Back in the game!

Back at the local fishing after an extended week in Western NY fishing for Steelhead and Brown trout with our treasurer Mike and my two Boys. Tough fishing out there this year, not quite sure what to make of it. Possibly just a late run, warmer than normal weather, or incredibly high, actually record setting lake levels which I noticed is effecting Trib flows by backing them up from the norm. Still managed a few quality fish and had a great time with my two Boys, which is what it really is all about anyway.
Fished the Asbury stretch yesterday with nice flows around 180 cfs. Cloudy, damp day but the fish were chewing! Started at the Blue chair and worked my way to Beatty’s picking fish all the way through. A nice mix of Rainbows and Browns. Bead head nymphs with a soft hackle trailing seem to do the trick with changing up from a dead drift to a swing tactic, both produced. The dead drift bite was gentle, barely noticing the takes whereas the swing received aggressive hits.
Winter conditions are coming on quick. Looking back to last year we had quite a slug of water from the Lake Hopatcong drainage and wet weather, with flows often topping 500 cfs. I guess this year we’ll be seeing more moderate flows. I like slow, heavy drifts in the Winter due to my belief the fish are much more lethargic and slow moving. Hope to see some guys out on the run over the next few Months.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving guys!
John