An old expression goes “good things come in small packages” and sometimes good trout come from small waters.

Antietam Creek is a small but highly fertile stream in the scenic Cumberland Valley of southern Pennsylvania. Turn over any rock and there will be a full representation of aquatic life that supports a healthy population of brown and rainbow trout.

On this trip we fished with Master Guide Jerry Armstrong who now serves as stream keeper for a private section of Antietam Creek and some surrounding waters. Bill and I first fished with Jerry 30 years ago in Montana where he guided for Upper Canyon Outfitters. It’s always a great time to see him again after so many years.

Our first day was a total “spanking”. A short but intense storm from the prior night had discolored the water and totally shut down the trout bite. In desperation, we threw everything we had in the fly box, including a mop fly (aka Green Weenie) and the dreaded Squirmy Worm with no success. Our total catch consisted of 2 shiners and 1 dace. Jerry was very upset at the “worse day ever”, and offered us a free day in October when the brown trout would be on their spawning run.

Day 2 was substantially better. The water had dropped and cleared. the trout were back on the feed. On the second cast of the day, Bill landed a well-nourished 20″ brown on a size 16 nymph. During the day, we each landed several fine specimens. We fished with bead head nymphs such as a Prince and Copper John, along with a Jerry favorite he called a “Cinnamon Caddis” (looked a lot like a pheasant tail).

The cost of the trip was $875 for 2 days guided fishing on private waters plus 3 nights lodging in a house

on the property. Our meals were at local restaurants.

Tight loops and tight lines,

Al