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Well folks, better late than never.  A flood level rain event has finally fallen on the drought stricken Erie tributaries.  Fresh runs have occurred and many of the older fish have been redistributed, or have dropped out altogether.  Fishing has hit the reset button, just in time for cooler temperatures and winter weather.  This is what we have all waited for during what will be remembered as the warmest and driest fall to date.

Early Fall on the Great Lakes tributaries has once again brought unseasonably warm temperatures and a complete absence of rain.  Around Erie, low and clear conditions are everywhere, and the fish seem to be nowhere.  Fishing has so far been limited to overcrowded creek mouths; and to the off and on, shot in the dark world of shore angling.  Better options abound to the traveling angler, and now is the time to go explore before the fishing in our own backyard becomes too good to leave.  Not everywhere within a half a day's drive is worth the trip, but here's a rundown on a few options.

The opportunity to hop in a drift boat or a raft is something that every fly fisher should take advantage of any time it presents itself.  Pennsylvania has wonderful venues for said craft, yet one rarely sees watercraft of this variety.  The Clarion River, near Ridgway is an outstanding trout fishery that is best accessed by raft.  The Little Juniata River, near State College, offers fantastic hatches and perfect flows for a drift boat or raft under normal water conditions.

How many places can boast having an incredible medium sized tailwater, a world class larger freestone, and big, brawling mix of both; all within thirty minutes of each other?   The Roaring Fork Valley, which spans from Aspen downstream to Glenwood Springs, represents a trout fisherman’s paradise, float or wade.  Small creeks to the massive Colorado River, technical Frying Pan River trout, plus year round fishing at its finest!