If I had to make a list of my 10 favorite streams the Yellow Breeches would be up there in the top three. It’s what I like to refer to as a "beginner friendly " stream, but it appeals to the seasoned angler as well. We try to fish it whenever possible, and usually manage 2 or 3 trips a year.

I prefer to be there in spring, when the fish are fresh and less pressured. Weekdays are even better, therefore we will be running a club trip down to the Breeches on April 23^rd & 24^th; fishing Monday and Tuesday. We will be meeting at the Yellow Breeches Outfitters fly shop at 9:00 am on Monday to pick up PA licenses and get the latest fishing information, then head out to fish various locations on the Breeches or other nearby destinations, such as the Letort, Clark’s Creek or Big Spring.

When you’ve had your fill of fishing you can check in to your room at the Sleep Inn in Carlisle. You can take a swim in the heated pool (in case you didn’t get to take a dip in the river) or just clean up and relax before joining us at the Boiling Springs Tavern, across from the fly shop. There we will wine, dine and tell fish stories. The next morning you can step next door to the Cracker Barrel restaurant adjacent to the Sleep Inn. Our favorite guide, Tom Baltz, taught us to wait till the river warms up and we’ve learned to follow his advice, having a leisurely breakfast before donning our waders.

We’ll fish through the day and later on in the afternoon we’ll regroup at the Market Cross Pub, (preferably peeling off the waders before entering) and have a late lunch/ early supper before heading back home. Those who want to stay another night will have to book the rooms in advance, so let me know at the time you sign up. The cost for the room is $32.00 per person for double occupancy. Your 3 day non-resident license will cost $20.50, and you can pick it up at the Yellow Breeches outfitters on Monday.

There are some very nice dry fly stretches suitable for a 3 weight outfit, but bring your 5 weight for nymphing, as the water can be high at this time of year and you may need some heavy flies or sink tip to get down into the deeper pools. In the past springs I have had a lot of success with green Caddis pupa #14, Copper beadhead Pheasant tails #16, and Jeff’s Black Angus #14.

Be sure to bring warm under clothes and raingear. April is still chilly and you can’t enjoy being on the stream if you’re damp and cold. In high waters a staff will be a welcome accessory and may save you a dunking. To reserve your spot call Lee Weil at 516-997-6743. Deadline for signup is April 15^th.

Lee Weil