Fishing report 6-22-13

Well, It has been a while since our last report. 3 weeks of heavy rain and blown out rivers have kinda put a damper on the fishing. As I type this the Brandywine is still running at about 375 cfs. I fished it on Saturday Morning and it was still a little off color. Hopefully by this afternoon the conditions will be better. The rains should help the Trout rivers as the water temps seem to be holding in the low to mid 60's. I cant remember the last time I Trout fished on the 4th of July, but this year I might just have to give it a go. When we are in high water conditions remember to fish the edges as they will clear first, If you are nymphing or swinging streamers a heavier fly or a sink tip may be in order. In water conditions like this it may be a good time to dust off the ole' streamer box and throw something big and ugly at them. Remember, these fish have been fighting heavy currents for some time now. They are hungry, but are not going to leave their holding spots unless the reward is worth the energy expended to get it. I like big streamers designed to push a lot of water so the fish can "feel" the fly. This can be a big plus when visibility is reduced due to water conditions. Big rubber legged Buggers, Zoo Cougars, Muddlers,  and Zonkers get the nod here. This may be a good time to leave the 3 or 4 weight at home and grab the 5 or 6 weight (seven if on the Smallmouth river). Remember bulky or heavy flies need a little more "umpf" to get them out there, a four weight may not be enough! First and foremost always be safe on the water during these conditions. If you are nervous about wading a piece of water it is probably for good reason. Get out and find another way around. Make sure to wear your wader belt, and always fish with a partner. 


All that being said the fishing has been pretty good the past week after all the storms. The White Clay and West Branch of the Octoraro have been giving up fish in fair numbers. Buggers and Streamers have seemed to be the ticket with black, olive, brown and of all things purple being a good color choices. Some Sulphurs are still around as well as plenty of Caddis. Rick had a great day last Sunday fishing a Sulphur cripple, here are some of the shots...looks like it was a great day! 

This one looks like a wallpaper shot

Looks like Robbie and his dad have been busy. Great shots! 

As mentioned before big bulky streamers will be the ticket for now until we get through this high water trend then we will go back to our nymphing and dry fly fishing. Keep an eye on the water temps and remember if we hit 70 degrees or above for more than 24 hours straight let the Trout be. At that time we recommend you switch to Smallmouth bass...

We are getting into one of the best time of the year for Smallmouth Bass. The fish have finished or are finishing their spawn, the big ole' hens are off the beds and looking for food. My philosophy at this time is to "give them the groceries" BIG streamers, helgermites, crayfish, and nymphs are my preferred patterns right now. Just like Trout, Bass need a big reward in order to expend the energy to move to eat something. The Brandywine will fish well from now till the end of October. The Smallmouth Challenge is a great way to expand your Smallie fishing. Check out our summertime fishing activity here.  Ed and his nephew floated the Brandywine 3 times this week. The first time was on Friday morning. They stopped in for a quick casting lesson and then were off to the river. At about 3:00 in the afternoon Ed called to tell me he had landed a good one. A quick check of his Facebook page says it is more than a good one, it is an absolute pig! Whats best is he landed it on a fly he designed and the shop ties for him, the "Mr Collins Rubber Legged Weenie". Great job Ed, I wish I was there with you. 

Awesome shot!

Mr Collins Rubber Legged Weenie

True Story... As I sat down to type this my phone started to go off. As I looked at the text messages I see some awesome pictures that "One Boot" Ed sent me. Ed is working his way through the Smallmouth Challenge and is crossing his list off quickly. I guess the Clouser Mad Tom may be his new favorite! Big, dark streamers in muddy water. What a great combo. 

Ed measured the beast at over 17 inches. He said "it had my TCR doubled over and I thought at first it was a Carp" Smallmouth are some of the hardest fighting fresh water fish out there. If you haven't tried em you are missing out on one of our best summertime fisheries. Give em a try, you wont be disappointed. 


The Saltwater bite has been pretty strong. Good reports of Weakfish and Stripers from Cape May to the Henelopen piers. Mostly a night time affair, with Clousers, Half and Half's and Deceivers being top choices. Good numbers of Weakfish have been landed. Many of these are smaller fish in the 15 inch range, but a few are much larger. Here are a couple of better Weakies landed in the past week.  

Stripers are on the bite as well. Big Bunker patterns have been producing well at night on the outgoing tide. The IRI seems to be the place to be. Go early, stake your claim and be prepared to fish the whole tide well into the night or early morning. These pics were taken at sun-up after an entire nights of fishing. 

Weather you prefer Trout or Smallmouth, Weakfish or Stripers, the fact is that fish are there to be had. Good luck and Get out and fish!!!!


                                                                                                                                                        Tight lines...