Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I fish Central/North-central Pennsylvania?

   This area of PA is home to some of the best trout waters in the eastern U.S. With such a variety of streams teeming with trout and many of these streams producing most of the great hatches, from BWOs, to Sulphurs and more, these waters are proverbial magnets which draw anglers from far and near to cast a fly here.

2. What makes a good guide?

   A good guide gathers sufficient information about the clients to be able to adequately address needs, limitations, and expectations. A good guide knows the water, the fish, and the flies. He/she knows the best approach to fishing the water and the best tactics essential to experience success.

   Since the guide’s responsibility is to provide the client with the best possible on-the-water experience under the conditions encountered, he/she must possess good communication and teaching skills. The information passed from guide to client not only helps the client experience success this day on this water but also on other streams on other days, as well.

3. How do I decide which weight line and rod suits my trout fishing?

   There is no one line weight/rod length combination best suited to all trout fishing situations we may encounter. Obviously, for large streams/rivers a 5 wt. or 6 wt. line matched to a minimum 9’ rod is a good choice. If windy conditions are frequently encountered go with the heavier line weight. For medium-sized streams a 4 wt. outfit should be adequate. For small- to medium-sized streams where trout are spooky in low water conditions a 1wt. to 3 wt. outfit may be best.

   My recommendation is to fish the lightest weight line you can cast comfortably and go with a 9’ rod unless the streams you fish don’t provide enough casting space.

4. What effect does water temperature have on my fishing?

   Trout are cold-water fish. Spring, fall, and winter water temperatures don’t pose a problem when we consider the impact of playing and landing a trout. Obviously, no angler should play a trout or keep it out of the water longer than absolutely necessary. However, in late spring and summer stream temperatures rise, and we need to be more careful.

   I posed this question to a well-respected fisheries biologist a few years back and I’ve taken his remarks to heart. He indicated that he felt you could not do permanent harm to a trout in 55 degree water temperature. However, as the water temperature rises above 65 degrees the potential for mortality resulting from playing and landing a trout becomes greater with each degree above that mark. Personally, I advocate playing a trout to hand or net as quickly as your tackle will permit. Also, I don’t prefer to fish for trout when water temperatures are above 68 or 69 degrees.

5. How do I locate a competent guide?

   You can locate a competent guide via the Internet, attending a fly-fishing show or by referral from someone who has knowledge about a particular guide.

   When you locate a potential guide you may want to have him/her provide references. Don’t hesitate to contact at least a couple of them to ascertain the level of satisfaction past clients have experienced. When you speak with a guide ask questions. In fact, write down your questions in advance.

   Remember, you are paying for your time with a guide and you owe it to yourself to ensure you get what you expect.

Contact us today for answers to any other questions you may have.