Stoneflies and Bobbers - Orvis Recon 1003-4

Weather forecast started off saying it would be a pleasant but cold day on the water. This would mean not much wind and a bit of sun to warm us up in the below freezing temps. By the time Steve, Mike, and I had the boat in the water and we were all geared up, I couldn't feel my fingers and the wind was blowing around 20mph. Hey thats winter fishing though, we were floating the Lehigh on a section new to me, but Steve had floated it a few times, and decided best thing to do was float some stoneflies under bobbers, I mean what trout doesn't enjoy some golden stones at sub zero temps? We fished all day, managed 1 trout, and lost about a dozen flies. I think the chicken salad wraps and beer for lunch, saved the day, but hey we all could have been sitting inside doing nothing (by a fire), that just seems boring to me.

It was nice however, to test out the new Orvis Recon 1003 nymphing rod. It threw double stones and an indicator with no trouble. Very light to hand, and has unbelievable feel to it, the finalized design with the fighting butt made it very comfortable to fish all day long. It has a very soft tip, but when needed it has the torque to really put the hammer down on some bigger sized trout. A great rod for the money and might be my new favorite Czech nymphing stick.

Photo Archives - Central PA

While putting up the last post I realized I never put these photos up. These are from a day back in January when Andy and I decided to fish in the snow. There is nothing cooler than stoneflies and snow.

Central PA Trout

There is nothing like planning a day trip to central PA with a couple good friends and knowing the temps will not break out of the 20s all day. Oh well when the water is perfect and the fish are hungry you seem to forget all about your frozen hands and guides. Anytime I can get out on a system where the trout love big golden stone nymphs, ill be there regardless of temps. Kyle, Bryan, Rob and I hit the creek at about 10 am and the air temps were barely out out of the teens. But the fish didn't seem to care, they were hungry and wanted to eat anything big.

The Triple Stack Sculpin 

Penn State and Stoneflies

The forecast was calling for almost 60 degrees, so when Andy called me to ask if I wanted to go fishing Monday, it was a no brainer. We were headed out to one of his favorite sections of the creek to fish nothing but stonefly nymphs. If you didn't know, stoneflies are my favorite to fish and tie. I was just excited to get out and walk the creek and fish something bigger than a size 18 zebra midge. The fishing was great in my mind, but Brian and Andy said it was a little slower than earlier the week before. They were convinced that it was the drastic drop in was water temps, despite the warm air temps. But it was still an awesome day and I can't wait to get out again soon.

Early Stages of a Foam Back Stonefly

Top and Bottom of the A&W Stonefly Fly Pattern

The infamous Griddle Bug Fly

My new favorite Stonefly Hook. 

It Happened Again - The Little J

The faces changed, but the story stayed the same. The Little J was on fire again. We fished it all over with great success, it defiantly helped that the bugs were all over the place. There were Drakes, Sulphurs, Caddis, and even a few Golden Stones. The whiskey was tasty and the potatoes with cheese and beacon started the day off right. I am going to let the photos tell the story. If you have not gotten the chance to fish the Little J, I would highly recommend getting out there ASAP! 

Hot Flies: Golden Stones, Pheasant Tails, Sulphur Nymphs, and Trigger Nymphs