Just a few Pictures and some Updates

If you have not heard, the Tulpehocken is now a Keystone Select trout stream. This means that each year 25% of our allotted fish will be replaced with trophy sized trout. This will equate to about 200 trout for the pre-season and in-season stocking. Tony and I have the privilege to be apart of the stocking and each time we will be float stocking these fish. The Keystone Select trout range from 16-22", so get out there and try to find them :)

Also with the flows at a great level on the Tully we have been offering float trips for trout this season. As some of you may know, I have been floating this for years, but now we are actually offering them as a guided option. I was out with Rob and Jack this past Monday when the creek was flowing at 408 cfs, a flow that some would say is un-fishable. We did fantastic, and the crowds were minimal.

Show season is finally over. This was the first year I went to more than just Somerset and Lancaster. I traveled down to Maryland to be apart of TieFest on Kent Island, in my hometown. Then the next week traveled with Steve Silverio from Regal and Partridge to upstate New York to be apart of Tie One On, and great show for charity.

I will also have another announcement in the next week, very exciting news!

Fish Photos and Some Guide Days

The season is now in full swing. Sulphurs are starting all over the state, however the caddis are still pretty thick and fish seem to still be keying in on them. Sulphurs will only get thicker as the month moves on. Look for fish rising in the soft water on our favorite local stream, and remember if they are super splashy rises and you see caddis, don't be afraid to nymph over those fish. 

Fingerlings are Free

We floated down the river this past Monday and released 3000 fingerling Rainbows. These Rainbows are from a warm water strain of fish that can stay active up to 75 degrees, so lets see what happens.

Good Friends, a Boat, and a River

Sometimes the best fishing trips end with no grip and grins. Rob, Troop, and I had plans to float Sunday, but Rob had husband duties come up, so my best friend of 27 years Dyson came who came up for a surprise party for my fiancee, was able to fill the open seat. We didn't take a rod less than 8wt with us and had our sights on the toothy critters that reside in the Schuylkill. The 10wts flew all day, we tested new flies tied over the winter, drank some beer, told stories, ate lunch, and more. We did just about everything you could on a float, but catch fish. It was one of the most memorable trips of my carrier to have my best friend and Troop brave the cold and high water with me. Just a little proof that its not all about catching fish. Its about the relationships, connections, and stories these trips bring. There are lots of reasons why I fish, one of which is to make a living, but most of all, I just love to fish. I told an old friend of mine once: "When I'm old and sitting in my rocking chair, I want to look out at the horizon and say, yeah that was a good life." Well with great friends, family, and a dream job, I can already say that! While I'm talking about how much I love this sport and my job, I have to thank my fiancee Elizabeth for all her support, if it wasn't for all her patience and understanding, I wouldn't be where I am today. She is a blessing and I have to Thank her for all she has done to help me. Ok back to the fishing, Enjoy the photos from our trip!

NRS Freestone Drifter ready to roll 

Orvis Helios 2 Esox Edition -  Bad Ass stick

Three Full boxes of Roamers - Awesome Predator Fly 

Oh yeah, and for somewhat of a fishing report, Troop and I fished this morning on the Tully. High water, cold temps, and a bit of mud made for a tough morning, but we managed a few fish between the two of us. Big caddis larva, small midges, and San Juan Worms, are what fooled the fish this morning.

Tully Report - It's Getting Cold

Well, it might not officially be winter yet, but it's certainly starting to feel like it out there. The Tully is flowing at an awesome flow right now 188 cfs, this is perfect for throwing an indicator or slowly swinging a streamer in front of those hungry trout. I have been out there a good bit the past two weeks, and I can say that fishing small nymphs under and indicator has been the most productive. Small size 18 to 22 or even 24 midges of all colors have been working well. On clear sunny days the smaller stuff seems to work a bit better, and with cloudy or higher water the larger and bringer stuff is working just as good. Smaller pheasant tails, and hares ears have been by go to flies for getting the even smaller stuff down in the zone. On top of that, the fresh fingerlings have been very active, eating just about anything that comes their way. I have even seen little pods of them rising to small midges on her surface. So look for some sun and get out there, the mornings have been slow until the water warms up a bit, but mid day into the evening have been awesome!!!

!!!Save the Tully!!!

The Pennsylvania Fish Commission is proposing to allow bait fishing on Delayed Harvest Artificial Lure Only sections of streams in PA. This change would allow the use of bait throughout the year and would also move the harvest date up to June 1st from June 15th!

As I am sure you are aware, the use of bait and a longer harvest period on the Tully or any other stream that supports holdover/wild trout is simply not good conservation practice!

Please VOTE NOW (to the right) and let the PA Fish Commission know that we want our precious resources preserved for future generations to enjoy... and that we fly fisherman want to see a change to Catch and Release Fly Fishing Only on the Tulpehocken Creek here in Reading, PA.
 
Remember.. YOU can make a difference! Stand up and let your voice be heard.

 Please take a Moment to Vote Now!!!

Fall Days on the Water

Yes, all the mayflies are done hatching, and the smallmouth have gone deep; but who says we have to call it quits on our favorite local water? Not us, fall means a lot for us, musky fishing is just starting to pick up, trout are eating midges, and steelhead are starting to run. We are still doing trout trips on the Tully, and the fishing is only getting better as the temps drop. With the water at an awesome 234 cfs, the fish are eating like crazy, even the freshly released fingerlings are munching down. Musky fishing, well its musky fishing, but with cool nights and warm days, we can only hope to put one in the boat very soon. But lets not forget whats rapidly approaching right now, steelhead, we are getting mixed reports from day to day, but the fact is they are coming in everyday. I can't wait till next weekend to get up there and try to find some hungry fish.