Fly Fishing the Bushkill Creek, "One of Eastern PA's Urban/Suburban Limestoners"

The Bushkill Creek is such a pretty, more so urban, limestone waterway. the upper half runs through a country-suburban setting, and the lower half runs right through the city of Easton's park system, very near super busy streets, office buildings and factories. But what it lacks in aesthetics, it makes up for with great fishing, cold water, bugs and a good mix of stockies and wild trout.

[@AyrshireAlps]

What a river that is, you Americans don't know how lucky you are!! I love the way you nymph buddy, so much more to it than just tightlining, keep up the great work, fantastic to watch. Greg.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hello and greetings across the pond! We are very lucky here, so much public blue ribbon trout waters. This is a great waterway but on a scale of 1-10, this is about a 6. Hope you get the chance to visit here and wet a line. Put it on your fly fishing bucket list. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@AyrshireAlps]

I'd love to come fish there! It's certainly on the list, when would you say is a good time of year to come?.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

@@AyrshireAlps For our Central Pennsylvania waters, I’d say March through mid June, after June head to the Upper Delaware River system, the East Branch, West Branch and the main stem are mostly bottom release dam flows with cool water all Summer.

[@scottlowe3355]

I had a day like that yesterday. In the trees, snagged on debris, losing flies constantly. But unlike you I wasn’t into fish that much! Great video and helped me feel like I’m not the only one who has sloppy moments on the river. Thanks Scott!

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hey Scott! You’re right, we all have good days and bad days, and sloppy days. But hang in there, I’m always optimistic things will turn around. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@plato-jd9vh]

YOU WERE SPOT ON WHEN YOU SAID THE BUSHKILL ISA TOUGH STREAM BEEN FISHING FOR 50 YEARS AND I SAY ITS GOTTEN TOUGHER FOR A LACK HATCHES IT USE TO HAVE. YOU DID VERRY GOOD HOPE YOU COME BACK NEXT YEAR.. "GREAT JOB"

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi Plato! Thank you very much! Yes, very finicky educated fish in the Bushkill, but it sure does have some hidden gems. One of those streams where very few fish come easy, you really gotta know what you’re doing. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@frankmertz8366]

I am so glad you didn't edit out your troubles. I've caught more trees and bridges than I can count😅 but awesome job and ty for sharing your fishing trips😊

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Good morning Frank! Well, I like to give a realistic picture, I have my troubles too. Check out the new video today at 6am, I think you’ll enjoy it. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@NJTroutSniffer]

That area was when I can first remember trout fishing 30 something years ago. Use to go between 13th and penn pump all the time.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

You got it brother, you know the area! Hope you get a chance to revisit. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Pwrcritter]

Thanks Scott. Good fishing! I'm taking a break from PA and their license increases. Keep the action coming!

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Good morning brother! Really?! I guess I’m committed no matter what the cost, too much a part of my whole makeup. I’ll try to keep you connected to PA with my videos. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@MGS566]

Hey Scott! Yesterday was a pretty busy day for me so i was finally able to just watch your video this morning. The two larger rainbows that you caught upstream from the 13st bridge were more than likely fish that have been held over from last year or from years past. Looks like you had a good day however, i’m still a bit puzzled that the bigger wild browns that this creek has to offer weren’t very cooperative for you. I’ll take some screenshots from this video and highlight their usual holding spots for your next outing here. There is so much more water to be explored here that truly hold some extremely challenging fish that are truly a fish of a lifetime for most anglers. As for as landing some of these fish with trees above you, most of the time you have to use side pressure without lifting your rod up and behind you. This will sometimes still leaves your rig in the trees or shrubs along or behind you but not so high up that you can’t reach them to get them out. As always, happy fishing & God bless you.✝️

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Good morning Michael! Well, you know this stream the best, so anything you can offer is worth a wealth of knowledge towards success here. Makes great sense about the side pressure, but most times the little guys get to the surface so fast and just splash around on top, it seems they’re on and off so quickly, not much time to react other than instinctively. Hopefully catch up with you soon. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@edherrmann182]

A good day on the bushkill. That stream always has strong flows. The bushkill will always hold a memory in my long fly fishing journey. As a young boy my father taught me to fly fish on that stream going back into the 60’s. I never did the urban section, but resica falls section of the stream was my fly fishing nursery. I believe it’s a Boy Scout reservation and always produced a lasting memory. The location required a donation for a permit to access the wild waters of that section. After that experience I was hooked on fly fishing that’s lasted a lifetime. I learned the importance of cleats on that stream with its strong currents. I discovered the most productive riffs on that stream. I haven’t been back there since the 70’s. Thanks for the video, I enjoyed it very much. Watch out for those fly eating trees, they’re hungry buggers!

[@michaelzobrist8846]

Three years ago I fished the Boy Scout camp. Down stream from the falls. It still feels holds some nice fish it’s a beautiful place

[@troutstalking]

I believe this is the Bush Kill that goes through Easton Pennsylvania. The one you're speaking of is near Stroudsburg in the Poconos.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi Ed! I think you got this confused with the Big Bushkill up in the Poconos, this is the Bushkill Creek down around Easton. The Big Bushkill is a freestoner, this stream is a limestoner. I’ve actually never fished that stream but I’m planning on hitting it this year, I’ll bring my camera for that one too. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@uni_shadow164]

Scott, you were killing me with the tree hook ups! We have all been there...Anyway been catching bass in TN with my bass boat. I may try the Hiwassee next day off for trout or smallmouth. Looking forward to the next one! Be well!

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hey Dave! Nice to hear you’re into some fishies and having fun. If my tree hookups were killing you, just imagine what they were doing to me, Augh! Stay tune for another good video next week👍🏻. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@mooney411]

Wow Scott!! Right away i was thinking of that area, then i read the description. LOL!!! Its been a crazy beginning of the official season this year! Thanks, keep up the great videos!

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Good morning Mr. Mooney! It’s a small world, glad you’re familiar with it, go out and give it a shot, better on overcast or rainy days. Stay tune, another good one coming next Sunday 👍🏻. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@joshuawilcox36]

Thanks for sharing Scott

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hello Josh! You’re welcome and my pleasure. We gotta get you out here for a good fly fishing experience. Hopefully see and Uncle Todd soon. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@jeromedwojak918]

Great video Scott, enjoyed the fish action. Thanks for sharing your experience on the water. I always look forward to what you do, love tge work you put into those vids!

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hello Jerome! Thank you so much for your kind words. Glad you’re enjoying them. Stay tune, more coming.

[@richsmidtke119]

Thanks Scott for another great video really happy to see you out there in my part of the woods. All the streams are blown out and the only enjoyment I’m getting is watching your fishing videos so thanks a lot bud. God bless. Talk to you later.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hello Richard! Cool, didn’t know you were from that area. I think this week, the bigger streams will be safely fishable. Glad you’re enjoying the videos. Stay tune for next week’s, another goodie! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@berks8260]

Well I'll say you had a good day. Very nice fish using your classic setup. Works for me :) . Thanks for the video.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi Phil! Well, I subscribe to the thought of, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” My classic setup has been working for me for about 50 years. My method or equipment is pretty much the same but my approach and skills have increased over the decades mainly because of my time and experiences on the water and trying to put each piece together. Thank you very much for watching and commenting.

[@Steveanddebbiegajdos]

Great day fishing as usual except for the lost flies Comes with the territory when fishing around trees we always enjoy your videos thanks for sharing Scott

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Thank you very much! But seriously, those overhanging trees behind me gave me nightmares 😅. But like you said, it’s all part of the experience. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@toddwilcox142]

Hey buddy. Boy those darn trees. Way to persevere. The color of that water was stunning. What a beautiful stream. Thinking about you and your family. Thank you, my friend for sharing and putting out all the effort to share your experiences.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Todd! My brother from another mother. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. The Bushkill does have great water, helps the wild brownies grow big there 👍🏻. Augh! Those trees, a curse and a blessing. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@anthonyb1661]

Some nice water in a suburban area. Liked the way you turned that “sloppy” day around by removing that blue crate. Just another great day. Thanks, Scott.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hey Anthony! Well, somebody HAD to do it, might as well be me, ha! And just maybe, that good deed brought my mojo back 👍🏻😄. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@BIGJ3748]

Nice day on the river Scott. Thanks

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

You’re welcome brother! Glad you enjoyed it. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@snookmcdermott6894]

Thanks for taking us along Scott Even though you caught some trees you still caught some nice fish The streams here in W Pa are still running high Hope to get out this week Stay safe

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hey Snook! I guess you gotta take the good with the bad, ha! I think this week will be the start of better fishing conditions, get ready! Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@Fishin-Ipps]

Gorgeous day on some beautiful water. Thanks for posting so much, Scott. Really enjoying the action…and it ain’t fishing if you don’t lose some flies 😂 - Chris

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Good morning buddy! Sadly ☹️you’re correct, but I think it was more fishing for my flies out of trees this day😁. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@leonardchecchio1655]

Nice vid. Thanks for sharing. Love seeing you take fish in moving water rather than slower deeper holes.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hello Leonard! Thank you but next week’s video is even better, I think, ALL dry fly action, on top with caddis in slower water but not real slow. Stay tune. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@williamgunn1076]

Fun stuff. Thanks for bringing me along. Stay hooked! Bill

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi Bill! Glad you enjoyed it. Stay tune another good one next week. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@todd_2692]

The Rod you will eventually own! I have the same in 9’ 4#. Love that rod equally throws dry flies as good as any dry fly rod and can handle a nymphing rig.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Good morning Todd! I’m very happy with the T&T Avantt, but mine is a 10ft/4wt, like you said, handles dries and nymphing equally well 😅. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@rayjock4400]

Bushkill gave you a black eye Scotty 😂 another great one keep doin what your doin man! Tight lines brother!

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hey Ray! Oh man! Took it square on the chin besides a black eye. Hopefully I learned something from this besides bring more flies.🤪 Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@nonewherelistens1906]

Wow, I literally froze watching the first part of the video. Fished that same location by the 13th Street Bridge last October as part of my 'PA reminiscence tour' of the Bushkill. There was only about half as much water in the stream back then. Fishing was tough, to say the least. Love that stream, though. Lots of great memories. Thanks for posting.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hey! Good morning and nice to hear from you! Glad the video brought back some hopefully good memories. Yes, I hit in the Summer too, much tougher, especially with shallow gin clear water. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@erikb8827]

Hi Scott, wow can't believe the amount of pressure you were putting on that 6x! Big fish too. Well done.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hey hey Erik! Really! I’m using Cortland Premium Flouro, good stuff!👍🏻 Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@tced2858]

Good video Scott, I just crossed over Bushkill creek on the way to Bangor,..I finally got out on the stream for a little, only caught one and missed one, but not getting around so good on the ankle yet so it was a good day.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Thank you buddy! Hey, just wetting s line some days is a good day, so getting into a few is great!👍🏻 Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@DownstreamDownrange]

super cool looking water even though its urban! bet there some big old brownies in that place!

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Dan!! What up??!! Oh my yes! Hope to get together with you this year. Stay in touch. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@mikeroberti8525]

I’ve not fished here yet but watched another guy’s video catching some hefty browns using rapala. I’m not a spin guy, so I’m glad you fished the same water using small light nymphs and tippet, to gain further perspective.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi Mike! Yes, not at all the same using spin gear, and there’s times and areas that benefit one method over the other. Honestly, as long as they’re catch and releasing, I can’t complain. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@douglasrandall6737]

Good video Scott. I hate to see you up and trees like that, but it does make me feel better. It shouldn’t but it makes me feel better because I’m staying up the trees.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Ha! Hey Doug, I understand, believe me, makes everyone feel like we’re all in the same boat. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@michaelcapurso]

Hey Scott, I really enjoyed this outing. Loved the location, the contrast between the beautiful trestle bridges, old school brick buildings and the beautiful limestone water. Regarding the reel, if you reach out to Ross they may be able to reverse the reel to right hand retrieve. If I recall correctly the early reels were capable of reversing the retrieve, however not a simple do it yourself process.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Good morning Michael! You’re absolutely correct! The reel handle can be reversed but you need a special very skinny nut driver to do so, eventually I’ll take care of it. Yes, this Bushkill has a good diverse makeup. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@christianwatkins9244]

Too funny, we were upstream of you by the amusement park. It was a little slow up there. A lot of people on the water for a Tuesday afternoon.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi Christian! I only saw two other fishermen and we didn’t interfere with each other. I like the amusement park area too. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@michaelzobrist8846]

Good morning Scott you got some beautiful fish. When my wife visit the Poconos I’ve fished the bush kill but I never fished it right in Stroudsburg. Unless I’m mistaken. The heavy fast pocket water that you were fishing with two split shot how do you keep them from sliding down? I never seem to keep them pinched tight enough! Thanks for sharing be well my friend 👍

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi Michael! I think you’re talking about the Brodhead up in East Stroudsburg. Sometimes I gotta pinch the shots tighter with my forceps, Also helps to make sure you seat the line all the way down into the bottom shot gap. But, it one of the things you just gotta keep an eye on and frequently check, is what it is. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@seanp4038]

Another great video Scott! What brand split shot are you using?

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi Sean! I’m using Dinsmore Egg Shot in the green packs. I have a round dial multi-pack in BB-1-4-6 that I continually refill with the bigger single packs. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@georgenaugle7827]

I hate netting fish as the flies tangle up in there. How can I prevent this? Another great video. Keep um coming.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi George! If you know of a way, please let me know too 😅. One of the downfalls using tandem rigs. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@jeffditaranto3790]

Good morning Scott , Great action today . Is that the Bushkill in the Poconos or a different Bushkill . Let me know i wanna bring a saw and get those flies you left in that tree 🤣 . That was funny but a small price to pay for some great action . Really great video and some nice fish caught . Well done my friend . Heading out myself today . I was undecided but you inspired me wirh that video . Thanks for another great one .

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Good morning Mr. Ditaranto! Not the the Pocono Bushkill but the Easton Bushkill. While you’re at it with the saw, clear out all those overhanging limbs, there’s a gold mine of flies up there for sure 😅. Good luck and have fun today. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@maverick120adventures8]

You're thinking of the Big Bushkill and the little Bushkill.

[@fudd126]

Howdy Scott, looks like a nice creek in Eastern PA. I noticed you lost your old pro rod holder… I lost mine on the stream got a new one and zip tied it to my belt… also how do you like your new rod set up? Love the show peace✌🏻

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi buddy! I didn’t lose the rod holder, but I can’t use it on my belt wearing g a fishing vest, they constantly gets caught on each other, a PIA to deal with. Really like the new rod and reel setup, can’t wait to test it on the Delaware, the true test 👍🏻. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@beo77]

Thanks for taking us on your local limestone stream adventure. Looks like your new T&T 10 ft 4 wt is getting broken in. How do you like it compared to the NRX+? Took Friday off this week for my first trip up to West Branch D. Hope to bump into you again. BTW the NY state side access point has been "POSTED" so I have to access the railroad tracks from a different spot. Kinda sucks but I guess it'll keep the river a little cleaner w less people accessing.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hey Sung! You’re welcome and my pleasure. I don’t know about the WB, today the flow at Hale Eddy is over 2000cfs, way way way too high for wading, ok if you’re floating though. Be careful! Maybe we’ll bump into each other this year. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@beo77]

@@pawoodsnwater7551 hey Scott. I got my eyes on the usgs water gauge. Looking promising. I'm hoping the release will be about 800 cfs. 🤞

[@beo77]

954 cfs as of this morning. Not ideal but doable!

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

@@beo77 Just checked WBAs fishing report, the gage at Hale Eddy says 1060cfs, doable but on the high side of safe, but doable. I may head up also depends on what the gages say tonight. Be safe and have fun!

[@mirnadavis3513]

Scott, you sure caught some whoppers! Great video! What line and leader did you use? I want to stop using indicators. Thanks!

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Good morning Mirna! Go back in the Summer of ‘22, I did a video called “My Leader Setup”, in there I go into much detail. But quickly I’ll explain, I’m using a standard floating fly line matched to your rod, then the 50” Cutthroat Furled Leader dry fly Shorty leader for my butt section, the 5ft of 4x or 5x Flouro, then my tandem rig for nymphing, or I’ll add another 3ft of 5x or 6x for dry fly fish. So my overall leader length for nymphing is 9ft pls the tandem rig, or for dries my leader is 12ft. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@johnditzler9244]

Where do you put your split shot on that three fly rig?

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi John! Well, I build my tandem rig from heaviest fly up top and my lightest fly on the bottom, so I place my splitshot above my top fly. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@shawn951951]

13th St?

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi Shawn! 👍🏻 Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@nonewherelistens1906]

Yes, 13th Street Bridge at the start of the video.

[@davemoranino]

Burned

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hello Dave! Sorry you think so, but this stream is super well known and popular with stocked sections and regulated sections, always has plenty of holdovers and wilds for everyone to share.

[@warrior_227]

Question, if mono is supposed to be invisible to the fish like they claim why does it matter so much in diameter?? Honestly I don’t think it does, thinner cuts through the water faster sure but they can’t see it thing idk. Thoughts??

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Good morning buddy! Well, mono is actually more visible than Flouro, under water not as critical, but on top, especially in calm flat water, very critical! On highly pressured streams and if it’s gin clear, it helps a lot going thinner. Appreciate you watching and commenting.