PENNS CREEK ANGLER
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9/3/2010
Starting to see more caddis on the lower creek, even saw a few Brown Drakes on the house yesterday morning. Things should pick up even more with the nice weather coming.
8/31/2010
Looks like the heat is back. The weekend is going to cool off and I think fishing will return to normal with the morning being the best time to fish. I'm seeing fish get caught on ant's, beetles, hoppers and especially streamers. The store will return to normal business hours this weekend.
8/27/2010
The fishing is getting much better with the cool nights we have had. It went down to 49 last night!!! The water temps are pretty steady 67-69 degrees in the day. Its time to book the apartment or creek front house for Sept and October.
8/25/2010
I found the water to be 67 at Weikert this morning. It was early didn't see any hatches but in the spider webs around my house were big caddis and some Brown Drakes on the screens. The shop is open again and I'll start hard fishing again soon. This is a great time to be on the water.
8/24/2010
Yesterday I went for a ride from Coburn down to Glen Iron stopping along the way to take water temperatures and found the creek to be in great shape. At Coburn I got 65 and 66in the middle of the afternoon, at Poe Paddy it was 68, the Catch and Release was 67-68 in different areas. In Weikert it was 70 at 6pm. The only hatches I saw were on the lower creek, Large Caddis and Brown Drakes. This week the weather looks great as far as air temps in the day and night. I would expect to see some good bug activity soon. Using hoppers, ants, crawfish and streamers would be a good bet right now. I'd say the Bwo's and Slate Drakes should at any time.
8/21/2010
I don't want to say it but I think things are improving on Penns. The night Air Temps have been great high 50's Low 60's. You could morning fish and fish at night once the full moon passes. Hoppers are everywhere! I have been doing some night fishing and its productive. I have a sale on lots of stuff, stop in and ask. Also Fall bookings are starting to fill up for the creek house. If you would like to enjoy the fall Blue Winged Olives and Slate Drakes of late Sept and October book a weekend now. There will be many changes at the shop this year. I plan to have a learning center in one room and the products for sale in the other room. This will be perfect for beginners and intermediate anglers. Fly tying and rod building classes will start soon.
8/6/2010
Trout fishing on Penns Creek is not good for the trout. Even if Elk creek flows in at 69 degrees it soon becomes warmer to level that catching trout kills them. I fished at night during one of those cold spells far below Coburn and 1 fish took 10 minutes to revive. Now, I will not even think about night fishing until September the trout are too valuable. Now is a good time to stock up on some flies for fall. Its just not sportsman like to fish over trout that are fighting for their lives at the cold water influxes like Elk Creek.
On another note the Bass fishing is starting to really turn on from Weikert all the way down the creek. I saw a 18 inch Small Mouth caught the other day. There are lots of Hellgrammites and Brown Drakes on the creek at the moment. Streamers and Nymphs will do fine. Pick a cloudy day for your fishing its cooking hot up here in the bright sunlight.
The Mountain Brook Trout fishing has fallen off a cliff with the lack of water and people taking fish that are pooled up. But if you do some walking and do some investigation you will find some. Stop at the shop for info
It looks to me like we are in for a hard summer, so many truly big fish were caught this year I wonder what the fall and next year will hold for Penn's. When I reopen I will have lots of great new stuff.
I appreciate your business that's why I tell the truth about the fishing up here. If it was good I would let you know because I need the money. But I would rather not fish for trout if they are only going to die after the fight. This hold true for Big Fishing Creek, Spring Creek and Penns Creek. The only large water creek I know that is doing half okay ifs the Little J that holds 70 degrees all day.
See you August 10th when I reopen the shop.
Bruce Fisher
7/12/2010
Penns State Rentals are still available for the creek front house, just call and leave a message and I'll get back to you.
7/5/2010
I went for a ride today to Penns, White Deer, White Deer Whole Creek, Big Fishing and Spring Creek and they are all so sad to look at. There is no water in any of the streams except Penns and Penns is too warm to fish. We didn't even get the rods out of the car. Sorry just being honest even though it puts me out of business until the water cools in the fall. I would not fish any of these creeks for fear of hurting the trout, they are stressed especially around Elk Creek in Coburn. All these trout are doing is fighting for their lives.
But keep your eyes on the website I'll have some special stuff to pick up and some rods that will be sold at great discounts after I return from vacation..
7/2/2010
Big Sale this weekend.
Also there are some state stocked rainbows on the lower end of the creek that need to be cleaned out.
6/29-7/1/2010
The German Tippet came in today.
Went Brook Trout fishing one day and had a wonderful time, didn't see a sole.
The air temps dropped to the low 50's last night and this morning I saw a midge and caddis hatch that was wonderful.
Tonight the air temps will drop to the high 40's and I should see the same thing when I have my coffee in the morning.
Fly tying classes and Rod building classes are going to start after my vacation is over.
I'll be going on vacation after the 4th of July week and my hours will change.
Spring Creek is over crowded and the fish are getting stressed the same with Big fishing Creek. I would start to look at other more remote waters if you enjoy fishing with some solitude.
The Small Mouth Bass fishing on Penns has picked up considerably on the lower end below the Catch and Release. I got about 30 the other morning. Night fishing is about to swing into full gear for me. There is nothing like being out at night and have a large Brown smash your fly.
6/29/2010
My daylight fishing on Penns Creek stopped on 6/20 except for one day when the water was cold in the early morning and I was in a section of creek that always has colder water. But I would have to say that my daytime fishing Penns is over until September from Coburn downstream.
I have just completed my blending of all the dubbings needed to match every fly in Penns Creek. These dubbings will be available in early July. This is the culmination of all the pictures taken of the bottoms of the flies in Penns Creek over the past 5 years.
The German Tippet Material will arrive next week so you have a good reason to stop at the shop.
We also have our Summer SALE right now on Waders, Boots, Rods and Lines.
I still have the creek front house available for rent to Small Mouth Bass Fisherman and Outdoor Enthusiasts.
Bald Eagle State Forest is wonderful place filled with cold water brook trout streams.
Fly Tying and Rod Building classes can be arranged by calling the shop.
Thanks for another great year.
Bruce
6/25/2010
Fished very early this morning at a hole I have not fished in a long time.
I forgot how much fun morning fishing can be.
Water was 70 degrees at 6am 4 miles below the Catch and Release.
.
6/24/2010
Dont give up on Penns just yet, but carry a thermometer.
This morning a lot of the pools I looked at on my way to work had rising trout.
Also I have just completed my master blending of all the dubbings needed to match every fly in Penns Creek. These dubbings will be available in early July. This is the culmination of all the pictures taken of the bottoms of the flies in Penns Creek over the past 5 years.
The German Tippet Material will arrive next week so you have a good reason to stop at the shop.
We also have our Summer SALE right now on Waders, Boots, Rods and Lines.
6/23/2010
Check out this video, it my two best friends doing what I should be doing right now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qkvm63gyev0
Ps: I also guide for Striped Bass on the North Jersey Shore for 20-50 pound stripers.
This fish is
about 35-40 pounds
6/19-21/2010
The water is starting to warm up in the lower creek. We need a good shot of rain and we might get a couple of more weeks of good fishing. I had 70 degrees at 6am way down below the catch and release Sunday. I saw the first of the Orange Cahill's this weekend. The hatches were really hard to keep track of this year except the BWO's that are still hanging on.
Over the next few days the weather will be overcast and I hope we get some nice rain storms.
To end my daylight fishing I usually end up around the Coburn area, Sunday night I did my first real night fishing of the year. I caught a lot of fish but they were all small except one that went about 19 inches. We arrived about an hour before dark and there was a short BWO spinner fall and a few Slate Drakes and Jenny Spinners but nothing worth talking about we dint even fish until well after dark.
Monday morning @ 6am the water was 70 down around Weikert so no fishing for me.
Monday night we headed back to the Coburn section and the water was 70 degrees @ 7:30pm about a 1/2 mile below Elk Creek. We fished the spinner fall of Olives or Blue Quills #18-20 and a few Slate Drakes and quit for the night.
Lets see what happens with the water temps and the weather and I'll keep you posted, I'd really like to see some good fishing for the Orange Cahill's and Slate Drakes.
Right now it is raining, Thank God, I hope this lasts all day then we will be back in good fishing for a couple weeks.
We got 3/4 of an inch in about an hour.
6/18/2010
Nice hatch of BWO's yesterday morning and a good spinner fall in the evening. Also lots of Jenny Spinners, Pale evening Duns and Craneflies.
6/17/2010
Fishing was again just great yesterday, the spinner fall was also nice but at a late hour although I like fishing in the dark. Wet Flies are king and there is nothing like real silk to tie them with.
The Creek house is now available @ 100 per night (2 night stay minimum)
The Apt is pretty booked but some dates are open, please call.
The Apt is open for this weekend (cancellation) .
6/16/2010
Last night we had a good spinner fall of Olives, Today looks like a great day for Olives and Slate Drakes.
The fish has been just fine, the water temps came down.
Lets pray for some more rain.
6/15/2010
If there was as day to fish Olives this would be the day!
Yesterday was great, saw lots off big #14's and lots of smaller #16 &18's, saw a few Slate Drakes
The water 69 at 7pm yesterday below the C&R.
6/13/2010
Last night I had great fishing over Olives, Slate Drakes, Hex, and Caddis. I saw some big BWO's last night!
I am using some special flies that I tie myself, come and get them early I can only tie so many..
The water is getting warm, carry a thermometer @ 76 I'll move to night fishing.
The Creek house is now available @ 100 per night (2 night stay minimum)
The Apt is pretty booked but some dates are open.
6/10/2010
Sorry the shop was closed today
But "Total Outdoors" made a huge stride today at a meeting in the Fort Indiantown Gap (Army Reserve Post).
Fishing remains very good and the weekend looks like fantastic fishing.
I'll be open Friday
6/9/2010
A great day to fish, light rain, dark and overcast, thank God for the rain. Wet flies will do a job today.
6/8/2010
Fishing remains great, Bwo's, Sulphurs, Cahill's, Caddis, Stone flies black and yellow, crane flies. Water 69 in the Catch and Release yesterday at 3pm, water clear, 190 CFS. Long leaders and fine tippets are the order of the day.
6/7/2010
Fished all day, caught lots of fish on a variety of bugs. The spinner fall of Bwo's was the best I've ever seen. I worked on two hard fish and didn't get either fish at the end of the day. But I know what they are looking for now.
6/6/2010
Fishing remains great!
6/5/2010
Fishing remains great!
I've been thinking about a Father and Son educational weekend on the weekend of Fathers Day June 20th. I'll put some details up over this weekend. But it will be the same program as last year. It will be all about learning fly fishing, learning the bugs in Penns Creek, Learning Fly Tying, Learning how to read the water, Learning about wildlife. Accommodations will be at my creek front house. Send an email if you would like to attend. But I will give more details after I complete a web page with an agenda. Last years event was great!
6/2/2010
The very best fishing is on us right now! The night air temps are going to drop and the water will do the same as far as temperature. There are so many bugs in the middle section of Penns Creek you need to dig in your bag of tricks and have at it. Bwo's, Sulphurs, Slate Drakes and bigger Sulphurs are on most sections and its wonderful to see this dry fly action. To go along with this the Bwo's and so called Big Sulphurs, (Yellow and Cream Cahill) spinner falls at dark are so thick its hard not to catch fish. Also big huge Black Fish Flies and Yellow Stone are out by the millions. Craneflies are starting to make a real impact when fished in the riffles. What more could you ask for but good water temps for another month. I'm catching lots of fish using old tricks and some new ones passed on by the people that drop in the shop, Thanks!
Night fishing starts now and it will be good for about three weeks, call to inquire.
The new tippet from Germany will arrive this week its something every nymph fisherman should have. Its also a wonderful dry fly tippet material. The last batch went so quick I had to reorder more, I know you will love it!
Wishing everyone tight lines...
6/1/2010
The best spinner falls I have seen in many years have happened over the past three nights on the middle section of the creek, the lower section is starting to get warm, bring a thermometer and check the temps before you fish. Tonight was the best night I've had in years. I fished with a good friend and it was amazing. Water 69 just below the Catch and Release (just a spot I check the water temp), water clear, the water is getting low and we need some rain. For the most part I will be tying all the flies for the shop for the rest of the season so you will getting my personal flies At this time of year sometimes flies need a special touch or you need some help figuring out how to fish a certain hatch. Now is the time to purchase flies and ask questions. You may need some coaching and general fishing information.
5/30/2010
Most Important Happy Memorial Day to all our Military!
Last night I had the best Cornuta (big bwo) and Sulphur Spinner fall I have ever seen, along with that were some larger spinners of the various Yellow flies of May. In addition Slate Drakes and Caddis hatched and Stoneflies are everywhere..
5/29/2010
Cornutas and Slate Drakes have started
Last night I fished Coburn, I'd say about two more days and it will be gone for the year except the few stragglers that always hold on. Downstream a mile or so it was mostly Sulphurs and some Drake Spinners. The hatch didn't come off until 9:15 and I fished until 10:30. Saw some Sulphur Duns and Spinners but all my fish came on a dry fly Drake. But that's all I fish during the Drake hatch. The best action in my opinion will be the Catch and Release for the next month. Use your thermometer where you fish the stream will start to heat up at some point. But I don't expect the creek to over heat too soon this year in the middle section. Green Caddis by the millions, Sulphurs, Cahill's, Black and Yellow Stoneflies by the millions, Crane flies and solitude.
5/28/2010
The Drake hatch is pretty much all the way up the creek. I didn't fish it because its was just too crowded up in the Coburn section last night. I'll get some reports later in the day post them. Today is overcast and would be a good day to fish. Water levels keep falling, we need some rain bad. The creek is at 255 cfs, clear, cold. Down low on the creek we have Green Caddis by the millions, Sulphurs, Cream Cahill's, Yellow Cahill's, Black and yellow Stoneflies by the millions, Crane flies and solitude.
I have a tippet / leader sale going on right now. I also have a rod sale going on, if you are new to the sport this is the time to come and take a look at some great rods at great prices.
I know the season is far from over but its time to start working on Total Outdoors and the kids we will teach this summer. A big "Thank You" to everyone that brought in a rod, reel or made a donation to Total Outdoors. If you would like to become involved in Total Outdoors please contact me at the shop 570-922-1053 or email info@totaloutdoors.org
Thanks Bruce
5/27/2010
Still getting spinner falls in the upper Catch and Release, but the main hatch of duns is above Poe Paddy and into Coburn. Down low we have Green Caddis by the millions, Sulphurs, Cahill's, Black and yellow Stoneflies by the millions, Crane flies and solitude. I'll fish The Coburn area tonight but just for tradition and that will be my last Drake fishing for the year. We are now waiting for the Big #14 Bwo's, Slate Drakes, Orange Cahill's and then the smaller Bwo's. The creek is in great shape, good color, 270 cfs, temp good. But its a little low for my taste, we need some major rain..
5/26/2010
The fishing is starting to get good in the middle and upper Catch and Release sections, Drake Duns, Emergers and Spinners. The trout are taking Softhackle Drakes pretty good during the day and during the hatch. Poe Paddy has Male & Female Duns and some Spinner's will fall. Upper C&R has the main hatch.
Down low we have lots of Green Caddis, Big Black Stone flies, Yellow Stone flies, Cahill's, Craneflies, Sulphurs and solitude.
5/25/2010
I finally ventured in to the Catch and Release section following the drakes yesterday. I did really well from 11:00am till 5:30. Some people started to come so I decided to go back down stream to catch the spinner falls of the prior days hatches. It looks like the spinners are now above Weikert, but we had god fishing to what was still there. I would head higher on the creek if you are looking for spinners or duns. The main hatch is in the middle of the C&R. We had a great Sulphur and Gray Fox spinner fall some fish took them and some fish took the Drakes. I'll still keep you posted on the Drakes but I'll be fishing down low for Cahill's, Sulphurs, Yellow Stoneflies and the Big Black fish fly has started to hatch. There are thousands of them in the bushes all along the bottom of the C&R. When they hit Coburn in good numbers I'll go up just for tradition
5/24/2010
Good Drake Dry Fly / Spinner fishing down in Weikert last night. I will have to move up higher tonight it was not as thick as the night before. The main hatch of male/female duns is in the lower to middle of the C&R. The smaller males will be in the middle of the C&R thick. Still good Gray Fox Sulphur Dun action on the lower creek I got wind of a few small males at Poe Paddy (Good luck my friends over there) it will be there soon. Fish Soft hackles for the green drakes, that's all I can tell you.
The water is brownish and great for green drakes, last night was a good night. The water should clear today and drop quickly. I'll be out there fish stop and say hello.
And please, if you are buying the double hook wiggle green drake nymphs please cut the rear hook point off all it will do is get caught in the gills on most of the fish you catch and kill them. Or it will get stuck in your hand and that wont be fun. Its sad to see double hooked flies on Penns Creek.
Good Luck Everyone
5/23/2010
The creek is off color and on the rise with the rain we got last night. But the fishing should be good in the lower C&R. I fished slightly above Weikert last night and did well. I would keep moving up about a mile a day. Its cloudy now (noon), It may or may not rain again. Good weather to fish the drake. Dont for get Soft hackled Wet Green Drakes are good flies. And please, if you are buying the double hook wiggle green drake nymphs please cut the rear hook off all it will do is get caught in the gills on most of the fish you catch and kill them. Or it will get stuck in your hand and that wont be funny either. Its sad to see double hooked flies on Penns Creek.
5/22/2010
Last night was great, hit Duns and Spinners and fished into dark for the first time in 2 years. I love to fish in the dark there is something about it that just get me all excited about fly fishing again. I know Coburn only had a sparse March Brown Spinner fall. I would say the main hatch of Drake duns will be above Weikert and possibly in to the lower C&R. Hope everyone does well, tight lines. If you need help with this great green drake hatch please stop at the shop. It was a full blown hatch last night and the morning yesterday was good as well. Guide Service for fishing after dark is available to those people that can cast in the dark and can get around well on the slippery rocks. This Green Drake is the height of the fly fishing season and fishing in the dark is part of the whole Green Drake adventure.
Tight Lines
BRUCE
5/21/2010
Drakes came off this morning in Weikert in good numbers and fish rose and people caught fish. The hatching duns are in that area a mile up or down. So far its sunny so nymphing will be the plan for later today after the hatch stops. Right now 9:43 am the drakes are hatching in Weikert. The creek is in good shape all the way around.
Please take a look at the Total Outdoors link above. If you have old reels or rods that still work and you don't want we could give them to the kids so they can get started in fly fishing. It would really help a lot.
Thanks Bruce
5/20/2010
My buddy fished Coburn last night and there was a good Sulphur hatch and spinner fall and an okay March Brown Spinner Fall. He saw 3 Green Drakes. The main hatch of Drake Duns is between Glen Iron and the Sportsman's Club. I fished Weikert and the hatch only lasted about one hour from 6-7pm but there was a longer hatch between 2-4 pm that I missed, these are mostly males but some females. So that tells me the females are still to come off. There were lots of Sulphur Spinners and Gray Fox spinners but they didn't hit the water. I only caught a few fish. I'll fish lower tonight.
Please take a look at the Total Outdoors link above. If you have old reels or rods that still work and you don't want we could give them to the kids so they can get started in fly fishing. It would really help a lot.
Thanks Bruce
5/19/2010
Lots of Drakes down low today, they wont be in the C&R in good numbers until the weekend.
Lot of fish rising between Glen Iron and Weikert.
The lower creek really busted open with drakes yesterday.
Also Cahill's, Crippled Sulphurs and nymphs worked well.
Water Great condition, 300 CFS, Greenish color, Good water temps.
5/17/2010
The green drakes started 3 days ago and its just the start, Cahill's came off heavy last night and fish rose very well, Sulphurs are thick, March Brown Spinners are barely hanging on, still lots of Gray Fox, Caddis, Craneflies and even some Orange Cahill's. The creek in my opinion will be in good shape the next few days and fishing should be fine. This is all on the lower section of the creek.
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