Posted on July 30 2025
Yesterday either the surge sent down river to maintain the thermal refuge in the BR stifled the sulfur hatch, or the hatch, (which progresses upstream over time), has just moved past the Hale Eddy area. I fished bugless water. This afternoon I made the decision that it was better to stand in 50 degree water than to sit in the fishing camp listening to one window air conditioner trying to keep up with the job of cooling the fishing camp. Had a nice chat with Lloyd Hornbeck who is unquestionably the king of Cannonsville reservoir, then waded out into the river to cool off.
Too my surprise there were waxwings in the air, (always a good sign), sulfurs hatching, and for the first time all year I had some good fish up and feeding on them. Threw at them for over two hours, every cast at a rising fish, exactly three fish, (other than yearlings), came up to my fly. A decent rainbow refused the fly but got in the way of the hook, made one jump and was gone, took the scale off the hook and continued to cast. Two fish ate, a nice 16 inch 'bow and an 11 inch, (two year old), brown). Not another of the gulping fish even bothered to acknowledge that there was a fly on the end of my line. Sulfur Zone anglers, I feel your pain.
REAL TIME - Just went out on the back porch to see if the deer had eaten the apples under the tree, they had, looked up at the porch lights and there were somewhere near a billion tiny, tiny little bugs with lights on their wings making circles around the light. You can be self hypnotized watching them. I digress.
Returned to the fishing camp at 4:00 , rested my eyes for a bit and at 6:30 set out once again. Picked a spot in the lower WB that I haven't been to in a couple years and now I wonder why. With the sun off the water the fish began to rise, and despite the well worn path along the river, they weren't the least bit fussy about what they ate. Landed 8 fish in the two hours I was there, which gave me one of the very few winning days this year.
Both times today I was in the right place at the right time, the results, as different as day and night.
Always enjoy your reports and your books.
I fish the reservoir for smallies and Lloyd is an awesome guy. Have you ever thought of trying it with your fly rod ? Dave had you sign one of your books that I bought. I have to bring the other one this weekend. Thanks so much. Stay well.
How many miles on your vehicle with all the driving you do. ?
Richie
Oswego/Pulaski
Angler119’- Glad to hear you had a successful afternoon and evening. I momentarily broke my addiction to the red barn. Tried the Men’s Club around 12:00 sparse sulpur hatch, a few fish rising , none interested in my offerings . Back to the barn around 2:30. Most guys had left, never a good sign. A few “one time” risers. I’m ready for the bench. The highlight of the day was chatting with You and Dave afterwards. Take care Ed