Spruce Creek PA Fly Fishing Blog

Four Knots: The Only Knots You’ll Need “Better to know a knot and not need it, than need a knot and not know it.” – Grog   4. Nail Knot The loop-to-loop connection between your fly line and leader can be very convenient.  It can also be a source cumbersome bulkiness, it can catch on…

Pro Tip: 5 Qualities of Excellent Waders   Durability – A good pair of waders should last a long time; this will depend on how demanding your usage is.  With all the bushwhacking I do, I’m happy to get 3 seasons out of a pair.  Look for layered material, usually nylon, that is at least…

Part 2: Westfield River, East Branch   The East Branch of the Westfield is a spectacular destination regardless of the superb fly fishing it hosts.  The Chesterfield Gorge section consists of enormous rock cliffs cut steeply by this raging freestone stream.  Downstream of the gorge a 9 mile stretch of catch-and-release fishing awaits you, all year round.…

Freshwater Paradise in the Mountain of Death     The Cerro de la Muerte (also translated as “Summit of Death”) is the highest peak along the Costa Rican section of the Inter-American Highway. It is home to the most stunning scenery I have ever seen – you are literally above the clouds on a volcanic mountain…

3 Tips for Success in the Colder Months Yesterday’s Trout Haven trip to Chittenango Creek yielded several beautiful brown trout.  Consider the following tips to improve your chances of catching trout as winter encroaches.   1. Timing – During the colder months the Sun will make all the difference.  Allow the Sun to shine for a…

      That’s right… yesterday was mostly sunny with air temperatures around 53°F.   There were no fish rising, and very few small bugs coming off the surface.     On water like this I usually start with a prospecting dry-dropper rig.  Trout Haven’s Madam X proved to be an effective dry fly once…

While all types of trout are remarkable creatures, native brook trout are especially magnificent.  There is something alluring about their colors, their vigorous appetite, and their uncanny ability to live in inconspicuous places.     Upstate New York harbors some of my favorite brook trout water – small streams at higher elevations with cold spring…

3 Tips for Stealthy Fishing     1.  Hide – Keep a large object between your body and the stream. Bear in mind where your shadow is and how it casts.  Anything that obscures the trout’s perception of you will improve your opportunity to catch fish. You can approach the above pool from where this picture was…

3 Custom Flies that Catch Trout!   Confidence in your fly selection is of the utmost importance when fly fishing.  Whether you are on new water or your favorite stream, using flies that you know will catch fish makes all the difference.  The following three flies are tried and true – patterns that work on…

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