Yellow Breeches Creek – May Stream Report

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

Get to know Yellow Breeches Creek in May

May 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 Sulphurs and Caddis for this time of year. BWO on cloudy days continue to produce.

Stream Level

• Flow: As of May 13th, approximately 147 cfs—that's about 70% 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 50's
• Time: Anytime of day
• Tip: Steady temps accompanied by steady flows make for pattern able fish
  

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: Smaller streamers in low light conditions.
• 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: Sulphurs and 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

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

Fly Patterns to Use

Dries:

• Sulphur Dun 14-18
• Elk Hair Caddis Tan 12-18
• Stimulator Yellow 14-18
• CDC Sulphur 14-18

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)