Summer Smallmouth

Smallmouth fishing has been picking back up after the most recent rainstorm. We were approaching an alarming level of low water on all the creeks and rivers in south east pa. To quote my buddy Andy "we needed the reset button pushed." Once that happened the fish really became active, eating poppers with aggression, chasing streamers from afar. On top of that, the White Flies have started in great numbers. Over the past week or so the hatch has become prolific. Neil and I spent the evening on the Susquehanna last night and some of the pictures below were the bounty of the night. Popping Boogle Bugs until we started to pattern fish rising to white flies. We are not out of the woods just yet, but these fisheries have made a tremendous recovery, the fish are happy and hungry.

Smallmouth Fishing

As most of you know, my true passion is smallmouth. I just love the idea of floating down the river with little pressure and throwing bugs at the banks waiting for a bass, large or small to come out and crush a fly. These fish have an amazing story to tell, I just hope one day Ill know enough to tell it the right way. Fly fishing for smallmouth bass in Pennsylvania is one of the last wild things we have. It is time for you all to get out into the wild and away from the city lights.

Smallmouth Season

Smallmouth bass season is upon us, and they are hungry and full of energy. Unfortunately we have been battling low, clear water for most of the July. Fish are definitely on point and if you don't make a perfect presentation all you will see is a wake going away from your fly. We have had to change our techniques a bit, but we are putting good numbers of fish in the boat. Both the Susquehanna and the Juniata are coming back strong, and some say its as good as it was in the heyday. We are praying for some rain to get the water temps down and the flows up, once that happens the bass will be a little more laid back. We hope!

With the new shop being so close to the Susquehanna we are now offering half, full, and overnight trips with one of the best fly guides on the river Brian Shumaker. The Juniata is still my favorite and we are booking trips as far in advanced as October.