Many outdoor enthusiasts are enjoying deer rifle hunting season which is in full swing right now. Hunting season also means fewer people and less competition on area waterways. Now is a great time to get out and do some late fall fishing if you prefer having a stream all to yourself. Daytime temperatures will be quite tolerable for fishing and are forecast to be in the low to mid-40s over the next week. Recent snow fall and rains should also have streams flowing a little higher.
Fly anglers might consider fishing for trout on the Catch and Release Fly-fishing Only Sections of Ridley Creek or Little Lehigh Creek. Both waterways were stocked earlier this fall and should have plenty of trout. Use small nymphs if you want to have action and catch more fish. Nymphs in size 20 to 22 should work fine. Or use large streamers if you prefer to target fewer, but larger trout. Fish low and slow and expect to work a little harder to connect with fish.
Spinning-gear anglers might consider the Delayed Harvest Areas of Tulpehocken Creek or the East Branch Brandywine Creek. These waterways were also stocked earlier this fall and should have plenty of trout lingering in pools and riffles. A spinner fished low and slow might do the trick.
Chester County
Crappies and Yellow Perch were fairly active at Struble Lake prior to the Thanksgiving Holiday. Anglers should still have luck targeting these fun panfish. Use minnows and jigs with twister tail bodies.
Philadelphia County / S. Montgomery County
Shore anglers should have luck with Chanel catfish on the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers. Use shrimp or chicken livers. The Schuylkill River should also still be productive in the early morning and late evening hours for walleye. Crankbaits and live minnows will likely work best.