SCPA Fall Fly Fishing

          I feel completely safe by saying that many outdoor enthusiasts believe fall is some of the best time to be outdoors.  It is the season for great angling.  Many streams are primed for some very good fly fishing.  Some waters have cooled off from summers heat making these trout active again.  Some fine hatches such as BWO’s, midges and October Caddis will be hatching before the cold of winter arrives. There still is terrestrial action to be had with ants, beetles and crickets.
          In fall, I will certainly be on the Falling Springs and Big Springs.  Without a doubt, spring creeks fish well during fall and winter, but how about some other fall haunts which are forgotten about.
          I love fishing for PA’s native brook trout.  Some of my fall fishing adventures lead me back to the small mountain streams. It takes me back to when I first started fly fishing.  I fish well before they begin to spawn.  Once they begin to spawn, simply lay off the native trout so they can make more trout for years to come.  I like using some of my one and two weight rods for these small streams.  I’m hoping once again this year to observe a few native trout spawning like I had the privilege to do last year.
          The Yellow Breeches is another stream I fish year-round, but I really like the fall trips.  Once crowded sections are now fished by only a few.  I like the changing colors of the surrounding birch trees, sycamores and maples.  It is sometimes fun to try to catch a midge sipping trout while landing the fly pattern around the floating yellow and red leaves.  
          My fall trips also include the various freestone streams that were dormant during the summer low water and heat.  These streams are now cool enough to fish.  Plus, the added bonus is the browns and brook trout are on the bite.  They are eager to feed again because they are in pre-spawn mode.  So, streams like the Conochcheague, Antietam and Mountain Creek are the other top waters I like to fish.  They are all nestled in the mountains and the changing foliage along the streams is a sight to see.
          There just is not enough time to fully take in the splendors of fall. So many good fly fishing streams, so little time to fish them.  When I’m not on the stream, I will some definitely be in the field or woods hunting.      
          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 717-321-5160 or e-mail at fallingsprings@outlook.com. I can supply you with flies, guide services for all the area streams and trips.