Centre County in late May

[dudemanspecial]

I think you are thinking of yellow house access.

Isn't that essentially the stretch he is talking about?

 

[HopBack]

Isn't that essentially the stretch he is talking about?

I guess so, but if it’s yellow house than it is because the son has decided to sell that property.

 

[CRB]

I would not even try as you may have to find a new job and place to live after you fish this spring.
🙂

 

[nymphingmaniac]

What happened? Same story as before?

Owners son is selling the property. She died a year ago. LJRA and PFBC is working on him to sign an easement and another strategyis in the works. Stay tuned.

 

[MA_fish]

Do research ahead of time on stream access points, likely hatches, and wadeable flow rates. Check with a fly shop like Spruce Creek Outfitters for stream conditions. Even stop in for advice and pick up a few recommended flies.

There is a good YT video presentation hosted by Dave Kile with Bill Anderson on the Little J.

You might know Dave Kile. Posts on the forum from time to time. 🙂

Thanks for posting the link to this presentation about the Little Juniata - that was great!

 

[MA_fish]

I would not even try as you may have to find a new job and place to live after you fish this spring.
🙂

Luckily, I’m retiring this summer, so if the fishing is really that good… 🙂

 

[MA_fish]

Agree with all. In my experience it is good to keep tabs on the streams from Fishing Ck to the Little J because you never know what the weather will be like. I have frequently made the 3 hour trip out there and had local thunderstorms wash out one of the streams I targeted but others were fishing fine. With the funny weather patterns of late never know if late May will be a flood or a drought in what once was the most stable time of year.

Penn's is a must, but lot's of different areas to target. Spring is smaller and more crowded, but has tons of smaller fish. Fishing Ck in the Narrows is a unique higher gradient limestoner (check rules that private owners have in the area). Little J a little further west but worth a trip. If you fish them all you will cover lots of ground. These places can be crowded, but I have found one can get more solitude by going to spots requiring a little walking, same as everywhere.

You can fish these spots without a guide, but this area is a noted fly fishing area with some experienced guides. They can teach you a lot about the area and local customs as well as getting you into fish. A little local color doesn't hurt. Jonas at Feathered Hook is a character and very helpful. Flyfishers Paradise in State College is another good shop.

Plenty of access also means plenty of choices. A stop to a fly shop or hiring a guide can narrow down spots to try. Lesser known streams can also take you to a little brook trout stream for something completely different than the bigger limestone streams.

The green drakes are Central PA's iconic hatch, but the action is mostly after dark when the spinners (coffin flies) drop. Often during the hatch the trout may be taking the sulphurs that they have been accustomed to feeding on. Though they may be a little later in the season (normally just follow drakes), sometimes the morning cornuta hatch can be great when most guys who stayed up late for spinner falls are sleeping in.

Good luck - you are heading there at a great time.

Thanks for this very detailed and helpful response!