Pennsylvania’s Great Outdoors region is blessed with many cool and clear running waterways that are teeming with trout and smallmouth bass. We talked the two of the region’s best known fly-fishing guides for tips on both species.
Todd Deluccia from Keystone Predator Outfitters has been seen in his drift boat guiding Rob Heal from the TV series The New Fly Fisher and on several episodes of TomBob Outdoors. He specializes in smallmouth bass, musky, and pike.
Don Cameroni operates Brown Trout Addiction. His passion is for the trophy brown trout that haunt the deep pools of the Wild & Scenic Clarion River. You can’t miss the incredibly cool brown trout themed paint scheme on his drift boat.
What fly fishing tackle do you recommend for our waterways?
Todd: “A 9-foot rod from 6 to 8 weight with a floating line for poppers and intermediate line for streamers. You will need waders in spring, winter, and late fall. You can wet wade during summer and early autumn.”
Don: “For streamers 9 to 10 foot and 6 or 7 weight rods and a line with a #2 or #3 sinking tip. For nymphing 9 to 11 foot and 3 to 5 weight rods and a small diameter nymphing line.”
What types of flies should anglers bring with them?
Todd: “Poppers and foam bugs for top water. Depending on the time of the year, smallmouth will work dry flies. If you can match the hatch, you can have a lot of fun. Crayfish, hellgrammite, and sculpin patterns for on the bottom, and minnow patterns for mid-water.
Don: “For streamers anything that looks like a big shiner, chub, or minnow. For nymphing use mayflies and Caddis or stoneflies sizes 12-16.”
Water levels vary throughout the year. Where is the best place to find local river levels online and why should visitors check that information?
Todd: “USGS website water gauges USGS | National Water Dashboard. Water levels can vary greatly by season. Strong storms can also cause water levels to rise and fall quickly. It is always a good idea to check water levels before heading out.”
Don: “I check the USGS gauges on the Clarion. Usually at Johnsonburg and Ridgway. You will find your most enjoyable floats between 300-600 cfs.”
Tips for first time fly fisherman in visiting the region?
Todd: “Concentrate on structure in the stream. Look for submerged rocks and trees in the water. Bedrock shelves will also hold fish.”
Don: “I like running water with a little bit of chop on top, as well as looking for rocks and structure that might hold fish.”
Safety tips for new visitors to our waterways?
Todd: “Visitors need to remember we have rattlesnakes. During the warmer months, just be careful where you step and do not harass the snakes.”
Don: “Watch the water levels. You can get stranded during very low or high flows. Some areas have no cell service, and it can be a long way to the road. Plan your trip and do a little homework.”
What is your favorite part about being a guide?
Todd: “Teaching people new techniques and seeing their excitement when it comes together on fish is great. My favorite part tough is seeing a kid catch a big fish.”
Don: “For me it is the excitement of others when they’re successful and sharing my love for fishing with them.”
What is your favorite fish to catch on a fly and why?
Todd: “Musky! The challenge, the aggressive strikes, and the hard fighting.”
Don: “Brown trout of course. They’re an apex predator in the Clarion. They are smart and challenging. Sometimes they can be very aggressive and other times very hard to catch. You must use different tactics in different seasons to get the big trout to bite.”
For more information:
Todd Deluccia
Keystone Predator Outfitter
keystonepredator@yahoo.com
Don Cameroni
Brown Trout Addiction
browntroutaddictionguides@gmail.com
Plan your own fishing adventure online at VisitPAGO.com.
