September 22, 2009 - - Lehigh River Report

The bugs are a plenty and the trout are on the feed. We are definitely looking at some of the better fall fishing that we've seen in years on the Lehigh. With the whitewater release from this past weekend now behind us, we are setting up for consistent releases for the next two weeks. Releases and subsequent flows downriver will be at a wade-friendly level - - though this is still the Lehigh - - so always have the wading staff and studded boots.

Isonychia's and summer sulphurs are the name of the game. Stone fly shucks on the rocks are quite numerous as well, which means a well-placed nymph rig with some sort of stone fly imitation should be effective.

We have float dates available!

September 15, 2009 - - Lehigh River Report

Over the weekend we had out a crew that did pretty well on the trout. The catching was definitely aided by a quick decision to move further upstream away from a couple of tribs that were pumping some seriously dirty water. This made all the difference as the water was a bit cleaner.

The fish landed ranged from 12-18" - - both bows and browns. All were stockers but in great condition. Fished nymphs in the afternoon and then got some targets around 5-6pm to throw dries too. Fish were very receptive, one or two drifts and bam - fish on!!!

Bugs we noticed included the summer sulphurs, along with a few slate drakes as well as some big stoneflies that were fluttering about and laying eggs. This was not that heavy, but just enough to get the fish looking up.

Right now the Lehigh is fishing well, and due to the very comfortable summer, the trout are healthy and well fed!

September 7, 2009 - - Schuylkill River

For years now we've been paying attention to the progress the Schuylkill River Greenway Association has been making in getting more and more access opened up to boat anglers. Especially folks like us who need paved ramp access, for a drift boat. They really have been doing a great job securing land and developing, and over the weekend we ran a stretch of water that we've yet to fish. For the most part this piece of water has good character throughout, with only a few small areas of what we'd call dead water. Biggest fish we landed is photoed to the right. A few others of similar size, and a bunch of smaller ones rounded out the day. By far the most effective fly was a black lead-wrapped bugger, but we also did land fish on a large wet fly. Here and there we noticed some hatching isonychias, so we figured we'd try a wet fly off the back of a bugger, and it worked. In fact one time, while stripping in a large hooked smallie, a smaller one was following. The larger smallie ate the bugger, but eventually got off, and would you believe the smallier one then ate the wet fly. Funny. I guess he felt left out, and had to munch too.

We plan on running trips on this stretch so if you have an inkling for SE PA smallies trips, we now have a nice piece of water lined up.

September 1, 2009 - - Upper D System Report

With all the high and cold water that has been around all summer long on the Upper D - - we thought we'd set-out and give the upper main a look see. Temps were good and flows ideal. We were after those line-screamer bows that are suckers for Isos this time of year. Fortunately, we did turn up a few, though nowhere near the numbers we used to find in the riffs years ago. But finding them in sizes from 6-8" up to 16" certainly is a good sign. Besides the bows on the Main, we also found bows on the West Branch eager to eat Isos and bead-head LaFontaine caddis pupas. When the water was a bit off color on the West we also managed to move a few browns on streamers - - though none came to net.

Overall, the fishing was a bit slow. Bugs were lacking for the most part, but obviously the fish are still looking for drys since we did fool a few on top. Also it could be that at this stage of the season, the trout are a bit weary. The October Caddis have started to hatch. Stimulators in the riffs might also pull up some fish. But why fish one fly when you can fish two, and prospect. Hang a small flash back or caddis pupa off the end and increase yoru chances.

The Lehigh should be rounding back into form. These cold night for early-September should really give the fishing a shot in the arm. Water temps never did get lethal in the trout zone this summer, so the fall fishery should be as good as its ever been. Give us a shout if you want to learn the Lehigh!