The previous week found me traveling for work to Pennsylvania. Of course I brought along the rod and waders as PA has some fine trout waters. I really wanted to get into some of their native Brookies, and fish some of the streams that we hear rival our own Michigan waters.
The first stream I fished was the Yellow Breeches River. This is their most famous Trout stream I think due mostly to proximity of populated areas. The stream is only about 20 minutes from Harrisburg, the State Capital. The stream was what you would expect of water near an urban area. There were pretty areas, but many access points which I'm sure increases the pressure on the stream.
I caught a ton of Small Mouth Bass, but also hooked into this decent Rainbow. The weather was not favorable as I had to deal with some pretty intense rain, so I'm sure that affected things, as well.
The first stream I fished was the Yellow Breeches River. This is their most famous Trout stream I think due mostly to proximity of populated areas. The stream is only about 20 minutes from Harrisburg, the State Capital. The stream was what you would expect of water near an urban area. There were pretty areas, but many access points which I'm sure increases the pressure on the stream.
I caught a ton of Small Mouth Bass, but also hooked into this decent Rainbow. The weather was not favorable as I had to deal with some pretty intense rain, so I'm sure that affected things, as well.
For my second day I traveled up to northern PA. Northern PA streams are beautiful! The mountains, water temp and foliage are prime for a gorgeous and productive day on the water. I fished a few small streams, and caught a handful of 8-9 inch Brook Trout.
I then moved to Lycoming Cr, which was bigger water. I have to say that this may have been my favorite stream to fish to date. Below is a picture of the water.
Lycoming really produced for me. I caught a ton of decent Browns and two really nice Brookies. And to top the list, I think I caught a Tiger Trout. A Tiger Trout is a very rare hybrid of a Brookie and a Brown. The species is sterile, and it only happens in select environments during the perfect conditions. Tiger Trout can range in appearance from vermiculation covered, bold patterned fish to what looks like a Brown, but with vermiculations on its back and sides. This fish had only a few vermiculations on its side, but the back was covered near the head and dorsal fin. I'll let you be the judge, but I have never seen a Brown trout that looked like the one below. I apologize for the poor picture.
I really enjoyed my trip to Pennsylvania, and my two days on the water. PA is a beautiful state with much to offer the Trout fisherman. I hope to get back soon.