It is hard to believe this is the first fishing report of May. The past week shows a gradual, but steady increase in water tempatures and with that comes a increase in bug activity. Water temps in our trout rivers are hovering between 45 and 50 degrees depending on which river you temp and what time of day you take your reading. Caddis will most likely dominate on the White Clay, east branch of the Brandywine and the wast branch of the Octoraro. The Caddis hatch has been pretty consistent with the bugs starting to come off in the late afternoon and the fish are on them shortly there after with the last hour of daylight being the most productive time for great dry fly action. Midges continue to pop, but I think the fish have kinda switched over to the bigger, belly filling, Caddis adults. That being said if you see fish rising and can't really tell what they are on try a Griffiths Gnat in 22 or 24 or a CDC Puff Midge imitation. For the Caddis the tried and true Elk Hair Caddis in a tan #14 should get the job done. For the times before the top water action a tandem nymph rig is hard to beat. Bead head Caddis and a bead head pheasant tail would be a great combo. The pheasant tail is a dead ringer for the Sulphur nymph, keep a sharp eye out for these guys. The Sulphur is one of the most consistent mayfly hatches we have in our area. Trout fishing when Caddis and Sulphur's are popping can be awesome. I love the month of May!
We have been keeping a close eye and ear on the Shad run. I can say we have received some very promising reports. Deer Creek seems to be giving up fish in good numbers. Water levels are a little low, but nothing like last year at this time. We received three good reports from three different customers that were down last week. A word of caution here, we also received a few reports that were lack luster at best. Our suggestion would be head down with a good supply of the shops "Deer Creek S flys", be prepared to move around a bit and cover all levels of the water column. Versa leaders will help to get down if need be. Start at the bottom and work your way up by modifying the weight of your set up until you find where the fish are holding. It seems like the guys that are willing to "fish" for them are having some success. I know I plan on giving my new Loomis light Spey rod a workout on Sunday morning. Who else is in?
The salt water seems to be heating up a bit. Stripers were breaking between the piers and a few Flounder have been picked up as well. Give our friends at Old Inlet Bait and Tackle a call for a more detailed report.
Sulfurs and Caddis on the Trout rivers, Shad in Deer Creek and Stripers in the surf. Is it possible to have too many opportunities available? We think not. Hopefully we will see you out on the river. Until then...
Tight lines...
We have been keeping a close eye and ear on the Shad run. I can say we have received some very promising reports. Deer Creek seems to be giving up fish in good numbers. Water levels are a little low, but nothing like last year at this time. We received three good reports from three different customers that were down last week. A word of caution here, we also received a few reports that were lack luster at best. Our suggestion would be head down with a good supply of the shops "Deer Creek S flys", be prepared to move around a bit and cover all levels of the water column. Versa leaders will help to get down if need be. Start at the bottom and work your way up by modifying the weight of your set up until you find where the fish are holding. It seems like the guys that are willing to "fish" for them are having some success. I know I plan on giving my new Loomis light Spey rod a workout on Sunday morning. Who else is in?
The salt water seems to be heating up a bit. Stripers were breaking between the piers and a few Flounder have been picked up as well. Give our friends at Old Inlet Bait and Tackle a call for a more detailed report.
Sulfurs and Caddis on the Trout rivers, Shad in Deer Creek and Stripers in the surf. Is it possible to have too many opportunities available? We think not. Hopefully we will see you out on the river. Until then...
Tight lines...
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