Nymphing the Paulinskill
When I returned from Florida on Wednesday the trees were in full bloom and the temperature in the 60s. These weather changes tend to signal an improvement for Fly Fisherman luck on the river. No longer are the stocked Trout the quarry of worm dunkers.
On Saturday, Leah and I headed out to the river. After the normal stops and starts we made it to Dale’s Market and purchased delicious river lunch ingredients. Then we hopped in the FJ and headed over to my favorite spot. Surveying the situation on the ground, bright sun, low breeze, and small May Fly hatch with little surface feeding activity; I opted to first try my Wooly Bugger in the shady spots by the bridge. I quickly pulled out a little Smallmouth Bass and went for more.
The water is in its optimal CFS range now, 116 today, 150 last Monday, this makes it easy to spot actively feeding Trout. I say actively feeding as the former hatchery residents have now learned to eat wild food and avoid Power Bait. Nymph fishing was definitely the preferred method as they do not appear to be eating surface hatches yet.
Flies
- Black Woolly Bugger – sz12
- Brassie – sz18
- Flashback Hare’s Ear – sz10
- Crystal Prince – sz14
Species Caught
- Sunfish
- Smallmouth Bass
- Brown Trout
- Rainbow Trout
You must be logged in to post a comment.