But before hitting the "salt life," Captains C.C. and Joe lit out for "God's Country" to celebrate the opening day of trout season.
Actually, this weekend was the second opening day in PA. Two weeks ago the southern counties opened for trout, so I headed solo up to the Poconos to fish with Chuck. Weather was a bit chilly and damp; perfect weather to keep out the fair weather anglers. We headed down from Pop's house to fish Jacoby Creek, and small stream that the state throws a few hundred trout in so the locals can pull them out. Pennsylvania cycle of life, so to speak. We got to our spot where we had scouted out some fish the day before. Rigged up and ready to go by 0730, only to have to wait another 30 minutes before the official opening. A bit nervous; there are no real rules of civility when it comes to opening day. You can be fishing all by yourself one moment, and the next five dudes show up and start chucking bait right next to you.
This morning, though, the trout gods smiled and no one showed up. Got into position about 0755, first cast went off at 0800, and "bam," 12 inch Brookie. Second cast, "bam," 12 inch Brookie. Third cast ... well the pattern was set. I out Dad in the spot and moved up to a pool just above, and, wash, rinse, repeat with four more Brookies to hand.
By 0900 or so the locals started rolling in, so we headed to the Mt. Bethel Diner for eggs and scrapple and headed pack to the house to clean our catch. In the afternoon we headed to Bangor to fish a stream that runs right through town. From the look of it you wouldn't think that trout would fare well, but the water was clear and clean and we picked up a few more fish before calling it a successful opening day.
Two weeks later it was time to experience the Potter County version of opening day. Joining the Mikey D Fishing team was Professor Tim O'Brien, long time fishing companion. Joe and Tim rolled in Friday afternoon with plenty of time to wet a line. Since the stocked streams were still closed, we hit a delayed harvest section of the upper Allegheny, just north of Coudersport. Weather was absolutely perfect; temps in the high 60s, sunny skies, little to no wind. We set up on a stretch of water and were given a demonstration by Joe of "dynamic nymphing," or what the locals might call high sticking. Whatever you call it it worked, as Joe picked up two nice trout, while I lost a decent one.
After grilling some steaks Friday evening, we settled down by the campfire enjoying cigars and Amador bourbon.
After a breakfast of eggs, scrapple, and biscuits the next morning, we lit off to see what Fishing Creek had to offer. Joe and I fished the west branch, which runs behind the house, while Tim headed downstream to fish the main branch. I decided to forgo the fly rod and throw spinners, while Joe and Tim stuck to their fly rods. I can say that the morning was full of fishing but not any catching. It was definitely a day for the bait dunkers. Despite seeing guys catching fish, the best we could get was one decent hit on the spinner.
Undeterred, we decided to avoid the crowds on the put and take waters and return to the delayed harvest section of the Allegheny. This time we fished upstream of our earlier foray, which turned out a good move for Tim, who picked up at least three trout on a gold Wooly Bugger. Unfortunately, I was thrashing away below Tim and did not get a chance for pictures.
Saturday dinner was at the Friendly for burgers and beer, and then back to the cabin to get some practice with the drone. Should be some video heading this way soon.
All in all a fantastic opening day weekend. Not much in the way of numbers of trout landed, but great being out in the woods, standing in stream, and enjoying the evening with bourbon, cigars, and good friends in God's Country.
No comments:
Post a Comment