Weather in the Pocono's and North Western NJ has been less then predictable these past few weeks, however we are happily getting rain, snow and ice storms weekly. With the addition of this water we are hopeful that spring and summer water levels will maintain some consistence and not suffer as hard as they did during last summers drought conditions.
Fishing through out the Poconos North Western NJ has been fair to good these past couple weeks, when you can catch one of the streams on a drop. The Mc Micheals has been holding fair numbers of fish through out this winter, and water levels have been maintaining themselves at a constant level. So long as the snow and ice remain the McMicheals will continue to clear off quickly. Pressure on this stream has tapered off however these fish see enough anglers that 5X and 6x tippets, as well as natural looking nymphs are needed.
In contrast the Brodhead is receiving almost no pressure and the fish are pleasantly acting accordingly. The Brodhead, being one of the longer streams and bigger drainage is holding water for longer periods of time then the other streams. High water mean using different tactics to have success on the Brodhead. The combination of high water and low pressure has seen success using some unlikely patterns for this stream. Large stoneflies, such as kuaffmans in sizes 6-8 with an egg or San Juan dropper fished under an indicator have been the top producing patterns lately coupled with 4x leaders and 5x droppers. However don't over look Montania Nymphs, Bitch Creeks, ugly bugs, Rushers stones and steelhead hammers in size 6, 8, 10, and 12.
Streamers fishing has also been producing fishing. Streamers fishing in the tail outs of some of the slower pools, along the banks and in the seems have been effective. Remember in the colder temps fish will not move to far for an offering, so you will need to use sink tips, sinking lines or heavy flies to get and stay in the zone.
The Swiftwater, Paridise, Pocono and other mountain streams have also been fishing well for wild brook trout and streambred browns. Where large enough pockets are nymph fishing size 10-14 beadheads with small San Juan droppers have been deadly effective. Streamer fishing, by presenting the fly downstream and slowly mouching it up through the holes, runs or pockets has been the most consistent producers. However on bright sunny days do not over look the dry dropper combination, you may be pleasantly surprised by a few surface takes.
A reminder that PA trout season on public waters in the northern areas will be closing April 1 to 8 a.m. on the opening day of the trout season. For those looking to sneak a few more days of winter trout in Feb and March nows the time to consider it. Guided trips are still available for Feb and March.
March 29th marks the start of PA southern trout streams, which means the gems of the lehigh valley will be open again to public fishing. March and early April on the Little Lehigh, Suacon, Monocacy and Bushkill sees the occurrence of Little Black stones, and later BWO, Tan Caddis and Blue Quills depending on which of the streams you are fishing. A few days are still available on this streams in the first week of April.
Tight Loops and good fishing
Adam Hoelper