While air temps have cooled quite a bit over the last couple of weeks, the lack of rain has reduced many of Potter County's trout streams, especially the small Class As, to trickles. Targeting trout bunched up in pools or by spring seeps isn't particularly appealing. Fortunately, there is another game fish in the county that thrives in warmer temps.
I've been in Potter County almost 4 years, and had yet to fish for Smallmouth Bass. The species is prevalent in almost all PA warm water streams, including many trout streams that get warm over the summer. So, with the fishing bug not close to being quelled, the "Trout Whisperer" and I decided to do some exploring for "Bronzebacks."
Bob did some research and determined that our best bet would be on the Driftwood Branch of Sinnemahoning Creek. We headed south about 25 miles to the town of Emporium, then a bit further south begin our search for fishable water. First stop was the village of Sterling, about 11 miles south of Emporium. Bob's research indicated that from Sterling down the Driftwood Branch was good bass water, and there was easy access to the stream. But, even big water like the Driftwood wasn't immune from the effects of near-drought conditions.
Were it earlier in the summer, it would have been difficult finding fish in the big water, at least without a canoe or raft. Fortunately, with the water levels so low, we were able to find a pretty large and deep pool just "upstream" of where we parked, and it looked fishy.
We started fishing around 10:00 am or so. Not the best time to be fishing for bass, as they tend to head for cover when the sun starts rising. But it was exploring and, hopefully some catching.
Bob's research paid off. We fished with various flies that we had bought at the Tackle Shack in Wellsboro a few days prior. Although the shop caters to all freshwater fishing, it has a respectable fly fishing section, include a great assortment of flies for all freshwater fish. We fished 6 wt rods, mine with a floating line, and Bob with a sinking line. Flies included baitfish imitations (Clousers, etc.) and crayfish patterns. And, even with the sun on the water, we managed a few Smallies in an hour and a half of fishing. Most of the fish that we caught went around 5-6 inches, but a few went between 10-11 inches. Not fatties by any stretch, but still capable of putting a bend on a 6 wt fly rod.
After lunch we drove south in search of other fishable spots. Just south of the village of Driftwood (where Bennett Branch and Driftwood branch converge to form Sinnemahoning Creek), we found one more nice spot near a railroad trestle.
Just downstream from the trestle and across the stream, the water looked green enough to indicate some depth. Although the rocks were a bit slippery, the low water made for easy crossing. We fished the pool for another hour or so, with Bob picking up a small bass. I think I got some hits, but no hookups. By 1:30 or so temps had reached the mid-80s and the sun was high, so we called the expedition a success and headed back to God's Country. Bassin' in general, and fishing for Smallies in particular, is best done in the early morning and late afternoon, when the sun is off the water and the fish venture out to feed. A decent alternative, as any fish on the end of a line is a good fish!
Tight Lines,
Mikey D Fishing
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