Hot topic in the local fly shops is “mousing.” Some of our guests are reporting some good action once it gets dark. There are lots of videos on the web about it, and the West Branch even has one. Too creepy for me; I’d rather be sitting at the Pheasant Tail Tavern enjoying a good meal and talking about what I caught earlier in the day.

Releases being made at the reservoir are helping to cool the water down below, but wading isn’t as easy up here on the West Branch as it has been. Fish need the colder temps, though, so hopefully the cooler nights will kick in and help with the water temperatures.

What our guests are seeing:

Things are starting to change. Sulphurs are starting to hatch about noon with the hatch ending about 2:30. Hatches start again after 5:00 p.m. Sizes are 18 and 20; colors are very pale yellow, orangey yellow, and yellow, all having wings that appear strong cream (not white) when floating. Have emergers and spinners in your box.

BWO-Sizes 18-20-dark wings

BWO-Sizes 22-26-medium grey wings. Try these when you can’t see what the fish are rising to.

Also have a few of these in your box:

ISO-Size 12

Tan Caddis-Size 14-16

Beetles-Size 14-16

Big Black Ants-Size 16-18