Pictured above is a chart that shows the sudden ramp-up in lake-surface elevation.

Yesterday evening we had out David Dunbar on Valley Creek. The plan was to show him around this stream, since he is new to it, and even possibly land a few trout. Well, all was a success. A couple of trout did come to hand, beautiful little wild ones at that. However, the techniques taught were a big hit. Be it on Valley or some of his more familiar waters – he plans on putting to use what he learned. Chances are it will pay off.

Currently, Valley Creek is at a great level. Flows have been consistently above the mean flow for quite some time. Water temps have been holding in the low-60s. And from what we’ve seen there is just an outstanding population of 1.5 year old fish in the stream. This is obviously a direct result of the great flows and most likely lower predation from birds and other wildlife, which can really take a toll on trout pops when the water gets skinny.

Coal region brook trout!

Great water conditions along with perfect weather - combine that with two great fly fisherman and you have a day filled with fish. Numerous trout in the 12-14" range and smallies all the way up to a fat 16-17" provided the action. You can add in a few 15-16" fallfish. Say what you will, but these fish are fun on a fly rod. All the subsurface fish were picked up on streamers/buggers - down deep and on the swing. Split shot, lead wrapped into the fly, cone heads and 150 grain sinking lines! Any or all of the above will do!!

A few of the trout came on buggers, but most were fooled on dry flies. In the late afternoon into the evening hours we have been finding a really nice summer stenonema popping about. This looks like an orangish cahill - size 12-14. We have also observed more and more stoneflys and Isonychias. Olives have also been hatching.

Water temp at launch was a cool 64 and the clarity was excellent. Immediately after launch we were greeted with a smallie. And throughout the morning the action never let up. Everything was taken on wooly buggers - with the highlight of the day being a beautifully colored up 18" rainbow. This fish kicked Bobs butt!! He had his hands full, even on a 7wt. All told - 2 trout and 5 smallies came to net. Throughout the morning there were some hatching black caddis, Isos and BWOs and the stonefly shucks were everywhere!

We should continue to see some great fall action. We plan on checking how the evenings are fishing in the next few days.

Stonefly shucks!

A hefty Lehigh River rainbow!

We like to use the Lehighton Gage as a frame of reference. Today the river was in the 700cfs range. Certainly the upper limit for wading, but just about prime for floating.

Earlier this week, prior to the LRSA meeting, Dean was able to hit Big Trout Creek - (a tributary to the Lehigh River). Cold water, good cover and a nice population of wild brownies was the reward of the day. Toss in a few PFBC hatcheries as well. The stream has a nice riffle/run-to-pool ratio, with some really impressive, deep pools/runs sprinkled throughout. Aquatic life appears to be fairly abundant with caddis and smaller mayflies likely make up the majority. Terrestrials are key! Add in the few yellow stoneflies that were observed - yellow sallies - and you've got yourself a really nice trout stream.

All in all about a half dozen fish were taken in the 6-10" range - one being a stocker. Your standard dry/dropper rig was the ticket - with both the dry and nymph, equally effective.

This stream is well suited for 3/4 wt - 7 to 8 footer.

A smaller than average Big Trout Creek brown.