Yellow Breeches, 04/23/25

It was great to meet Larry at the Lancaster show. He booked this 1/2 day for his granddaughter Cassidy who is new to fly fishing. He was hoping by the end she would learn the basics of fly fishing and be excited enough to keep going out with him. Needless to say it was a success. We fished from 9AM until 1PM under warm and sunny skies. The water is clear, low and 52 degrees. There was some trout rising to tan and black caddis, but the rises slowed by noon. I knew Cassidy needed a casting lesson, but hit the water with dry droppers. She did well enough that she missed two browns. Seeing the bite switched to underneath, I showed her how to high-stick with nymphs. She pick up this technique rather quickly. She went on to have 4 on. Then her and I set off and I had her false casting 30’ in about 40 minutes. Larry continued to fish dry/droppers and he missed 2 landing two. It was a great day!

Word to the wise. Pretend it is summer. The water is low and clear on the breeches. Although the water is 52 degrees, these trout are acting like they would in the summer. Be prepared to change to their feeding behavior. Take your time, fish slow and lighten the tippets. These trout are very spooky and takes are light given this unusually dry spring. However other streams are good. My private water is flowing perfect, Mountain creek is in good shape. It has all been where and what streams have received rain. The spring creeks are perfect.