Antietam, 03/18/25

Hans set up this trip for Shawn who will be leaving for North Korea. The fishing group also had Fred and John. Normally, I would have a second guide, but months ago Hans and I spoke and they said they would be fine with just me alone. Yes, indeed I was. A very laid back bunch of guys who were just glad to be together.

I was down there by 9AM, to be sure the farmhouse was ready for them. It was in immaculate shape. Then I looked at the water and it was clear with OK water flow but a chilly 42 degrees. It was sunny and warmed from 33 degrees to a warm 61 degrees. Wild browns and chilly water had me worried, but at 10AM we started and fished to just after 2PM. I was going to hit Red Run which was 51 degrees, but Hans and Fred did not mind fishing streamers. So I set them off in the slow flatwater and suggested they focus on the two deep runs and the brush hanging into the water. Fred landed 1 small brown and Hans was impressed by the two big browns which moved out to take a look. I’m working with John more tomorrow. He wanted me to be with his son. Shawn missed two, lost three and then landed a rainbow and a brown. At around 1:30 they were just enjoying drinks and a streamside lunch. I walked back upstream and Hans worked into Red Run for two runs. At this time of day the midges were like clouds, black stoneflies hatching and some rising trout. Hans said he would walk back with the guys, but I said lets hit this deep hole with nymphs. It paid off. A nice fight and I netted what would be a 23.5 inch wild brown.

If you are still on the fence about this treasured fishery we have well prime time is not here and I was still able to say, “Welcome to Antietam.”