If I had to make a list of my 10 favorite streams the Yellow Breeches and Clark’s Creek in Central Pennsylvania would be two of my choices. The Yellow Breeches is a “beginner friendly” steam but appeals to the seasoned angler as well. Clark’s Creek is more of a challenge, but provides some great dry fly fishing opportunities and a fine Hendrickson hatch.  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 21 to the 23rd; Monday through Wednesday. We will be meeting at the Yellow Breeches Outfitters fly shop at 9:00AM 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), work out in the gym or just clean up and relax before joining us at the Market Cross Pub in Carlisle. 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 or opt for the free continental breakfast provided by hotel, which offers hot and cold cereals, muffins and bagels. 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 regroup for dinner at the Boiling Springs Tavern, located right across from the fly shop. I need to make reservations for this dinner so please let me know you’re attending when you sign up. The cost of the rooms for 2 nights is $80.00 per person for double occupancy. Your 3 day non-resident PA license will cost $20.50, and you can pick it up at the Yellow Breeches Outfitters fly shop on Monday, an excellent source of information. Bring your shopping list as their selection of equipment and fly tying material is outstanding.

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, beadhead Pheasant tails #16, and Jeff’s Black Angus #14.  Be sure to bring Hendricksons as well, and Blue Wing Olives. Whatever you forget to tie can be purchased at the Yellow Breeches Outfitters.

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 1st.