For most freshwater fly anglers, bass, trout, and steelhead are the most sought-after species, but they are not the only freshwater options. Most of us dream of trips for exotic species, but what can we do in the meantime? The best opportunities involve adapting our skills to lure common species with flies that are usually […]
Fly Fishing for Carp: An Introduction to Carp on the Fly Read More »
I started my fly fishing journey in the late sixties as a kid, fishing the picturesque streams of North Jersey, when two fanatical friends of mine, Tom Pagliaroli and Steven O’Connor, got me into it. Being a city boy, I fell in love with the likes of the Pequest, the Musconetcong, and my favorite spot,
Bob Popovics: Innovative Fly Tyer and Saltwater Advocate Read More »
We’ve all seen the movie where in the end the main character realizes they undervalued something, or someone, that was right in front of them the whole time. Well, somehow fly anglers have largely ignored one of the most pleasurable and abundant fly rod species in the entire state: fallfish. Fallfish (Semotilus Corporalis) are native
Fallfish on the Fly: Discover A Native Super Predator Read More »
The Big 4 are the four large freestone rivers in north-central Pennsylvania. Their watersheds cover over 2,800 square miles. Pine Creek is the largest watershed and, with its tributaries, the easternmost watershed. Kettle Creek and Young Womans Creek comprise the center section. Sinnemahoning Creek is comprised of three major tributaries. First Fork flows north to
The Well Stocked Fly Box for the Big 4 Trout Streams in North Central Pennsylvania Read More »
Don’t let one mistake ruin your day. Follow this advice for safe and fun fly fishing adventures.
Euro Nymphing: Purchasing Your First Euro Specific Nymphing Rod Read More »
Dark Skies Fly Fishing is teaming up with Mountain Laurel Guide Service and Captain Kurt’s Charters to host another fully guided group trip for steelhead November 12-15, 2025. This is prime time for fishing in the Erie tributaries! (For a recap of the March 2025 and November 2024 trip, and to see pics of the
Fall Steelhead Trip 2025 – Don’t Miss It! Read More »
One of the most common questions I hear is “what flies do I need for fly fishing?” Answers vary greatly depending on the species you intend to target, the waters you plan to fish, and the insects and baitfish available in those waters. The first two aspects – species and location – can help you
Top 12 Guide Flies and Confidence Flies for Subsurface Trout Read More »
Winter fly fishing has changed since I was a teenager. Thirty years ago, when you fished during the winter months, you could expect to have streams all to yourself. Long sessions on the water might end without ever seeing another soul. These winter experiences were special and provided long hours of solitude and reflection, and
Winter Fly Fishing Tactics for Trout Read More »
As Yogi Berra once said, “Baseball is ninety-percent mental. The other half is physical.” The same can be said of fly fishing. I’ve seen some excellent anglers have some really bad days on waters where they should have put up good numbers of trout. I’ve seen them struggle even as I was catching one after
Mastering the Mental Game of Fly Fishing Read More »
The name Dark Skies Fly Fishing often stirs curiosity. I’ve heard many guesses as to its meaning, its origins, and even some wild tales about who might be our audience. Truth be told, if you’re reading this, you’re our audience, and everything we do is for you. All of our articles, YouTube videos, and even
Why Dark Skies Fly Fishing? What Does the Name Mean? Read More »
