Yellow Breeches Creek – June Stream Report

Location: Cumberland Valley, PA | Report by Precision Fly and Tackle

Get to know Yellow Breeches Creek in June

June looks a little different this year than normal on the breeches. Low and clear water with few changes over the past couple weeks. The majority of stocking have happened for the spring, and there is a mix of stockers and wild fish this time of year. Hatches continue to go on the yellow breeches with the standard Caddis and Isos for this time of year. BWO on cloudy days continue to produce.

Stream Level

• Flow: As of June 22nd, approximately 118 cfs—that's about 50% of normal for this time of year
• Watch: Rainstorms may briefly spike flows—keep an eye on gauges before heading out. USGS Gage Height and Discharge Rate – Yellow Breeches Creek

Water Temperature

• Range: Currently hovering in the Mid 60's
• Time: Anytime of day
• Tip: Watch those temperatures focus on mornings and evenings when fish are in the mood to eat
  

Water Clarity

• Condition: Clear to slightly stained after storms
• Approach: Long leaders, light tippets, stealthy presentations. Use natural patterns on clear days and slightly flashier flies when the water is off-color

Fishing Overview

May offers many opportunities.

• Morning: Nymphing through out the morning with heavy nymphs to maintain the bottom
• Midday: A swung wet fly on a light leader is a great way to get active fish when Hatches do not seem to be active.
• Evening: Caddis should be active this time of day. Dry dropper will be the best in clear conditions to cover water columns, and keep the footprint on the water to a minimum.

Specifics and Tips

• Best Times: Get out when you can
• Approach: Work water inside to outside. Check all different types of water; never know where fish could be active.
• Presentation: Dry dropper with emergers or beaded nymphs to cover different water columns
• Wading: Useful and easy in most areas—watch your step during low flows to avoid spooking fish

What's Hatching

• Iso (evening hatches 10-14)
• Caddis (Anytime hatches – size 14–18)
• BWO (cloudy to sun - size 20-24)

Fly Patterns to Use

Dries:

• Iso 10-14
• Elk Hair Caddis Tan 12-18
• Stimulator orange 14-18
• Ant 10-14
• Bettle 12-14

Nymphs / Subsurface:

• Pheasant Tail – #16–18
• Sexy Walt’s Worm – #14–18
• Frenchie – #18
• Zebra Midge – #20
• Hare’s Ear – #16
• Pat’s Rubber Legs – #10 (for deeper pockets and warmwater stretches) 
  
• Wooly Bugger 8-12 (Good crayfish immitation)