The weekly fishing report from Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission deputy waterways conservation officer Randy Leighton and waterways conservation officer Brook Tolbert:
This past weekend brought big numbers of anglers to the area tribs with many anglers enjoying a little fishing on the way to hunting camp. Traditionally, angling pressure will ease with the Thanksgiving holiday and the threats of snow and bitter cold weather.
This past week brought additional rain and snow keeping trib levels prime for the big catches. More and more anglers are learning that winter can often bring some of the best steelhead action of the season along with a more quiet angling experience especially along the upper stretches of the tribs. As the water temperature drops, steelhead will typically become less active holding in the slower moving pools. Presentation is everything and natural drifts are most important in inducing strikes.
The access areas at both Walnut and Elk Creeks are still drawing the crowds for those in a hurry to find fish, but plenty of room can be found upstream. The Walnut Creek Marina basin is still giving up a fair number fish. The mouths of Trout and Godfrey runs are still productive, wind and waves permitting.