Start of the Season

PA had two opening days this year for Trout. The south east part of the state was privileged to go two weeks early than the rest of the state because of climate.

The other parts of the state went this past Saturday.

Now, I don't count the start of the season by what the state recognizes as the official opening day. Since all I do is fly fish, I don't have to wait until a specific day or worry about being out of season. For me, the start of the season is really the fall months. That's when it gets real good around these parts.

But for all intents and purposes, the general public views this part of the year as the beginning, so I'll stipulate to their wishes.

What is good is being able to enjoy the experience wit the kids. They are young and just getting into it but have a blast none the least. The daughters are especially enamored with the fly rod which gets me excited. I can't wait for them to be older and head out on a week long trip across the country somewhere.

The weather is nice right now and perfect for later in the afternoon and into the dusk of warm spring evenings. The fish go nutty at that time around here. all deep water as well. After that it's waiting for the sulfur hatches in June, and then pretty much turning to drifting tiny jigs in the Schuylkill for small mouth, which ain't a half bad way to spend an afternoon.

Then the fall comes and it's full time fly fishing. Fall usually is denoted when the first night gets below 50 degrees which sometimes isn't until late October in these parts.

Until then the shore, the rivers, and the streams will provide plenty of opportunities to fly fish without going after trout.

Spring Clean Up

It's about that time, here in the Northeast/ Mid Atlantic states, where you think you oughta be gearing up for some the "season". Truth is, if you're a fly fisherman, you're about a month behind on preparation.

Here in PA, "opening" day of Trout Season starts (I'll guess), within the next two weekends. "Opening" Day never really mattered to me (or the thousands of other fly'rs) in the area because we are exempt from that law.

As long as you can find a heritage stream, or no kill stream, or fly fishing only stream, or delayed harvest stream, there is no closed season. Quite frankly if you get a nice patch of mid 40'ish days in January or Feb, the fly fishing is fantastic in these parts. Of course that didn't happen this Winter so we wait for Spring.

My neighbor's kid is 15, and got his first fly rod for some sort of occasion within the last 6 months (birthday, christmas?). Either way, he's anxious to get started and I have helped him in that process. My kids are still to young to take on the fly rod as of yet, so I will be spending some quality time with the kid that mows my lawn.

I've managed to tie about 5 full boxes of size 18-16 nymphs (total assortment) and some 20-24 dries for the start of the season. I would post pics but I just haven't taken them yet.

Here's to a very successful year of Fishing!

Winter Chores

I started this blog because I had a spur of the moment chance to get out and do some fly fishing last summer. I missed it. Especially with having to give it up with the kids, the work, the wife, etc.

When I say give it up, I mean from the amount of time I was actually spending on it. The rod building, the fly tying, the day trips, the evening trips, and the week long trips.

After that one time in the summer, I thought I was going to be able to really get back into it. But alas, things happen.

This year I am making a pact to really set aside some time and and cherish my favorite past time.
I already have three trips booked. New Hampshire in August, NY in the fall, and most likely, Ohio in Dec. for steelies.

Which brings me to this winter. I have started to set up the 'ole fly tying station. I'm almost finished. I unpacked the table and the supplies, and the materials and they are being laid out in my ultra obsessive way. Once everything is in it's place, I will feel comfortable jumping back into things.

My first attempt back into the art will be to tie a bunch of size 12 stone flies. They are easy enough and should sharpen my skills easily enough. I will then focus on those copper heads, some p-tails, and a whole bunch of midges which nymph super well in the cold limestone streams in these here parts. Yes, I said nymph.

It's also poker season and I have a lot on the plate so having to spend more time over at the other space will leave this space blank for days on end. But I will post pics of the fly tying station and some of the pieces that grow out of it. I'm looking forward to swimming again!