Big Spring: First Guide Trip to 30th Birthday

As many of you know, there is a special spot in my heart for Big Spring. I love all PA spring creeks for many reasons, from their stories and their challenging techniques. I did my first trip of 2016 on Big Spring and it was great success. I took long time client Mike Orr out there so he could challenge his fly fishing skills. After a few little guys we got into multiple large ones, we only landed one, but he loved the visual eats and the stealthy approach. Then where else would anyone want to celebrate their 30th birthday than the spring creeks in cumberland county. Rob, Jack and I spent the morning on Big Spring, but it got a bit crowded in the afternoon. So we headed over to the Letort for the afternoon. Big Spring was on fire for us, and it seemed they wanted nothing but sow bugs. The Letort was a different story, but all I really wanted was to see a large "dinosaur" brown trout. After a short walk, there he was. I even hooked him, but he was smarter than I and got off. It was just awesome.

SYE Sow Bug  

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. 

Spring Creek Weekend

We were at it again this weekend,  two full days on the spring creeks. I took my buddy Kevin down for is first time fishing a spring creek, his all day smile mirrored mine. We had a great time in the snow, and made it home just before the weather got too bad. We had fish eating stoneflies and blue winged olives off the surface and sow bugs below. It is always a challenge for me and huge reward when you can hold a big one. With that being said, I enjoy the little ones just as much. I am a sucker for wild rainbows and finding a place with a healthy population in PA has made me a happy guy over the past few years. Enough about my love for a fish, just check out the photos.