Last Updated: 28 October 2018 28 October 2018

November 10, 2018 Big Spring October Caddis

Where:  Big Spring Creek, PA (below Newville, PA)

When:  November, 10, 2018,  9:00 am to 5:30 pm

I wanted to state this first, as with all of our outings, we encourage you to bring your friends and family members.  There will be plenty of seasoned fly anglers on hand to happily offer assistance to new members.

Our November outing is to Big Spring near Newville, PA in pursuit of October Caddis.  I just learned of this hatch on Big Spring from Bob Dietz and the best time to fish is when the leaves start falling.  They are starting to fall in my back yard. 

Fly Fishing Guide to Big Spring

Like most spring creeks, Big Spring is not an easy stream to fish. It has lots of large trout but the water is
crystal clear and catching trout takes some special techniques that must be executed correctly. You must stay hidden from the trout; you must use very light leaders and tippet and you must make good presentations.

This is one of the finest limestone streams in the United States. Its upper section is full of beautiful, large brook trout. Unlike the brook trout you find in small mountain streams, these grow large and become very selective in what they eat. You want catch these on an attractor fly by the dozens. You probably want catch one that way. This stream challenges anyone. When you can catch trout from its waters, you are able to catch trout anywhere. Unless the trout are hidden under the grass, you can see them. The problem with that is that they can also see you.
Read More Here!

As indicated we are going during the October Caddis hatch.  This hatch on the Big Spring is new to me and was brought to my attention by Bob Dietz.  His suggestion is to fish the hatch when the leaves start changing color and starting to fall.  October caddis, also known as great autum brown sedge, is a large caddis about size #8-10 (on Savage saw few size #12 at night in tent).  They are active at night so I imagine we may want to be on Big Spring early morning to early evening (9:00am-5:30pm).  I am sure there are many dry patterns and soft hackle patterns on the web.  Maybe throw in a pupa pattern.

https://news.orvis.com/fly-fishing/video-how-to-tie-matts-october-caddis-from-tightline-productions

https://howtoflyfish.orvis.com/fly-tying-videos/dry-flies/785-october-caddis-soft-hackle

Other flies include scuds, cress bugs (sow bugs), wooly buggers, midges, egg patterns and anything else in your official PPTU fly box that can be purchased at a chapter meeting.

This is a Catch and Release fishing area.  PA trout fishing license required.  Please make sure you are up to date on your Pennsylvania fishing license and know the regulations for this stream. Get your PA license ahead of time by visiting this link.

The two areas I’m familiar with are the “Ditch” area, which is at the head of the creek, and the “Second” or “Next” parking area 1/2 mile downstream.  I will most likely start at the Ditch area starting at 9:00 am (or sooner) and move down to the Next parking lot.  I am not familiar with the creek area closer to Newville, but someone can try.  Be aware of special areas and are marked as “Closed to Fishing until April”.  Stop fishing around 5:20 pm.

Directions: There are many ways to get there.  Two directions are stated.  Also if required, one can take the way closer to Boiling Springs in order to buy extra flies at the TCO fly shop. 

1. Take I-70 W to I-81 N at Hagerstown, Md.  Near Newville, PA, take exit 37 onto Rt 233 turning left or N toward Newville.  Follow Rt 233 onto Rt 11 (Ritner Hwy.) turning left.  About 1 mile, turn right onto Big Spring Rd (it is a small road and sign).  Within 4 miles, come to bridge over creek near Springfield Rd, and will see to right the Ditch parking area.  Using GPS, you can find the parking area by typing in 800 Big Spring Rd, Newville, PA.  Just upstream is a building which is the start of the creek.  Within a mile downstream is the Next large parking lot (near T351 rd).  110 mi, 1h 45min. Using GPS, you can find the parking area by typing in 800 Big Spring Rd, Newville, PA.
2. (I prefer this way) Take 15 N at Frederick, Md, and take exit for Rt 94 N, near York Springs, PA.  Follow Rt 94 onto Rt 34 near Mount Holly, PA.  At Rt 174 turn left.  Follow Rt 174.  At Rt 465 be aware there is a quick right and left turn, follow signs.  Follow Rt 174 and turn right onto Rt 233 N towards Newville and toward I-81.  Follow Rt 223 to Rt 11 turning left.  Follow to Spring Creek Rd, turning right and follow directions above.  Using GPS, you can find the Ditch parking area by typing in 800 Big Spring Rd, Newville, PA.

Lunch of warm, cooked hotdogs and brats will be served around 1:00 pm at the large Second/Next parking lot.  Of course if someone brings extra food, chips, cake, etc, that would be nice.  

Hope to see you there.  Any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Lou.

Please complete the Outing Registration form below if you plan on attending so Lou can get an idea of number of people and to make sure there are enough hot dogs and rolls.

Big Spring Outing Registration

As a participant in the listed outing conducted by the Potomac-Patuxent Chapter of Trout Unlimited (PPTU) I do hereby irrevocably and unconditionally release, quitclaim, hold harmless, and forever discharge PPTU, its officers, directors, members, and agents from any and all debts, actions, causes of actions, claims demands, damages, costs, loss of services, loss of use, loss of possession, expenses, compensation, assessment, or any other adverse claim or liability arising from, or in any way occurring or resulting in connection with, the above specified PPTU outing, and agree that this release shall include, but not be limited to, any and all costs, interest, assessments or other charges, past, present or future, in regard to this matter. I freely accept and agree to this release with the full understanding and acknowledgement that my participation in this outdoor outing may expose me to risks associated with nature, natural terrain and environments, and wildlife.

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Thanks,

Lou Reichel
outings@pptu.org
443-745-0313

Last Updated: 03 September 2018 03 September 2018

PPTU-CWA Steelhead Outing, Erie, PA November 9-11, 2018

Guided steelhead fishing in Erie PA tributaries. Fishing will be on public and/or private water. Arrive Friday evening at lodge and fish all day Saturday and Sunday until 3:30pm. Leave Sunday or stay overnight for an additional cost. Lodging is at Liars Den in East Springfield, PA. Lodging provides shared rooms for up to 4 people each. We need 6 people for this trip. Can accomodate 8.

Guide service provided by Steelhead Alley Outfitters. They have been leading local TU chapters on successful steelhead trips for several years.

Trip includes the following:

• Lodging in shared accommodations
• Snacks for breakfast and guide-provided lunch. Guiding for two days, two people per guide
• Dinner on Saturday may be barbecue at the lodge or comparable dinner at restaurant

Skill level: You should have fly fishing experience and be able to wade.

Cost: $575, non-refundable. Deposit $75 to hold your place is due immediately with full payment due Oct 1, 2018. We will return your payment, if we fill your spot. In case of weather problems, trip will be rescheduled after consulting with SAO guides.

Not included:

• Tip for guides
• Fishing license
• Dinner Friday
• Some loaner rods may be available

For more information or sign up: Contact Rachel Dagovitz, racheldagovitz@hotmail.com