Posted on April 23 2023
People, I do my best to provide you with enough information to make good decisions on when and where to fish. It became evident last year that it is better if my comments on where to fish are more general and less specific. Water temps, water levels, air temps, wind, sunlight and the normal course of hatch progressions should all be given consideration in choosing where to fish on any given day.
Had three excellent days of fishing this past week, one hour of very good fishing on another, and one DNF day. Never shared a pool with another fisherman and never had a boat go by me.
Stopped at the Troutfitter this morning and listened to tales of woe; too much wind, no bugs, no risers, too many boats, along with reports of fishermen just sitting along the shore waiting for risers. I realize that not everyone reads Angler119's reports and that everyone has the right to march to their own drummer but if you want to at least to fish where there are bugs hatching and fish rising it might be helpful to stop being in the last car to wedge into a "fisherman park here" lot and to pay more attention the the criteria I have often mentioned for determining where to fish.
Said it many times - This time of year there are fish everywhere from Callicoon up to both dams. It's up to you, the fishermen, to figure out where the best place to fish is every day.
Despite the plethora of bugs hatching there, today was probably not a good day to be on the big river!
Well done, well spoken! Fished Nine Mile Creek 22nd&23rd. Landed 3 bows sat., 3 browns sunday (marcellus park, wonderful place to fish). BH hares ear, BH prince, orange BH san juan. Lost a big brown I’d say in the 16"+ range. Keep you lines tight and be well!
Fished or attempted to on upper WB Thursday. Found fishing rising for hours. Problem was, what were they rising to? There were caddis flitting around and falling on the surface. Fish were not taking them. There were size 20 whatevers that were stripped dark color and light bands on body. Have no idea what they were. Used a duplicate fly, no takers. Tried everything down to size 22 Rs 2s ( my go to for “sippers”) and could not get a hit. Whatever they were sipping with the occasional splashy rise, I could not crack the code. BUT THEY WERE THERE! My first trip to the WB this year and fitting indeed- a humbling experience.
Great report. Spot on. I fished all afternoon yesterday and didn’t see an angler. The wind was tough but the fish didn’t mind. Caddis and Hendrickson’s going strong.
Truer words were never spoken!! Get off the beaten path and explore!!
Your advice and experience are priceless and that’s why we read your blogs. You are on the rivers every day.
Good scolding!!!!!!!