I was never exposed to fly fishing growing up. Sure, I tried it several times, but the purist ideology never stuck. It can be extremely frustrating, and I have zero confidence. I quit fifteen times and went back to my spinning rods. But COVID changed everything. I started with YouTube and made a few calls. I simply wanted to accomplish one task that I had never done. I used this opportunity to finally learn at home. I took half of Trump’s money and purchased a brand-new setup. I was determined to finally catch a damn fish on a fly rod.

We are now three years into the pandemic, and I am starting to figure it out. My friends have been great with this new challenge. They continue to be very supportive. Many of the purists have congratulated me on my successes. I am now a plain front bug chucking enthusiast that has fly fishing decals and stickers. I even know the lingo.

I have been on the water quite a bit. OK. Just about every day since I retired. The fishing has been spectacular. Most of the time, you can find me in the backyard on Lycoming Creek. I will continue to throw bugs at trout for a few more weeks. Then I will make the switch to smallmouth bass. We could definitely use some rain, but the water is grand. It depends on the time of day, but I am finding some hungry fish. The Blue Winged Olives are hot in the morning. The Slate Drakes and a few Sulphurs are coming off in the evenings. Catching a trout on a dry fly is the ultimate feeling. Finding the right bug is easier said than done, kids. That is why this method of fishing is so rewarding.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has made some great improvements locally. They recently doubled the area of the Delayed Harvest stretch near Powy’s. The new boundary extends all the way to Daugherty’s Run. This includes all of the water off of McIntyre Way. I have fished this section of Lycoming Creek my entire adult life. Oh, the memories. It has always been a great stretch of water, but now it is even better. Special thanks to homeowners who live in that area. Please continue to respect the no trespassing signs and wave to those who open their yards. I owe some of those fine people some cutting boards.

There are few restrictions with any Delayed Harvest project. Anglers need to understand the rules and regulations before heading out. These types of waters are open to fishing year-round but must be done with artificial lures only. The use of any natural bait, baitfish, fishbait, paste, and similar substances, fish eggs, or any other edible substance is STRICTLY prohibited. It is encouraged to practice catch and release, but you may keep three fish in the summer from June 15th to Labor Day. Fishermen are asked to stay in the water at all times.

The Delayed Harvest stretch on Lycoming is also listed as a Keystone Select Stocked Trout Water. This program provides anglers the opportunity to fish for larger trout. Some absolute giants are swimming up north. I have some pictures. The State stocks hundreds of beautiful hogs between 15 to 22 inches. I have landed three that were well over 20. The size and quality of fish around Powy’s this early season have been insane. I also applaud my friends from the Lycoming Creek Anglers. They continue to help.

Now it is time for me to learn more about fly fishing for other species. I have managed to get a few smallmouths into the net, but I am still considered a rookie. Maybe I can get a quick crash course from my young mentor. High Schoolers are busy. My man Gavin Reed was one of the guys who actually got me started. I constantly blame him for my new obsession. He is a great kid, and he is quite the fisherman. Gavin is tying his own flies, and I call him a phenom. I love reaching out for some advice. Hopefully, there is enough room for this picture. He and a few of his chums were fishing on Susquehanna. He landed this 50” muskie on a fly rod. Incredible. I fished that same stretch when I was his age. Bravo Gavin. Please give me a call. Or listen to your voicemail. Cheers.