A Peice Of History.

The Longnose Sucker!

In Ichthyology at Frostburg State University, I first learned about the interesting range of the Longnose Sucker. I was immediately enamored by the idea of a few isolated populations leftover from the ice age; that were located right close by! While I am not a so-called, 'lifelister,' I do enjoy encountering new species and always wanted to go fish for one. Unfortunately, I moved out of Frostburg in May and was kicking myself the whole ride back to Jersey for not trying to catch one. 

Check out that little speck of green in Western Maryland, WV, and PA!! I was surrounded in Frostburg!

Fast forward a month, I am guiding in Alaska and what do I see creeping along the bottom of the river, Catostomus catostomus. I knew the moment I saw it, that the longnose was the only sucker within range. It was a little piece of Frostburg that had followed me all the way to Alaska, I had to get one. We, pretty much, only fished for Salmon and I knew I would have very little opportunity, if any, to try and catch one, but it couldn't be a coincidence! 

While in my personal time I almost always fly fish, I was a guide and had to fish a variety of ways. This particular week, the Salmon were almost exclusively hitting eggs, this was my chance. I had spinning tackle, I had Coho salmon eggs, and I had a fish I needed to catch... the Longnose Sucker, Catostomus catostomus. 

I am not going to lie, I was pretty excited to see my first Longnose Sucker. I may have been more excited to catch this fish than any other in Alaska. I think that they are beautiful and cool and can not wait until I catch another one. 

Walleye Suprise.

I was very surprised when I caught my first walleye in a trout stream but now it's no surprise. Walleye have established populations, via state stockings, in many of the larger Western Mayland Reservoirs. These Reservoirs are the source for the big tailwaters of the state and must be pumping a few walleye through the dam- Enough of them to be catchable! I would imagine that this is the case for most tailwater rivers with an established population of walleye in the feeder reservoir AND without hydro-electric power. My experience is that many fewer fish make it threw dams with hydro-power.  So, If the trout fishing slows down, put on a heavy streamer and prob the depths of the deepest pools and you may be in for a treat!

Closed.

Closed, but I will still be out there fishing for awhile! 

A Bow, a Brook, and a Brown.

Just a couple of photos. Fishing is good, go fishing.

Still on Stones!

Fish are still on Stoneflies. However, don't be afraid to go deep. When you see surface action fish drys! If not, drift a nymph! The fish are HUNGRY!!!

Not Quite Ready For Spring.

While I am not quite ready for spring, it seems like the fish are! It feels like they are moving a bit more and are certainly more aggressive!

I have seen some prolific Stonefly activity recently, snow or no snow, it is time to get out there! The fish are waiting!

Sneaking a Few...

What can I say? Western Maryland does not disappoint. A few hours out before the snow paid off!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Stay Warm!

If you can stay warm and put flies in their faces the fish are there! 

In the COLD!

Fishing continues to be consistent, you just have to pick your days! If its no good come see me on the mountain! 

Rain in Snow.

I have been sneaking in a few casts here and there. Streamers on a dead drift have been producing some really decent fish. 

Western Maryland is Still HOT!

The fishing continues!!! In the winter you have to pick your days but the fish are there!  

Still Out there.

Fishing is good if you can find a good flow, if not, throw streamers! 

If its low, GO!

It is all about finding water low enough to fish. The fishing is good in the right conditions! 

Here is a shot of Morgan with a great Savage Brown. She has been kicking butt on the river!

Find a Lower Flow and Find Fish!

The fish are ready and willing, it is all about finding the right flow to fish them. Watch the gauges and fish when the opportunity presents itself!

A Day in the Cold Produced A Lot of Fish!

Fishing is good, but be very careful of spawning fish. I have not gotten out a ton and have been trying to fish where there are stockers! However, there are been plenty of Browns around!!