Memorial Day Weekend

Got out early today on the friday of Memorial Day Weekend hit Valley Forge to pay some respects to the people that provided us our freedom. The day was perfect with the early morning haze slowly burning away with the sun's emerging glare, and the BWO were happily scattered across the water surface. The fishing on Valley Creek can be tough but one you are there early it can pay off. A few casts with the BWO emerger produced a fish with an instinctive splash on the surface and a beautiful streambred brown trout was released back into its holding lane. A few fish here and there and i made my way out, a great day on the water that only lasted about an hour but well worth it. Getting ready for a few trips one to Benton Pa to see some old friends and fish a few ponds and Fishing Creek. Then off to the Vineyard !!!


Happy Memorial Day and maybe i will see you on the run!

steve

West Branch Sporting Gentleman Trip

Had a chance to fish the West Branch of the Delaware River with a few guys from the Sporting Gentleman and the Fantastic people from The Delaware River Club in Starlight Pa. The River is always a challenge and with high water and windy condition we expected the worse. We had been looking at the water levels for a few weeks trying to decide how to prepare for high water, and we really caught a break in the weather and the conditions peaked for us on the first day. The Hendricksons were out along with some Caddis and a glimpse  or two of the March Brown. After drifting the upper portion of the West Branch we found a spot and both boats anchored on a little island and the hatch broke mid afternoon. Marc from the store had two big fish on dries, one close to 20 inches; with myself managing to land two small but beautiful Brownies. Everyone hooked up with fish on dries and a few streamer fish on the drift. After lunch and what seemed like suspended animation with dry flies we headed to the Home pool for some more surface action. Not to long after hitting the Home pool the rain fell and the day was winding down, after the rain shower we caught a few more fish and even a Brook Trout fell for compardun for me. Great first day on the river, the guided Jeff and Steve were great and we headed in for dinner.
The second day the river decided that we had to much fun and decided to play hard to get. It rained pretty heavy through the night and the fish were very much like to fish i remember from past trips hard to get although it was a nice day the fish would not cooperate but we still managed to boat a few fish, We overall had a great trip with the first day being one of those you should of been here yesterday types of days. The second day panned out to still be an amazing day on the river, with a shore lunch with two great guides and a few good friend.

Have a great day and maybe next time i will see you on the run

steve

may 1 and 2nd

I did finally get a chance to fish yesterday after working in the shop with Barry and a few others from the Sporting Gentleman. Hit one one the local ponds in West Chester for some pan fish on poppers. Always great to fish with Barry he is a true icon in the sport of fly fishing. I had the pleasure of having the chance to fish with the Mary from the store and Sunday evening became a true sentiment of what fly fishing is all about . The Bluegills and pan fish were very receptive with everyone having a blast.

Next was a brief moment of freedom today for me and i ran out to Ridley creek for some Black Caddis action. Mary had fished Ridley with a client on Sunday and had told me that the Black Caddis was plentiful on Sunday and i could not resist. I started at the Falls and was quickly noticing that the Caddis were present in full force. The Black Caddis is one of those hatches that is more myth then merit and as usual the fish seemed to ignore the bounty, I did manage two fish in Black Caddis emergers and a few more on a quill imitation. Good day it on;y lasted a short time but was fun indeed. Till next time way i might see you on the run

Steve