Well in the almost two weeks following Hurricane Sandy have been interesting. We have seen our rivers swell to overwhelming proportions only to return very quickly to normal or below normal flows. Things at IRI are a mess with Rt 1 south being closed for several days due to sand on the roadway. If you are down that way please stop in and support out friends down south at Old Inlet Bait and Tackle. Reports were almost 20 inches of water in the shop. I am sure they could use some good business.
Rick and I did get out on Sunday the 4th. This would mark the first time this year we went to heavy socks, fleece pants, and Windstopper hats and gloves. The air temp didn't get too far into the 40's that day, water temp's were around 49. The water was high and running hard, but it was clear. Surprising as we were only a few days removed from the Hurricane. Long leaders, lots of weight. and tandem nymph rigs were the order of the day.
Rick and I did get out on Sunday the 4th. This would mark the first time this year we went to heavy socks, fleece pants, and Windstopper hats and gloves. The air temp didn't get too far into the 40's that day, water temp's were around 49. The water was high and running hard, but it was clear. Surprising as we were only a few days removed from the Hurricane. Long leaders, lots of weight. and tandem nymph rigs were the order of the day.
It is always fun to re-rig in weather like this.
We started at the first productive spot and "leap frogged" each other up the river. I started with a #14 prince and a #16 Flashback PT. I believe Rick had a Copper John and a PT. We were fortunate enough to get in to fish relatively quickly, This wild brown was the first to come to hand for me.
The red dots on the adipose is a dead giveaway.
We continued moving up stream at a snails pace being sure to cover a piece of water thoroughly before moving on. Winter conditions were in full effect as it seemed as if the drift was not absolutely perfect the fish would not take.
Rick into a good one
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This was a nice wild brown.
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As we moved up river We both noticed fish striking at our indicators. I actually had a trout hit the indicator, roll down and had it pulling for a few seconds. He just would not let go. All of a sudden the line went slack. I pulled up my rig and my indicator was gone. The Trout pulled it right off of the leader. I yelled up stream to Rick to show him, then I thought "I hope he is smart enough to spit it out". We looked down stream and could see it floating away. It was one of the weirdest things I have ever seen.
After that we both switched to a Dry and Dropper set up. Rick stuck with that the rest of the day, I on the other hand, spent the afternoon switching from a tandem indicator rig to a D and D set up. I just could not decide which was better. I would fish a run with the D and D set up, then go back and come back through with the tandem rig. It was an effective way to cover the water, but I spent a lot of time tying rigs.
All in all we had a great day capped off by this beautiful rainbow Rick landed right at dark. Even though we were cold, tired and hungry when we got back to the truck, I believe it was worth every minute of it.
After that we both switched to a Dry and Dropper set up. Rick stuck with that the rest of the day, I on the other hand, spent the afternoon switching from a tandem indicator rig to a D and D set up. I just could not decide which was better. I would fish a run with the D and D set up, then go back and come back through with the tandem rig. It was an effective way to cover the water, but I spent a lot of time tying rigs.
All in all we had a great day capped off by this beautiful rainbow Rick landed right at dark. Even though we were cold, tired and hungry when we got back to the truck, I believe it was worth every minute of it.
Remember at the widest point the boot is almost 5.5 inches.
Reports from the White Clay, West branch of the Octoraro and the East Branch of the Brandywine have been positive. Water temps are holding in the low to mid 50's. Fish are there to be had with the most active times being the hours between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Caddis and Midges have been coming off with some regularity. A #16 tan body Elk Hair Caddis with a bead head Caddis larva or a Zebra Midge would be a deadly combo. A small Bugger in a size 10 swung in the current should produce fish as well. In the winter we usually tend to stay on the darker side of things and black, brown, or olive would be a good choice. If you get no action try white or chartreuse. The main thing is to cover the water thoroughly before moving on. Patience is the most important piece of equipment you can have in winter time fishing.
As mentioned earlier the storm has wreaked havoc on the IRI area. Bill O'Connor was at the inlet this past weekend. He fished the North Jetty. He said the water was still pretty cloudy and there were very few birds working. The bait folks were doing ok with the Tog, but not much in the way of Stripers. Bill did see a few small pods of bait fish, but no fish were on them.
We have some warmer weather coming up this week. That might help our salt water fishing for next weekend. In the meantime Trout fishing should hold strong through the winter.
Tight Lines...Tim
As mentioned earlier the storm has wreaked havoc on the IRI area. Bill O'Connor was at the inlet this past weekend. He fished the North Jetty. He said the water was still pretty cloudy and there were very few birds working. The bait folks were doing ok with the Tog, but not much in the way of Stripers. Bill did see a few small pods of bait fish, but no fish were on them.
We have some warmer weather coming up this week. That might help our salt water fishing for next weekend. In the meantime Trout fishing should hold strong through the winter.
Tight Lines...Tim
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