Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Training.


Having two labrador retrievers, it was only a matter of time before I began taking them fishing with me. Riley, the elder of the two, began her training recently. She is a chocolate lab around 60 pounds. Her first time out, she performed splendidly. She remained close and took times trotting between my father and I. My biggest fear, the resident Canadian Geese populations, tested her patience but she did not give chase. For the most part she did not interfere in fishing situations. Although who could not laugh when she suddenly dives into the deep pool your trying to fish. She will learn and until then, its nice to have someone around who enjoys the seclusion of a stream and the excitement that comes with fishing.

Lookout.

Sniffing A Small Brown.

Bored While Poppa Pump Attempts To Fish.






We Have Liftoff.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

2wt Fun.


With student teaching almost over and graduation around the corner, I've been incredibly giddy. I took this excitement with me last evening along with my 2wt to do some dry fly fishing. Little Sulphers have been coming off, so I rigged up with a dry dropper combo and hit the stream. The five hours there proved to be an absolute blast. The 2wt just made it that much more exciting.

About As Good As It Gets Near UD.

The Approach.

The Hole.

Glory.

Mad Fun.

Parting Shot.

Small Eel.

Brutish.

Propulsion.

Would Not Stay Still.

There He Is...

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

The Ferrari of Mayflies.

April 2009, Lehigh River, Quill Gordon Mayfly Clinger (Epeorus Pleuralis)



Correct me if I am wrong.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

8 Shooter.


Adam and I hit up the White Clay creek system this past weekend and caught eight different species. With high water and low visibility we threw streamers for two days but were able to transition to dries and nymphs as the water cleared on the second day. All told we caught browns, rainbows, fall fish, smallmouth, rock bass, pumpkinseed sunfish, suckers, and a snapping turtle. The snapper was sight fished to and attacked an olive woolly bugger twitched along the bottom.

Small Hook Jaw.

White Clay Scenery.

Fall Fish or "CHUB"

Cream Cahill

Black Tipped Rock Bass.

Log Jams = Big Fish

More White Clay Scenery.

Slaying Fish In Clearing Water.

Bow out of a Root Ball.

Possible Native.

Snapping Turtle Coming To Hand.

Blue or Red Quill?

This Bow has a Purple Marabou Comb Over.

Black Woolly Buggers = Success

Smallmouth Fight Hard.

Blue or Red Quill?

Monday, May 11, 2009

New Water.



A change of scenery is always welcomed, especially on trout streams. The same freestone streams can only offer so much when you want so much more. When looking for new water, you often have to go a ways to find a change of pace. I found this change in the Gunpowder River, located near Baltimore, MD. My brother Matt, began fishing the Gunpowder when he took up a teaching job in inner city Baltimore. I put off heading there to fish with him for almost two years. After finally getting down there and experiencing it for myself, I can say that I immediately regret those two years.

Dream Hole.

Go Deep or Go Home.

Midges.

Not That Colorful...

The road into the Gunpowder tailwater, takes you down a long winding corridor flanked by forest that exhibits a feeling seldom found so close to Baltimore. The feeling grows with new leaves on the trees and the smell of fresh rain. Down the road, we pull off and gear up. It's 7 a.m. and it is pouring outside. The forecast for the day calls for rain, rain, and more rain but I am in good spirits. Rain is my favorite time to fish. We hike down a nice trail into the small canyon. Its a fairly good walk before I finally lay eyes on the stream. All it takes is one look through the rhododendrons and I know I am about to experience a special stretch of water.

Pocket Water.

Hard Fighting Bow.

Slinging it in the Rain.

Fell For the Zebra Midge.

Stepping up to the first hole, I am in heaven. Its a deep plunge pool with large boulders on either side. The hole is accentuated by large fallen trees courtesy of the beaver population. Looking up stream, each hole seems to only get better. Within the first few casts, small browns and bows come to hand. The situation repeats itself for the next several hours occasionally interrupted by a slam pig sighting that keeps us on our toes with anticipation. The hoss's elude us for the day but we know they are there. They will have to wait until the next time I am able to escape to this beautiful stream. However, next time, I won't be waiting two years. More like, two weeks.

Camo.

In Good Company.

Welcome To The Gunpowder.