A great day for some Pennsylvania Trout Fishing!

After a morning of grass cutting, I headed into Ohiopyle to get some info and check the local scene at Wilderness Voyageurs. I have been doing some fly fishing trips for them and I thought I would stop in to get a cup of coffee (best coffee in Ohiopyle) and say hello before hitting the stream.

It was warm day but cloud covered with a light shower here and there. I had a good feeling about the fishing and bug activity. When I pulled into the parking lot at Meadow Run, I knew right away that I had most of the stream to myself. There was one guy, an older fella and fly fisherman from Pittsburgh fishing the riffles and pocket water near the bridge. We had a few laughs and I moved on down to a favorite spot that Dale had clued me into.

Upon arrival it didn't take long to realize that bugs were coming off in bunches with a lot of variety. I saw some BWO's, March Browns, Midges (of course) and some Hendrickson's coming off. Despite all the bugs, there were very few rises at the time. I knew then to tie on an emeger, which is just what I did. I had a cream colored pattern that I tied myself to represent a cream caddis larvae for the most part--although it can suggest a lot. I was anxious to see if it worked. It doesn't really match anything specific per-say, but to me it has that 'look'. It paid off. I do believe the fish were taking it as a Hendrickson Emerger--with the light color and wing. Needless to say by the end of the trip, it was pretty beat up. Guess I need to tie a few more. Ok, now the action.

First cast I landed a nice looking rainbow, in the 12-14" range. After a safe release, two maybe three casts later, I hooked into the biggest fish of the day. A beautifully colored Brown Trout which was in the 17-20" range and fat. It was a great catch and a solid fight. She took me on a 10 minute walk before I finally managed to get her in my net. What a beautiful fish! Meadow Run is by far one of my favorite streams in SW Pennsylvania. After a safe release, the action continued steady for the next 45 minutes, landing a few browns and a couple more rainbows. By the time an hour had passed I had landed 10+ trout and had a smile from ear to ear. If I didn't have to get back home I would've stayed until dark, but even just an hour on the stream was enough action to leave me feeling very much exuberated, making the drive home even better.

Thank goodness I had my camera phone! Here are just a few pics. Not the best quality but for a camera phone, not bad.

First cast:


A nice Meadow Run Brown!



A few more random pics:






I hope to see you on the river for some great Pennsylvania Fishing! Stop by Wilderness Voyageurs for the best in town!

~ David