But first ... some fall foliage photos to set the tone:
Aside from hatch month in May, fall has to be a close second to trout fishing in Pennsylvania. The days might be shorter, and the nights cold, but daytime temps climb into the low to mid 60s, and the Brookies and Brownies are prepping for their annual lovefest. A great time to be on a stream.
We left the West Branch Tavern around 8:30, with temps in the high 30s and frost on the roof shingles. By the time we got to the C&R section of the stream around 10 or so, temps were in the upper 50s, under sunny skies and no wind. The water on this low-grade mountain freestone stream was low, but with recent rains there was a good deal of holding water. Like many small streams, the key is realizing good water before you trudge through it. A cast or two is all it takes to determine if a fish is holding. If not, you just move on to the next piece of water.
With Caddis fluttering around the stream all day, we decided to stay on top, using Royal Wulf and October (orange) Caddis patterns. While we didn't see fish rise, both patterns brought eager fish up. Bob struck first within 10 minutes of wetting lines, a nice 5-6 inch Brookie that would set the tone for most of the morning.
Although we caught a good number of Brookies, we did hit the trout trifecta. I scored first with a 10 inch Brownie that slammed my October Caddis at the head of a long pool. Not to be outdone, Bob finished off the trifecta by landing a 15 inch Rainbow about a half hour later.
By 4:00 in the afternoon we were off the water and back on the road home, with a brief stop at the Kettle Creek Tackle Shop. A great day on the water, with at least a few more weeks before Old Man Winter starts creeping into the High Lonesome.
Tight Lines,
Mikey D Fishing
Great post, C.C. That was the best day on the water I've had in a while. Just a whole lot of fun.
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