Spruce Creek Fly Co's Blog

Father’s Day Fly Fishing Special with Spruce Creek Fly Co

sprucecreekflyco — Wed, 25 May 2011 13:49:48 +0000

Spruce Creek Fly Company

www.sprucecreekflyco.com

814-632-6129

FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL

Friday June 17^th through Sunday June 19^th

2 Angler Package includes:

Two nights accommodations (double occupancy; includes breakfast)

Saturday and Sunday guided fly fishing for 2 anglers

Friday and Saturday night dinner packages (excludes alcohol)

All flies, tippet, leaders and streamside lunch for the weekend.

Signed copy of ‘Common Sense Fly Fishing-7 Simple Lessons to Catch More Trout’ ~Author Eric Stroup

Fly Tying Demo by Eric Stroup & Charlie Meck Friday evening

Saturday evening presentation; Celebrity Speaker TBA

Package Price: $1150

Contact Tracey Stroup to reserve your spot or to purchase a gift certificate for this great event!

eric@ericstroupflyfishing.com

814-632-6129

Spawning Sucker “Hatch”

sprucecreekflyco — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 19:14:41 +0000

Some fly anglers look down at fishing egg patterns. I look at it this way, if it is unfair to a trout to present it an egg pattern while eggs are present in our rivers then it is unfair to present a sulphur imitation during the sulphur hatch. I had the pleasure of experiencing some great sucker spawn fishing on Spring Creek and Penns Creek this weekend. I do realize that spawning sucker activity is not a real “hatch” but the ferocity at which the trout feed with on the sucker eggs rivals feeding activity during the primary hatches.

While fishing through the water on Penns Creek I stumbled upon a pod of suckers actively spawning in a shallow glide at the tail-out of a very productive run. In streams like Spring Creek you can often see the Brown Trout sitting behind the suckers looking for an easy meal, which presents an exciting sight fishing opportunity. I could not see the Browns in the run because the water was still slightly stained but I knew there had to be a few trout actively eating eggs. I changed my flies to an orange and a white sucker spawn. I chose an orange sucker spawn because most fish eggs are orange, and I chose a white sucker spawn because I have confidence in it as a fish producer. Anglers often argue about egg pattern colors but the bottom line is they all work. It is all about confidence in the flies and yourself. I then began to long line nymph the glide. On about the third cast I felt my line go tight, on the other end was a nicely colored mid-high teen Brown Trout. I continued to fish through the spawning suckers picking up a trout every few casts. The flow on Penns Creek was right around 800 cfs with a water temperature of 42 degrees, the best part was there were no other anglers in sight other than my two friends I was fishing with. Spring Creek was running at 180 cfs with a water temperature of 43 degrees. The water was dropping quickly and clear before the rain we received this week. Although streams are above their averages flows for this time of year, they should come down to prime flows by the beginning of the weekend. Contact Tracey to book any last minute trips to have an opportunity to fish a different type of “hatch”.

Tight Lines,

Bill Steudler

Busy Days, Big Numbers

sprucecreekflyco — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 22:05:48 +0000

The hatch season is upon us! Blue Wing Olives have been spotted on Fishing Creek, Penns Creek, The Little Juniata River, and Spring Creek. An increase in bug activity has a direct correlation with an increase in angler activity. This means that our wild brown trout are once again seeing numerous poor casts, bad drifts, and terrible wading. This is a perfect recipe for a slow day on the water if you are fishing behind one or more anglers that executes any of these “non-fishy” qualities.

There is a way to combat the crowds and turn a busy day into a big number day on any of our local waterways. First, you have to account for the resource we have located in Central PA. In anyone of the streams you will fish with the Spruce Creek Fly Co Guides there is a possibility to be fishing over 1,400-3,700 fish per linear mile depending on the stream. With that stated, SLOW DOWN! Most anglers fish the water too quickly and do not cover every piece of water adequately. Cover the water until you think you have fished every possible spot a fish could hold and then take fifty more casts. Second, I would let the said “non-fishy” angler or anglers get some significant distance upstream from you. As they fish through the water they will spook most of the fish in the “sexy water”. By slowing down your pace and letting the upstream anglers set water speed records. The fish they are spooking will be settling back down and begin to feed actively again by the time you have an opportunity to present a well placed fly to them. The third and final recommendation would be to fish all of the water. Most anglers fish the water that looks the “best” to fish. What this really translates into is the easiest water they can find to fish. Have an arsenal at your disposal so that you can fish every piece of water and leave no feeding fish untouched. Have your leader set up to handle everything from an indicator rig to a dry dropper rig. By having an arsenal of tools you are only increasing your chances at success. Fish a rig that is dictated by the water type. For example, fish an indicator in deep heavy water and fish a dry dropper in shallow water. A 10′ Harvey Leader will handle all of these applications well. As the fish from the “sexy water” get stepped on again and again by clumsy anglers they will move to near by feeding lies that give them less of a chance of being disturbed. Could be deeper water or shallower water. Either way by fishing all of the water you are increasing your chances of finding fish that are not disturbed by other anglers.

So when you pull into Benner Springs on Spring Creek next time and see a full parking lot, do not let the thought of it being too “busy” cross your mind. Find a spot you can get in the water, take into account how many fish are actually in the stream, take your time, and fish all of the water! If you do this you can turn the busiest days on our public water into very successful outings.

Below is a link for George Harvey’s Slack Leaders formulas:

George Harvey Modified Slack Leader(Rise Form Studio)

Tight Lines,

Bill Steudler

Spring Creek Mid March

sprucecreekflyco — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 17:03:01 +0000

I Spent a few hours this morning fishing Spring Creek below Fisherman’s Paradise. Tight line nymphing provided the most consistent action with Blue Wing Olive nymphs and Walt’s Worms being the most productive flies. The current discharge on Spring Creek near the Axemann gauge was 244 cubic feet per second and quickly falling. The water temperature was 47 degrees at approximately 10:30 am while the air temperature was 63 degrees, with a high for today of 70 degrees. Spring is right around the corner in Central Pennsylvania and “bug” activity has picked up drastically since last weeks cold temperatures. There were consistent midges throughout the morning and toward the noon hour I noticed an increase in Blue Wing Olive activity. Unfortunately, today was not an ideal dry fly day and the Blue Wing Olives were coming off with very little opportunity for a top feeder to get a sufficient chance at a meal. With rain in the forecast for next week some potentially very good early season dry fly action maybe found on Spring Creek. The Little Juniata, Fishing Creek and Penns Creek are falling fast and good fishing should be found on them by early next week as well. Here’s a shot of the best fish of the mornings trip. Hatch season is coming upon us fast so don’t delay booking your trips for the Spring and Summer seasons.

Tight Lines,

Bill Steudler

Spring 2011 Upcoming Events and announcements

sprucecreekflyco — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:30:23 +0000

WOW! Obviously we have not been diligent on our blog updates but we are back on track now. Below you will find dates and information on a few of our annual events. If you are thinking about a guided day on the waters of central PA, please contact our office SOON! The season is set to begin and there are a few prime spots left for our great hatches.

Congratulations to our Lead Guide, Lance Wilt on his appointment to HEAD COACH for the US Youth FLy Fishing Team. It is going to be an exciting year for the team. Don’t worry Lance will still be guiding the majority of our fly fishing trips along with Eric (of course), Rob Reeder, Roger Beckner, Chris Bracken-Piper and Bill Steudler. Our staff of guides are highly skilled and will assure a great day on the water.

We are also in the process of making our website more user-friendly. Check back often for some great new updates and features!

Couple’s Fly Fishing and Wellness Weekend!

April 29th, 30th and May 1st

Enjoy a weekend away with your significant other! Two days of guided fly fishing, two nights accommodations at the beautiful Inn @ Edgewater Acres, all meals, complementary massage, all flies, tippet, leaders and celebrity guests! Fly Fishing AND NON-FLY FISHING packages available. Bring your non-fly fishing better half for a wonderful weekend yoga, nutritional consulting, personal training and healthy eating. Something for everyone! We are limiting our great event to 12 couples so please reserve your spot now!

Celebrity Guests: JOE HUMPHREYS & CHIP DROZENSKI

All inclusive package: $1195

Women’s Fly Fishing and Wellness Weekend!

April 29th, 30th & May 1st

This is a great girls getaway! Like minded women come together to experience the wonderful sport of fly fishing. Two days of guided fly fishing, two night accommodations at the historic Inn @ Edgewater Acres, all meals, all flies, tippet and leaders plus complementary massage. A great weekend for WOMEN ONLY. All experience levels welcome! We are limiting our Women’s Weekend to 12 ladies so please reserve your spot early.

Celebrity Guests: JOE HUMPHREYS AND CHIP DROZENSKI

All inclusive package: $695

BRING A FRIEND AND RECEIVE $100 off the total package price.

Guided Fly Fishing packages are always available for individuals or groups!

Season Special!

Two days of guided fly fishing and the third day is HALF PRICE!

Packages include all flies, tippet, leader and stream side lunch for the group!

Contact Tracey to schedule for any of our great events. 814-632-6129

Fantastic Womens Weekend Event

sprucecreekflyco — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 11:58:47 +0000

Just wanted to tell everyone involved with last weekends event at The Inn at Edgewater Acres, Thank You for making it so special. This was the first of many events we will be hosting at the Inn and Deb and her staff were incredible as ussual! I also want to thank all of our guides who showed up to participate and help out.

Dress For Success

Fall 2010 Upcoming Events! Gary Borger

sprucecreekflyco — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 20:44:51 +0000

Thank you for joining us on our blog. Eric has hit the road and is guiding out of our host ranch, Upper Canyon Outfitters in southwest Montana. Our lead guide, Lance Wilt is also there assisting with the guiding.

The season is still rolling on in central PA. Hot days, warm nights and little rain has kept our streams warm, low and unfishable. Recent recent rainfall has helped a bit but we need more cool nights and a lot more rain. Our guides, Rob, Roger, Bill and Chris are still here guiding when possible. So if you’re in the area or want to book some days on the water please let me know and I can arrange a day or two for your group.

The fall season in central Pa can be especially good, as the weather is fairly consistent, water levels allow the angler to reach the fish, and there is plenty of bug activity that the trout are keyed into to prepare for the winter. Plus the scenery is beautiful and our recent alliance with the Inn at Edgewater Acres allows for bigger and better venues.

Below you will find a list of our upcoming events in September and October. Please feel free to call me at the office for more information or to register for one of our great events.

814-632-6129.

Thank you and I will look forward to your calls~

Tracey (see events below)

Couple’s Fly Fishing & Wellness Weekend w/Joe Humphreys

September 10th, 11th & 12th, 2010

Hosted by Spruce Creek Fly Co

A great weekend planned. Two full days of guided fly fishing. All meals (healthy and organic) plus accommodations. PLUS, TWO GREAT CELEBRITY PRESENTERS! JOE HUMPHREYS & CHIP DROZENSKI

NOW OFFERING the NON-FLY FISHING option for the NON-FLY FISHING spouse or partner.

Tracey Stroup will be offering a FULL health and wellness plan for the non-fishing better half. YOGA, CYCLING (with SEE JANE RIDE cycling group), personal training, nutritional analysis, body composition measurement, individualized programs and MASSAGE.

All inclusive package! $1295 (double occupancy) ***REGISTER BEFORE AUGUST 1st and get $200 OFF the total package price.
Two great presentations:

Friday Evening Casting Demo with Joe Humphreys (4pm)

Friday Night Dinner Presentation:

Joe Humphreys

Saturday night Guest Speaker: Chip Drozenski from ANDES DRIFTERS will be presenting on fishing Patagonia and about their ‘blended’ weekends for the non-fishing partner.

Gourmet Dinner & Fly Fishing Weekend

September 17th, 18th, & 19th

Hosted by Spruce Creek Fly Co

Two great evenings of fine dining and a Saturday evening GOURMET DINNER prepared by Chef Christopher Snee and Chef Tracy Edwards.

Book the entire weekend or just the day with GARY!

FLY TYING WITH CHARLIE MECK & Eric Stroup. Friday night presentation by Eric Stroup; Common-Sense Fly Fishing; 7 Simple lessons to Catch more Trout.

All DAY SATURDAY WITH GARY BORGER! $250 (includes all meals and gourmet dinner/presentation)

Casting Demo and presentation with Gary Borger

Knot Tying with Gary Borger

Fly Fishing with Gary Borger and Spruce Creek Fly Co guides!

Saturday evening Gourmet Dinner and presentation: GARY BORGER Presentation The many arts and sciences of fly fishing integrated into one cohesive strategy for consistent angling success; the tricks for finding and taking big trout.

Filming, video presentation and lecture by Mike McAuliffe from RISEFORM STUDIO Sunday morning.

Guided fly fishing ALL DAY SUNDAY!

WEEKEND PACKAGE PRICE: $795 (includes lodging, all meals, all events)

Celebrity appearances by:

Charlie Meck

Eric Stroup

Mike McAuliffe with Rise Form Studio

And our feature celebrity: Gary Borger

Call the office to register for the weekend or Gourmet Dinner Package. Seating IS limited for this event.

814-632-6129

Women’s Intro to Fly Fishing Weekend

October 15th, 16th & 17th

Hosted by Spruce Creek Fly Co

The Spruce Creek Fly Co would like to take the opportunity to introduce women of all ages to this wonderful and healthy sport. Our lead FEMALE guide, Chris Bracken-Piper has an informative, instructional and FUN weekend planned for our attendees. Casting Demos and lessons; Dress for Success Presentation coupled with

Bill Dawson from WDawsons Inc, Outdoor Specialists with WOMEN’S gear, gear, gear!

Learn how to fly fish, tie knots, cast properly and HOW TO DRESS (GEAR & APPAREL SELECTION) for a successful day on the stream.
For you ladies who already know how to fly fish…check out the TRUNK SHOW ON SATURDAY with Bill Dawson.

Those interested MUST register for the classes FREE of charge since space is limited.

All of our great events will be held at the Inn at Edgewater Acres. Lodging is available at the Inn . Call our office to reserve your space 814-632-6129

What an incredible FALL SELECTION!

Happy Fishing!

TRACEY

Hatch Season Updates…

sprucecreekflyco — Tue, 18 May 2010 21:31:46 +0000

Bringing everyone up to date as we are right in the heart of our busiest time of year…I’d apologize for the lack of stream reports but I always do that…and that gets kind of old:-)

Water conditions are great…right where they should be for this time of year. All of the hatches are coming early this year…sulphurs have been on for several weeks and the fish are eating them. Top water activity has been hit or miss but the fish aren’t shying away from a well presented nymph. Sulphur nymphs in sizes 14-16, cranefly larvae, caddis pupa and large stonefly imitations having been taking the majority of the fish. Play around with your sulphur imitations as the fish can be picky at times…Sulphurs will range in size from 14s-20s…Keep it fresh and throw a soft hackle in conjunction with a nymph or two on your line this time of year.

FYI…Sulphur School a.k.a. Hatch Fishing School May 24, 25, 26 with the Spruce Creek Fly Co. with Eric and yours truly. Tommy Baltz, Greg Hoover and Charlie Meck will all be featured guests. Price for the 3 days of instruction, guided fishing, tying, casting and QUALITY company is $995. If you are looking to learn more about fishing during the hatch season, look no further…it’s a steal.

Drakes are right around the corner. Here is a good nymph imitation that has served me well.

GOOD FISHING!

Lance Wilt

fish.central.pa@gmail.com

Opening Day Come and Gone

sprucecreekflyco — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 15:06:13 +0000

Well, the Opening Day of the 2010 trout season in Pennsylvania has come and gone, and the Spruce Creek Fly Co. had some fine angling and some fine anglers. Not only were the anglers who we hosted good fishermen, they were even better people. I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the water with all of my clients during the Opening Day weekend. I hope to see you again soon!

We saw the end of the Grannom hatch, lots of tan caddis, and some BWOs. While we did see some rising fish, in my opinion not enough trout were rising consistently to quit nymphing. The majority of the trout taken were on these sub surface patterns:

Cranefly larva
Walt’s Worms
Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear (mine are all of the gold bead head flashback variety)
Caddis larva

As you might expect from the list above, we did have some success with these surface patterns:

Grannom caddis
Elk Hair caddis
LaFontaine sparkle pupa emerger

And the reward for our effort was lots of beautiful Central Pennsylvania brown trout like the one John Daily caught and released below.

Tight lines,
Rob Reeder

PS. Days are filling up fast. Contact Tracey Stroup at (814) 632-6129 to book your guided day on the water.

Fishing Report…

sprucecreekflyco — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:58:31 +0000

As promised, I am trying to keep the blog up-to-date with the stream conditions. It feels more like June than early April at the moment and bug activity continues to keep picking up. I have been on Big Fishing Creek and Penns as of late. Lots of BWOs and stones in the air. A few fish responding on top but nothing to write home about. Nymphing has been solid with small olive nymphs, large cranefly larva and caddis (grannom) imitations taking the majority of the fish. Fish are starting to eat the bugs nymphed “actively” which makes me think they are starting to look up. All of the streams are in good shape right now. The weatherman is calling for some rain this week…should be good fishing conditions. Be sure to bring a rain coat.

Lance

We have a few spots for our Sulphur School at the end of May. Those of you looking to do something different and in the process gain a better understanding of this hatch should contact Tracey at 814.632.6129 ASAP.