South Central PA for Winter Fly Fishing
By, Michael Heck      
          
Most fly fisherman settle back into a comfortable chair to catch up on some reading during the wintertime.  Others spend many hours tying flies for the coming season.  Well, I for one like to venture out for some cold weather fly-fishing even if I'm picking ice from my rod guides every few cast.

Our area trout streams fish well in the winter.  The reason why is that the spring creeks continue to have a consistent water temperatures around 52 degrees during the month of November lasting well into Febuary.  You may not get as many trout as you would find during the prime summer months, but you still can find large trout, average trout and trout rising to the few wintertime bugs that do hatch even when the air is well below 35 degrees.  Trout can be taken on nymphs, streamers and “match the hatch” situations when they arise.  Rising trout will most likely be found sipping to midges, BWO’s and little black stoneflies.

There are several very good limestone and limestone influenced streams to fish during winter.  These stream can be fish with nymphs, streamers and dry flies.  A warm winter days will spark some hatches of midges, BWO’s and the occasional little black stonefly.  These can be found on any of the waters that I will mention later.  Best to have on hand a few of these dry flies just in case.  I favor parachutes and compara-duns for the BWO’s in size 20’s.  For midges, I have to have my Mike’s Midge pupa in #22, #20, some Yonk Specials and Flashers in #20, #20 Griffiths Gnat and #22-#24 dark olive, gray and brown midges and CDC midges.  A few #18 black CDC caddis will set you up if some trout are rising to stoneflies. 

Nymph and streamer fishing is mostly what I do during the winter months.  Many of the caddis and mayfly nymphs are tiny which make scuds very important.  You can’t be without my Simple Shrimp in #14-#18 and Shenk’s’ Cress bug in #14 and 16.  These two are a must!  My secondary flies consistent of pink and red san juans in sizes of 18-14, copper johns, Mike’s Sulphur and Baetis nymphs.  Toss in a few pheasant tails and your favorite bead headed flies and you should be set. 

I always keep streamers on hand.  Streamers are a great way to lure of the “big boys”.  The streamer fishermen have their favorites and I do as well.  I love Shenk’s’ sculpin and white minnow, but I do carry woolly buggers and zonkers.

During the winter, I will certainly be on the Falling Springs and Big Springs.  As with most all these streams, the summer time crowds have disappeared.  These two waters have always treated me well.  Many times I may not even wade, skipping some areas to focus on some reachable riffles and undercut banks.  Nymphs and streamers are the favorable way to fish Falling and Big Springs.  Warm days will spark off some hatches of midges, BWO’s and stoneflies.  Look for concentrated incest around bridges and brushy areas.  These tiny bugs use these areas to keep warm.  Streamers can be use to work over undercuts and what weedbeds still may be found.    

The Yellow Breeches is another stream I fish year round.  It is more of a limestone influenced freestone stream once it collects the waters of Mountain Creek.  So the area below the “run” at Allenberry fishes fine during winter with the chance of some late season midges and a few Febuary BWO’s to bring up some trout.  This once crowded section is now only fished by a few.  Be prepared to dress in layers.  This water can be below 35 degrees in the winter.  A thermometer will tall you if the fish will sluggish.  Around 36 degrees, I found that you really have to hit the on the head with your nymphs and toss out a bug streamer and fish it tight to the bottom.  If the water gets much cooler, I head to the true spring creeks.

So, where does the Letort fall into play during winter fishing?   Well, I try to steer clear because the brown trout are or did spawn and I do not want to disturb the redds.  I may walk the bank tossing in a streamer of two without wading.  I normally get back on the stream in March.  You also have to watch for spawning brown trout on Big Springs and Falling Springs as well.  But the rainbows are what we are trying for.  Just avoid all paired up browns and do not wade around or above the redds.

My winter trips to Spring Creek are becoming some of my favorites.  The fishing is great.  I can always find trout rising to winter midges and the very occasional BWO.  Nymph fish is productive.  I work the high-sticking techniques in the deeper runs found throughout Spring Creek.  Love the “Paradise” section this time of year.  Don’t have to wade and can to some tight-line nymphs throughout this section. 

To get you ready, I can set you up with a selection of flies that will be effective for most all streams and hatches.  Take a look at my tacklebox for fly box assortments and the right leaders for the area.  For local or traveling anglers, call me at 717-816-7557 or e-mail at trout@mris.com.  I can supply you with flies, guide services for all the area stream and trips to Spring creek and Little Juniata.