off on the Yellow Breeches. I have seen White flys (Ephron Leucon) come off as early as August 5th on the mid lower Breeches and as late as August 22 in the Catch and Release water. These flys can come off in great numbers right at dark. You will need some pure white mayfly patterns. I use a size 12 – 14 hook for all my white flys. Either a wet. dun or spinner will work ( at times). Sometimes these fish can be fairly easy to catch however after a few days into the hatch the C and R fish have been worked over. If you do not like elbow to elbow fishing, you need to consider the open water on the Breeches. You may see a few other bugs around. One is our Hexaginia hatch. They are large brown mayflys some refer to as brown drakes. I do not think they are that but it is a good way to describe them to someone who has never seen them. I personally have not had much luck fishing for them with surface patterns, however, a large size 6 brown wet fly can catch some fish from my experiences. Our weather has been fairly wet and it appears the forecast is for milder temperatures in the next few days. For myself this is a good sign to start putting more time on the water. Also make sure you have a good flashlight. I like to carry a small back up just in case! Usually on a good year once the hatch starts it is fairly constant for a few weeks. Remember it is called fishing and not just catching! TONY
June 6, 2017 Midseason
Many have decided there are other more important things to do then go trout fishing. That is good for the rest of us as we do not have to wonder if that favorite hole will be occupied and we can expect it to be vacant for a evening of peaceful fishing. As summer heat comes upon us our best fishing comes in the early morning and late evening. Well sometimes. Terrestrials are most active during those extremely hot, humid mid day sessions when only the hearty would dare to be on the water. This is assuming your stream contains cool water temperatures throughout the summer season.
Some recent observations I have had in the last year:
Big Spring Creek:
Just not worth wasting your time on. The fish just are not there as they once were. I am not talking about they days of the hatchery but 5 or 10 years ago. There is almost no food for the fish. I tried to find cress bugs with no results except for the lower locations near town (Newville). However the state put some very nice Brook trout in this spring and many enjoyed a good meal of fish for a few days.
Letort:
It has been going on a roller coaster ride and is in a dead spot currently.There are some fish but those browns were always tough (smart) and fewer fish make it more difficult for success. I am not saying not to fish it, but if you have your act together and are willing to put in a day of fishing you can catch a fish or two. As for myself it appears the days of the 20 inch plus rising browns may just be a good memory. You need cover for the fish and the vegetation for insect life so make sure you have both before wetting a line.
Mountain Creek:
If looking for wild brookies or even a few small wild browns this is a alternative to our local limestones.The upper end (above Fuller Lake) has some wild brookies but beware. You are fishing in a heavily wooded rocky area and there is always something wanting to see if you are edible or just a good pin cushion to sting. The lower creek has been stocked earlier and will contain a few hold over fish as well as some small wild browns. Do not expect large numbers but if you want to get away this may be worth looking into. Also the fish are usually not very particular.
Greensprings and Middlesprings:
These are two under fished streams and have some potential for early summer fishing. Greensprings gets stocked a few times a year and holds fish over fairly well with it flyfishing only catch and release regulations. Try testelated darters and a small bugger pattern. Middlesprings has some small wild browns in its upper area and has been stocked through Memorial day.
There again do not expect manicured paths, and fighting your way through high weeds and brush can attract ticks, mosquitoes and so on.
Yellowbreeches:
I hate to spot burn but this is your best bet for some decent fishing through the summer. Both the state and some local clubs have stocked thousands of fish and if anything, there are too many. Wild browns can be found from the head waters to the Williams Grove area and a few other spots where spring water comes into the Breeches below that area can hold fish over. Be gentle with the wild fish and consider releasing all of the wild browns and just keeping the stocked fish for tablefare. Assuming you are fishing for dinner.
I make sure I have a selection of small nymphs such as size 16 pheasant tails. Scuds and cress bugs are a must all year round. Both testelated darter and white and silver streamers can save the day especially if you happen to be fishing after a summer down pour! You may see a few small cream caddis or a creamy mayfly or two. A few small ants and other terrestrials should round out your fly box needs. Tony
March 31, 2017
Well tomorrow is opening day for south central Pa trout fishing. Opening day for many is Jan. 1. However I will go with the flow and talk about April 1. It is 41 degrees and raining as I speak. Boy am I glad I am not one of those guys camping out in one of those little tents laying on the ground tonight. Perhaps I have past my beer drinking days and the “day before party” is only a head ache for the opening day! Things look a little iffy for many but nicer weather is just around the corner according to the weather man.
He predicted a 50% chance of rain first thing in the morning. No sense going out on a limb with a real prediction and no way to be wrong with 50-50 chance!
So how about some fishing! I am sure the bait fishermen will do well with cold high off color water first thing. I do not think many will stick it out for the PM sun as our local weather man predicts. Perhaps we can hit it big, fly guys!!! Hendricksons have been coming off and I saw some Grannoms yesterday! If things settle down the next 2 weeks should (perhaps could) be some of the better fishing for the year. Plenty of wild fish and more then a generous stocking of fresh ones. Yes, even the “stockies” should be taking them. Flowers are starting to bloom and the trees are just starting to look a little different. Also I saw a hen duck in my yard today. She comes every year and builds a nest for her little ones. I live a good mile from the Breeches on Old Town run so I guess she likes to be left alone from those crazy mallards.
I hope everyone experiences some rewards while on the stream and please be safe and courteous to one another. Tony
January 12, 2017
For many, winter is the time of year when we sit in front of the TV or computer, eat more junk food then we should and think about spring. Perhaps a brisk walk would be a good way to clean the winter cob webs out and get yourself in gear. There are many outdoor shows to go to and plenty of work to be done to get that gear ready! I try to plan my trips and think about what I need to buy and or do differently to be ready when the time comes. Also what should I do to please my wife so she does not mind me going!
You can go on line and see many fishing events (shows) to keep you busy. I personally do about 7 or 8 each year. Many friends and “friends to be” stop by and say hello or ask questions about fishing. I am doing different presentations for many of them also. Yes this helps my business but also it is nice to get out and talk to some real people. Not just the kind I hit my key pad to talk to! Some people come to purchase flies, jigs and lures to stock up for the season. They know if I have them it is what I believe in, to catch fish. Also many sell new and used equipment that is usually priced right. If you are thinking of taking a class or booking a day on the water this can be the best time to ask questions and compare notes as to the best fit for your needs.
November 6 ,2016
It is currently 70 degrees and the fall leaves are in full color. This means cold winds and snow will be on the way. Many have there hunting gear ready and some of you may even have put some game in the freezer. I have gotten all my trapping supplies ready and in a few weeks will be placing some sets out. Trapping for Old Renard, or even helping that farm pond by removing some muskrats, will keep me busy for a change of pace.
Many have complained about the lack of Steelhead numbers for the fall run in Pa. Yes, I can agree they are not what they were at one time. However, I saw plenty of Steelhead to target and even a few takers in the low clear waters we encountered this fall. No double digit days but that is fishing! I have some ideas that perhaps would help the fishery but no real evidence to support my theories. At my fall steelhead seminar, I spend time discussing how to catch them in low clear water. Many have taken it over the years and I think most agree it was helpful. The seminar is usually early in September and will be posted on the Events Calendar for 2017 in January.
We in the Cumberland Valley are fortunate to have many spring creeks to fish through winter. All but the harshest days can be productive and fun. Also do not forget the many lakes that get stocked with winter trout for ice fishing. Pan fish are very tasty when caught through the ice and filleted. And no refrigeration needed! If you are not of the hardy type, check out my winter show and fishing flea market schedule. Two January dates are already posted in my Events Calendar on this website. Most are put on by local non profit organizations and the money raised can go to very good causes. Keep safe and warm. As always send your questions to my e-mail address and I will respond ASAP.
Tony
July 31, 2016
Hard to believe but it appears we will soon be coming to the end of summer. Kids are heading back to school soon and the weather will cool down. Thank you for some cooler weather! White flys will soon appear on the Breeches. I start to look for them on the lower Breeches no later then mid August. In a few days to a week they will be at the catch and release area of the Breeches. It appears the hatch only extends a few miles above town (Boiling Springs). Perhaps this is just the nature of the flys due to the need for mud banks and even preferring warmer water. Make sure you have your flash light because this is a very late evening hatch and into dark spinner fall. It should last for about 2 plus weeks. Starting out slow for a few days and building to one of the great hatches we all desire to see. I use an emerging wet, then Dun and usually finish with a Poly spinner size 12 for me. And yes they are actually 14s. I guess the trout would rather have a Bigmac then the $1.00 menu burger, so to speak.
After the hatch comes to an end, I start getting ready for Steelhead. Every year is a good one for me. Yet some years have major runs from the first of October until things freeze and it is not fit for man nor beast to be out, let alone fishing, then the next year can be a bit spotty. Many complain about not having any fish, well usually by doing a little exploring plenty of fish can be found. I guess we have had it too easy too long and got a little lazy. Early to mid October will see me with my friends at Folleys campground and fly shop. I prefer to swing wets and skate large dry flys (sight fishing) but early morning can be a great time for working some streamers.
I look forward to seeing many of my local friends at the Yellow Breeches anglers fall outing (Sept 10), then my Steelhead school on Sept. 11. As of this date, I still have some open days for guiding and look forward to helping those who desire to catch 6 to 10 lb steelhead on a 6 weight rod.
May 15, 2016
Even though it is May 15th, it sure does not feel like it. I think it has rained almost every day for the past 3 weeks. Also the high temperature is 58 degrees today. However, we are into a mid-season phase of our hatches. Presently some caddis are dipping to deposit eggs and stirring a lot of excitement on the surface. This is very hard to imitate due to the touch and go style of flight they display. Also with the dreary weather Bwo’s have been a great go to pattern. I like a size 18 for this time of year. They seem to come off almost anytime during the day but early evening is the best bet for constant risers to them. There have been a few Gray Foxes around but not in heavy numbers but still worth a try if all else fails. Sulphurs started to appear in numbers last week and are on at a fairly steady pace. I will not get technical so I say the small size 16 – 18 and larger size 12 – 14 larger ones. I tie a version of George Harvey’s dun and do very well on most local waters. I like sulphur orange flyrite for the body. However, on a few streams in southern Adams county, some have a greenish (chartreuse) color body. After the sulphurs dwindle, make sure you have some tan caddis in size 18’s. The last few years have seen constant action on them on the Breeches in early summer on. As warmer summer weather comes on our hatches will be late evening and almost into dark so be prepared with a flash light for safety.. Some say the hatches are early this year but I do not agree because I believe they were just late the last few years and on time this year. Hope this helps those who do not get the chance to explore or have time just observing the waters.
March 21, 2016
It is Spring! The early crocuses are blooming and our early season hatches are in full swing. Time to seriously look at your fly box. Lets take the Breeches for filling your needs for success. Midges always play a important part of the trout’s diet no matter were we seem to be fishing and is no exception on many of my local waters. A few different colors of pupae seem to be very helpful. If interested I recommend Midge Magic from Don Holbrook and the late Ed Koch. Next is Blue wing Olives in a few sizes and color variations. Since they are multi brood and prefer overcast, somewhat rainy weather, they can play a big role throughout the year as well as early to mid spring fishing. Two hatches stand out and are a must in my box would be the Dark Hendrickson and the Grannom Caddis. A pattern in nymph- larva, wet and dry are always good to have on hand. When the fish get on the surface I will switch to surface flys rather then sub surface patterns. A lot depends on the weather so this time of year the hatch can start in late morning or even early afternoon if it starts at all. Also remember when the duns come to the surface it takes them a little time to dry their wings and to take flight so that means each fly is on the water for a much longer period of time giving more fish an opportunity to partake in their favorite snack. Two important points you must know: are they eating May flys or caddis flys. May fly duns have the upright wings and caddis have the pup tent type wing. Yes the fish know the difference. Like going to McDonalds for your BigMac and you get some KFC chicken. Good luck and be prepared for a great fishing season! Hope everyone has a very successful 2016 fishing season. Tony