Fishing has always been a passion, and I take full advantage of what North Central PA has to offer. I am on the water an awful lot and usually head out after supper. Now that the basketball season is over, that is where you can find me.

Some of my favorite spots are just a short drive from the homestead. We live in the 17728, and Lycoming Creek runs through it. I rarely stay in the same spot and sometimes cross the creek to gain better access. I am always on the move hence the term ‘extreme wading.’ Some like to jog or head to the gym, but I prefer to go fishing to keep trim. DUDE. YOU LOOK GREAT.

I am very loyal to Lycoming. It is where I do 90% of my fishing. There is no need to travel when you routinely catch fish in the backyard. I have successfully navigated the entire creek from its headwaters above Ralston to the Susquehanna. Bodines to Camp Susque. The old airport and Powys. Haleeka to the 973 green bridge. Hepburnville and the Heshbon. High Street to Memorial. I’ve fished them all. OK, some spots are better than others, and believe it or not, I even have some luck within the city limits. Yes. I get some rather strange looks.

Lycoming Creek is a very unique and healthy waterway. I lost count, but I have been very fortunate to catch all types of species: Rainbow, Brook, Brown, and even a Tiger. Most are stocked, but you would be surprised by the number of wild trout. I’ve even landed a Walleye and a small Muskie. Those encounters were totally unexpected, and I consider myself quite fortunate. Smallmouths don’t stand a chance either. If I am not extreme wading, I am in my kayak or canoe. It’s what I do. So, I guess you could say that I am an avid fisherman. I tell stories too.

I snuck out for a few casts on one particular evening. The weather was ideal, and the trees were budding. There was quite a crowd. Fancy trucks were everywhere. I am blaming Facebook. I headed downstream to fish one of my favorite ripples. I went with a few peeping caddis nymphs that my buddy gave me for Christmas. I landed a few healthy rainbows. Nothing to brag about, but it was so much fun. I continued moving south, and I noticed something in the water that made my jaw drop. A gorgeous Golden Rainbow that was sticking out like a sore thumb.

I quietly made my way into the water for a better position. I cast upstream and began my presentation. The mysterious critter then turned her massive head. I was so nervous. My indicator dropped, and I felt a major tug. BANG. I set the hook, and I prepared for battle. It was on. The large fish was now in the current, and she was taking some line. I didn’t want to lose her, so I began to follow. It reminded me of that scene from A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT. I frantically worked my drag and reeled in when I saw an opportunity. The fight continued for a good ten minutes. Two others who were fishing below came over to see what was going on. I was now battling this trout in front of a small group of NEW friends. She finally got tired, and I managed to get her in my net. SUCCESS. We were both exhausted.

DUDE. THAT IS AN ABSOLUTE HOG. CONGRATULATIONS. I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYONE CATCH ONE BEFORE. Hey. Thanks a lot, kid. Appreciate the love. Say? Do you have your phone? SURE. WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER? ARE YOU ON INSTAGRAM?

There seems to be some confusion on what these peculiar-looking fish are actually called. A GOLDEN RAINBOW (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is a color variation of a rainbow trout. It is a hybrid. GOLDEN TROUT (Oncorhynchus aguabonita) are a distinct species native to specific regions of California, Wyoming, and Montana. They look nothing like these orange and yellow beasts. Initially, folks called them PALOMINOS, but due to their more brilliant and distinct coloration, it is proper to refer to them as GOLDEN RAINBOW TROUT.

I have caught a few of these GOLDEN RAINBOWS in my day. Many of these giants were fooled with my fly rod. They are a popular target for young anglers. Jensen and his friends are very intrigued. Very few goldens make it past the summer. Ospreys and eagles can spot these things a mile away. Other predators take advantage too. They have been here in Pennsylvania for almost 50 years, and anglers aggressively search waters in hopes of catching one. Like I said before. They stick out like a sore thumb.

Now I have caught thousands of fish on Lycoming Creek — but every time I land a monster GOLDEN RAINBOW- it definitely makes me smile. Special thanks to my new friends Levi and Johnny. Appreciate the photo — tight lines. Cheers.