It's been somewhat of a strange winter up here in Potter County. The weather has bounced from snow and sub-freezing temps to warms ups with rain and melt off, followed by more snow and cold temps, then repeat. Today marked the latest warm up in the cycle. On the good side, the west branch of fishing creek is up and moving a lot of water. The current has pushed most of the debris (including most of the beaver condo on the lower section of our stream) out. The locals tell me they haven't seen the creek in this good a shape in awhile, hopefully a harbinger for the upcoming trout season.
I've tossed a spinner a couple of times earlier this year, with no luck. Today temps were again in the 40s, with sunny skies. So it seemed a good opportunity to get out, get a little vitamin D in my system, and try once again for my first fish of 2017. Walked down to the "honey hole" to try my luck. Water was moving, but the far side of the hole was fairly calm. Tossed a spinner fly (looks like a golden stone fly with a gold spinner in front) into the calm water, and slowly retrieved the spinner. Within a couple of cranks a dark figure emerged from the green water and chomped down on the spinner. A couple of turns later and a nice 15 inch Brown came to the bank!
After releasing the fish I went downstream to the other open stretch. Got one to chase the spinner, but the trout must have seen me as it neared the bank and took off. Hit a few other spots on the property with no luck. But a good number of fishy spots that should be productive when we get more consistent conditions.
Unfortunately, no photos, as I was a bit skeptical of my chances. But it was great seeing fish in the stream, feeling the first tug for the year, and finally getting the blog going again.
Spring is around the corner! Time to replace line, reload the fly box and get ready.
Tight lines. Mikey D Fishing
