SMALL STREAM SMALLMOUTH

Many already know South Central PA is blessed with some of the best year-round trout streams. However, come late summer most times trout fishing is solely on spring creeks. For some fisherman this is not “you cup of tea” and because of that your attention is elsewhere.  You put those 3 or 4 weight fly rods away and pick up the 6 or 7 weight rods and head to our famous small mouth rivers. I kid you not, when I say these are amazing fisheries and you will always have a chance at a 3-4 lb smallmouth.

I do enjoy the rivers and love working these finicky spring creeks, however many do not realize that most of these streams start in the mountains as cold water fisheries for trout but as they flow and join other waterways they transform into warm water fisheries.

There are a few benefits to hitting the small streams. First of all they are packed full of smallmouth. These may not be 20” but these smallies usually average between 7-12” and on a 5 weight it is just as fun. Second, I don’t have to blow my shoulder out by casting a 7 weight fly rod all day. Grab a 5 weight and some small poppers, hit the steam and you will catch all day.

Third, you might not know but it’s more than smallmouth in these streams. I have caught largemouth bass, bluegills and some pretty big fallfish. Fourth, and I saved the best for last. On these small warm water streams, 90% of the time, it will be just you and the stream. You don’t have to deal with other fishermen, boats, kayaks and the party float tubers. Although some of the party float tubers can be entertaining.

If you are interested in trying a new adventure, there are miles and miles of these “small smallmouthing” streams all around South Central PA.