When you spend as much time on the water as I do — you always catch a few. And while some days are certainly better than others — you occasionally have those fantastic once-in-a-lifetime experiences. These nights are extremely rare. I can count them on my fingers. Last evening was not one to remember.

I was fishing my usual spots on Lycoming. I parked my car and said hello to Brenda and Kevin. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN THEY ASKED? Work, golf, and chores, my friends. These two are fantastic. I will refrain from using their last names. I want to keep my whereabouts a secret. Let’s just say my pals have the nicest yard in Cogan Station. I know this area quite well. I have been fishing this stretch for 20 plus.

I am amazed at how it constantly produces. This run isn’t near a major stocking point. But the trout always gather in large numbers. Usually, a few weeks after the opener. I always encourage my mates to find the “good spots.” Fish are always on the move and will migrate to these pools.

Stocked fish will sometimes get a bad rap. But I have learned to appreciate them, which is what I will target. These trout spend their early years in a nursery. Many of them are from the Lycoming Creek Anglers. Once they get to a desired size they are released. Stocked trout will likely head downstream. Some will stay in the same location. They are in search of slower-moving water. Maybe to find some cover. Remember, swimming upstream or battling the current isn’t something they are used to. Where do they go? That is a great question. Several studies show that Rainbows will leave their initial post after three days. One radio-tagged bow swam an incredible 123 miles from their entry just 16 days of stocking. Incredible. Browns tend to stick around a tad longer. They will likely move after seven.

The changes in the diets of these critters are truly amazing. They are raised on pellets that are full of nutrients. Stocked fish quickly learn to adapt and begin finding natural food almost immediately. And after a few weeks in the stream, they do a total 180°. Early in the season, these trout pay little attention to what’s floating by. They will only take worms, bread, minnows, power bait, and salmon eggs that weekend warriors throw. But then, all of a sudden, a light bulb shines. These stocked fish will start to aggressively feed on bugs. Mostly nymphs. What triggers this response? Stupendous.

I made a few casts near Reeder’s Rapids. There wasn’t much activity. I was going back and forth with my setup. Tried bouncing a green Peeping Caddis. The water is finally at a great level. But with the recent cold. Not many bugs were hatching. I landed one fish in many drifts. I was somewhat disappointed. I had every intention of crushing them. I considered packing up, but then I noticed a few splashes. Lycoming Creek was now bubbling. Those weren’t raindrops. They were trout sipping. I couldn’t tell what these guys were eating. Something small. Fish started to rise almost immediately. Sip after sip. There must have been 50 trout actively feeding. Game on.

I had some of my favorite dry flies in my box. Light-colored Adams. Size 14 and size 16. Tan Brown. Size 16. Nothing. I was getting very frustrated. Several fish came up to take a look, but they all decided no. I could not entice one to strike. They somehow knew. What the heck? I was using the same stuff when I slayed them a few nights before. Elk Caddis. Size 16. Royal Wolfe. Size 16. Slate Drake. Size 16. Blue Wing Olive. Size 16. I tried just about everything. Negative ghost rider. The pattern is full. It was getting dark, and I tried to go smaller. I had some 18s and 20s. Good luck. I even had my cheater glasses. There was no possible way that I was finding the eyelet. I have an appointment with Price Optical on Monday. Dude? This was making me so mad. Here I am. Fish are in a frenzy, and I have no clue what I am doing. I quit. Stocked fish are smart. They won this round.

I reached out to several of my friends and asked for help. Even the pros will have these kinds of nights out. Who knows what they were feeding on? I made a few calls and pulled the trigger on Amazon. I will be back. Maybe later today if I get the lawn mowed. That is what keeps us in the game. But props to those trout who are starting to figure it out. Tight lines, boys and girls. Cheers.