Posted on October 20 2022
Today was just not a pleasant day to be on the water. It was overcast, cold and windy, a deadly combo for the hapless fly fishermen. Got in the water about noon and saw but two other anglers all day. The car thermometer never got above 47 and it spent most of the day around 44. Looked at the water temps before leaving camp and all but Stilesville were in the forty's and destined to remain there. The release water from Cannonsville had the water temp at Stilesville at 53 and that's where I went. Looked off the town bridge around noon and saw at at least a couple dozen fish rising steadily, went back to the car, put on everything I owned and went fishing..
The fishing - Walked back to the town bridge and things had changed. In place of the rising fish were wind blown waves. Got back in the car and drove around looking for a place that was at least somewhat out of the wind. The first place I found was in the midst of a good pseudo hatch. There were rising fish, wind and bugs galore. Hooked five fish, landing four (all within a half inch of 12 inches) in the two plus hours I was there before having to stop and go back to the Troutfitter to warm up. Went back out about three and continued my search for calm water (stopped and bought half dozen ears of corn at Schaffer's farm stand during the journey). While driving down the far side of the river towards Hale Eddy I saw part of a pool that didn't have a ripple on it. Backed up the car, got out the glasses and saw three rises in the calm water. Turned around, drove back through Deposit took a warming walk and was in the pool with rising fish in a matter of minutes. It was about four by then and the pseudo hatch (which was epic just two short hours earlier) was petering out. Made the most of my opportunities getting five fish to come to a #22 pseudo (two on blind casts), while hooking and landing another three 12 inchers.
What to expect - You've read my reports, most of the big browns are not eating right now, if you want a a big fish, you're best chance is to go after 'bows on the EB and the BR. If you want to cast at rising fish in a pseudo hatch, you can fish anywhere the water is warm (or cold) enough for the bugs to hatch. The outlook (after tomorrow) is for very pleasant temps for the next week. Probably not a bad time to take the season's amen trip.
Congrats gents on tuffing it out on such a raw day. I was in a tree stand this morning and afternoon and was able to fill my bow tag wit nice fat 6 pt. Dressed out177.
I will be on the water all next week I hope I get a chance to meet some of you there!!
A119 thanks again for the tips and great info!!!!
Angler119 and Jim N. Congratulations! You both toughed it out in very difficult conditions and caught some nice fish. Kudos
I had a similar day…
Beat you to the town bridge sippers by a few hours thanks to the sage advice of Dave at Troutfitter. Caught two including a nice 16” Brown before the wind turned the river into a choppy mess. But the skunk was off by 10:00 am so the rest of the day was gravy.
Fished the lower WB the rest of the day and every time I thought the wind was done it came at me from a different direction. In between squalls there was a good olive hatch and I managed a couple of fish including a big Bow.
Yes it was cold, yes the wind was frustrating, but it was beautiful, peaceful and worth the trip.