Remote Drainage Brookies, Potter County, PA - Wooly Bugged

Solitude: the state or situation of being alone
On Sunday I hiked into the mountains of Potter County, Pennsylvania in search of wild brook trout. I fly fished a small freestone tributary that was 3 miles in length. It was an overcast day with occasional light rain showers. Most fishermen would have defined these conditions as perfect. The water levels were slightly above average due to the amount of precipitation we’ve already received this spring. I observed sporadic hatches of Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) and Sulphur mayflies. I found success using a dry-dropper rig. My lead fly was a #14 Thunder Dome emerger pattern, created by Skip Morris. I changed out my dropper several times but found the most success with a #16 red lightning bug nymph.
99% of my videos are self-filmed. 99% of my videos are on water I've never fished. All streams are accessed on foot.
To learn more about the fly rod used in this video, please visit:
www.yamameflyr...

[@williamgunn1076]

Sproul is the largest state forest in Pennsylvania. It includes 305,450 acres according to DCNR. Glad you're back. Thanks for taking Ronda and me fishing with you. Stay hooked!

[@1pcmedic]

Glad you are back Mike! Nice Brookies. Be careful the Rattlesnakes will be out sunning real soon.

[@skipperruhl1430]

Don't know how I missed this one ,but thanks for posting great videos. Keep them coming!

[@WoolyBugged]

No worries Skipper! I appreciate you watching, thank you.

[@lloydmckissick9524]

I'm a refugee from Pennsylvania (northwestern). Had to leave to make a decent living. Your videos are like going back for a visit.

[@jackleonard2088]

Lovely video Mike. I grew up in Potter county and chased the native bookies in a small stream. The most beautiful fish I have ever seen. This made me nostalgic for those days.

[@joeduca8582]

#1) Sproul State Forest #2) 305,450 acres. Hey Mike! Great to see ya! Excellent video, you really took it up a notch. Thanks for taking us along, very much needed. Take care.

[@WoolyBugged]

Thanks Joe, appreciate it!

[@harryjoe3176]

Great musical and scenic introduction !

[@farmerbob4554]

Welcome back Mike! I really enjoyed the drone shots at the beginning of the video as well as the footage of the creek. Reminded me of my home waters in Western PA. Back in those days I fished pheasant tail nymphs with a piece of bark for an indicator. I like that Thunderdome dry fly, kinda looks like a cross between a klinkhammer and a parachute Adams. I got out of LA for four days fishing in NE Utah with my son and we absolutely raked. We fished beaver ponds and tail waters in the Uinta mountains and saw nary another soul. No pressure made for a lot of very agreeable trout! Thank you for the very entertaining video.

[@jeromedwojak918]

Beautiful video, I'm originally from Pa. I miss those mountain streams. Fished some streams in the Legonier Mts. I think that's right! Fished places like 4 mile Run, Laurelhannah Creek. Been years. You bringing back memories for me. Thanks for sharing you experience, loved it!

[@hillbillysportsman5818]

Wooly! Missed your videos! Glad to see your back, that was an awesome intro. Glad to see you got you a treking pole, they work pretty well as a wading staff too.

[@WoolyBugged]

I'll tell ya, having the trekking pole is a huge help. It takes some of the pressure off your knees.

[@nonewherelistens1906]

Well done video. That is a lot of effort and skill. And nice fish.

[@what_are_we_doing_today3121]

I believe the largest state forest in Pennsylvania is Sproul State Forest in Clinton County, and it is 305,450 acres. Great video, and stay safe out there!

[@WoolyBugged]

Thanks for the comment!

[@WoolyBugged]

You were the first to give both correct answers. Congrats! You Win! Please DM me your mailing address!

[@what_are_we_doing_today3121]

@@WoolyBugged How exactly do I DM you? Instagram? Gmail? Thanks a lot!

[@WoolyBugged]

What_Are_We_Doing_Today email me at [e-mail] and let me know where you want it shipped.

[@colinsechler3638]

I love the new intro man. Good to see you back!

[@bdickinson6751]

Mike, it's so good to see you back! I was starting to become concerned that something had happened to you, and perhaps no one knew! Your videos are always informative and top notch. Thanks, take care, and God bless! 👍👊🏼🇺🇸

[@WoolyBugged]

Thanks B! I appreciate your concern. I take every precaution to be careful when I'm out there!

[@bdickinson6751]

@@WoolyBugged 👍

[@alexlewis8744]

Great video Mike. Glad to see you back. We have been hit hard by Covid 19 in the UK and were locked down with no fishing for eight weeks. Hope you stay safe my friend and to all my fishing pals in the US. Love the drone shot at the beginning, your video production goes from strength to strength

[@WoolyBugged]

Thanks Alex, sorry to hear you can't fish. My sister lives in the UK and I know it has been tough for you over there. Be careful and I really hope you guys can fish soon!

[@MikeSmith-up2px]

Sproul state forest 305,450 acres. The world is a better place with Woolybugged videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@WoolyBugged]

Thank Mike, you always have the nicest comments. Thank you!

[@TsunamiSam]

I do appreciate to be able to go fish as all of us fisherman have . To be safe and enjoyable times with fishing. Love the video. Cordorus state park, 3,329 acres

[@WoolyBugged]

Thanks Sam, I am very thankful to be able to still fish.

[@alleghenyangler4604]

Mike, I absolutely LOVE the new intro and footage. Awesome job my friend!

[@edmartin1040]

Glad to see you back Mike, missed you excellent content! Hopefully you did not have to walk up that hill to get out and you were able to follow that drainage. Sproal State Forest is the largest inPA at 305450 acres.

[@yolazerbeam3205]

Thank you for taking the time to show us incredibly fun and special footage of brook trout fishing. Still to this day my favorite, tastiest fish to eat.

[@patrickreynolds6861]

Beautiful country side

[@tightliningmd]

You stepped away,, but damn when you stepped back you stepped on the competition. Nice work here Mike, this is incredible. IF you did this all yourself it is nothing short of amazing. Great production here man, love the new intro!

[@WoolyBugged]

Thanks Mike, I appreciate your compliments. Your production has improved quite a bit as well.

[@tightliningmd]

@@WoolyBugged Thank you. Still much room for improvement. Love the drone shots. That is definitely of interest for a next toy. What type did you get?

[@ronaldbowser3287]

Nice to see you back Mike, I enjoy your video's.

[@WoolyBugged]

Thanks Ron, I appreciate you watching and your nice comments.

[@jonh9203]

Great to see you back on the water. Well on camera of course, I plan on hitting some brookie streams this weekend myself here in PA. Stay safe and tight lines Mike 🎣

[@lucasmargraf1873]

Awesome video! The largest State Forest in PA is Sproul State Forest (Clinton County, I think?) at 305, 450 acres. Many blessings to you and yours!

[@billylore6473]

Man so cool!!! Love seeing these natives doesn’t matter how big they are. Takes real skill

[@scottrick5190]

Great vid Mike, glad you're back at it! It amazes me of the number of quality waters Pa has.

[@erikvaldur3334]

You are right. I'm in NEPA. i could probably fish every day for 2 weeks ( or more ) in a different water, river or lake, each day and not have to go more than 20 miles from my house. Great fishing here.

[@jeffreylea2319]

Glad you're back Mike; Your videos are some of the best for scenery and editing. As another fisherman who loves catching wild brook trout, thank you for your efforts.

[@Tsaustin1]

Great video quality and very informative for a newbie like myself.

[@WoolyBugged]

Thanks Travis, glad you found it helpful.

[@jarrettlandreth285]

Beautiful stream and even prettier trout! Love to see my home state get some screen time, makes me miss PA!

[@WoolyBugged]

I love this state! Glad you can watch some video of home!

[@polarizedoutdoors]

Been waiting for one from you. I think I'll be able to get out next week on the brook trout streams for some topwater action. Best time of year!

[@WoolyBugged]

This really is the best time to be out!

[@frankwilliams5475]

Amazingly professional video. You have really stepped up your video production.

[@dbassman27]

Glad to see you are okay Mike. Thanks for posting. Take care and stay safe.

[@WoolyBugged]

Thank you, I will!

[@dannymiller30]

The largest is Sproul State Forest. According to Wikipedia it encompasses 280,000 acres. Appreciate and enjoy your channel. We fish a lot in central and north-central PA. Keep up the great work!

[@bobmatuzak2263]

Great to have you back Mike! Hope all is well. Loved the new opening & drone shots. Looking forward to your next!

[@johnadams966]

Very relaxing video. The water sounds were wonderful!

[@stevecapaldi1999]

Fantastic. Was wondering if all was good and see it is. Thank you for putting all of these videos together.

[@kurtskowronek3572]

Sproule State Forest 305,450 acres. - Glad to have you back posting videos. Always awesome.

[@WoolyBugged]

Thanks Kurt, I'm glad to be posting again.

[@vickvinegar5071]

You’ve been missed!!! Thanks for the great video.

[@msorendo35]

great to see you back Michael. Worth the wait!

[@WoolyBugged]

Thanks for the comment Mike!

[@lukebrittin7046]

I love the new shots of the mountains, and the music. Great Work!

[@WoolyBugged]

Thanks Luke, ya we have some incredible terrain here in PA.

[@Mr38thstreet]

Thanks Mike for sharing your adventure. Please do another one soon!

[@toddwaller8951]

Mike, so glad you are back. Great video and like the new intro. You should be picked up soon by one of the big outdoor channels. So glad you are just a PA guy. It is so nice seeing videos from home and you can't be there. Keep up the great work.

[@WoolyBugged]

Thanks Farmboy, those are some kind comments. I appreciate your thoughts. Hope you can get out to do some fishing.

[@danhewko1093]

Nice go see you back at it, Mike. Very nice video. Glad to see you are using fiberglass!

[@kylelucas3107]

Awesome video! Largest state forest is Spoul State forest in clinton county. My county. 305,450 acres

[@Handberrydea]

Excellent production value my Friend. Well done!

[@WoolyBugged]

Thank you Handberry!

[@bogachum]

Great video

[@JohnD.1969]

Worth the wait. Great video as usual Mike.

[@WoolyBugged]

Thanks John, glad you enjoyed.

[@Michael-um7uu]

Great stuff! My favorite type of fishing! Really enjoy your channel.

[@charlesgaither6965]

Great to see u back Mike. Stay safe

[@WoolyBugged]

Thanks Charles, glad to be back!

[@toddrobinson8852]

Great video Mike!!! I live in Texas now but was born and raised in Tunkhannock. I used to fish the headwaters of Bowmans creek all the time for native brookies. There isn't a more beautiful place or fish!!! Love to watch your videos and reminisce.

[@WoolyBugged]

Very cool! Thanks for the comment Todd. I've fished around Bowmans Creek, beautiful place.

[@garybon.]

Welcome back! Been waiting for another one of your brook trout adventures

[@WhiteDogTrailCompany]

Nice Mike! Good to see you fishing! Curious what pack you have? Mine is starting to feel too small when carrying my camera equipment and soon to be drone too! Loved to see the production level on this video too. Us small KZbinrs are always striving to improve :) Applaud your efforts!

[@larryxt1]

Man oh man it's so good to see you again! Back at it in the tiny tributaries, I love it! I'm pretty sure the question you were asking was about the largest state forest in Pennsylvania and I do believe it's bald eagle State Forest. 193,424 Acres. I hope you enjoy your spring. Good to see you again

[@nmuguy]

Glad to have you back!

[@WoolyBugged]

Thanks Phil!

[@scottlowe3355]

Love the updates to the introduction! Great video!

[@brianbowman9127]

Mike, good video. And kudos to you for making some quality changes. Looks good.

[@toddh6102]

Good to see you back in the game. Like the animation.

[@WoolyBugged]

Thanks Todd, appreciate your comment.

[@bpmcdona]

Hey Mike, I'm also a Central PA resident living in the COVID era. Would love a flask. It's the Sproul SF at 305,450 acres. Home to Kettle creek and her tribs and it looks like you might be fishing one! ;0)

[@mattokeefe691]

Thanks for the video

[@rict1628]

Sproul State Forest, 305,450 acres. Great video as usual.

[@flyfishingwestvirginia]

Sproul and 307,000 acres great video mike love the intro and B-roll

[@BabyBilly1989]

Nice video....thats a great looking stream. Reminds of the some of the tribs in Sproul near where SR 144 traverses a ridge before dropping into Renovo. Love that area.

[@berks8260]

Very nice opening to this video.....

[@WoolyBugged]

Thanks Berks!

[@mitchellstem_5084]

I'm a new subscriber and was so happy to see that you uploaded again.

[@WoolyBugged]

Thanks Monkey Vids, I appreciate that!

[@berks8260]

Nice fish, I'm sure it was a very worthwhile trip....thanks!

[@WoolyBugged]

It was a nice hike!

[@johnterebetskyjr5823]

Wow great video, You have gone high tech with introduction.

[@WoolyBugged]

Thanks John, I've gotten a little hi-tech!

[@jamesdunn9714]

Hmm, sliding down that incline on your rump, no wonder you have gone through so many waders! Nice video. Subscribed.

[@jonstevens9931]

Fantastic content. I think i might have wet waded that stream. I fished behind Keystone College yesterday and today where you once made a video. Good day.

[@garydecker2446]

1.) Sproul State Forest 2.) 305,450 acres - Keep up the great work Mike!

[@WoolyBugged]

Thanks Gary, I appreciate the comment.

[@anthonybilenki791]

Welcome back! Glad to see you back in the game! Tb

[@aidana4304]

Great video! Keep up the great work!

[@Osnyfishingadventures]

So glad to see you back at it! Awesome video Mike! 🎣💦

[@WoolyBugged]

Thanks Owen! Sounds like you'll be fishing a lot soon, have fun!

[@WoolyBugged]

You're killing the big fish!

[@Osnyfishingadventures]

Wooly Bugged thanks Mike!!! Hahaha it’s been a ton of fun these past couple months and I’m on one crazy streak, hopefully can keep the streak going tomorrow. We gotta plan out another collab sometime💯🎣💦 tight lines bud and look forward to the next one!

[@teddyanderson2399]

Nice to see you back!

[@WoolyBugged]

Thanks for the comment Teddy!

[@Twdarby]

Sproul State Forest at 280,000 acres in Clinton County. Glad to see you back and hope you’re doing well! Keep casting!

[@WoolyBugged]

Thanks Tom, tight lines!

[@brawneyfrank]

I believe the largest state forest in PA is Pymatuning State Park,17,088 acres! Great video !!

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Great video Mike, really enjoyed it! Loved the drone footage in the beginning.

[@WoolyBugged]

Thanks John, flying a drone takes some practice.

[@Wadegi43]

Its about time we got another video

[@WoolyBugged]

I know, I know, sorry it took so long.

[@manifestgtr]

2:11 Holy moley, dude! Did you take one shot then climb all the way back up in your waders to grab the camera? That’s a lot of dedication for a ten second shot of hill climbing

[@zachbmx22]

Killing it Mike

[@davyjones922]

Man it doesn't get any better,small streams, small gear, small fish...we are up on little kettle only about 4 miles from were it dumps into kettle. I rarely even fish kettle all i do is drive around the mountains finding these little native tribs. 6-1/2' rod and sz 16-18 nymphs catching 4" natives is a dream day for me.

[@WoolyBugged]

That’s awesome! I love fishing for wild brook trout in PA.

[@hunt555fish]

Mike your videos just keep better and better.Your video work is outstanding.Did you do the drone shots at the start of this video?What are you using for a chest pack back pack combo?Where Can I get more info on you fiberglass rod and reel combo.Keep up the great work Mike you are an asset to the fly fishing world.

[@WoolyBugged]

Ron Gearhart Ron, thanks, appreciate the nice comments. Yes, I did do the drone shots. This video was entirely self-filmed. The pack I’m using in this video is the Fishpond Bitch Creek pack. The rod is handcrafted by Nico over at Yamame Fly Rods. If you go over YamameFlyRods.com or just Google the name, you’ll find the site and you can contact Nico via email. He also sells the Approach Genesis fly reels which are a lot of fun on small streams.

[@WoolyBugged]

The winner of the flask is What_Are_We_Doing_Today who answered correctly first. The largest state forest in the PA system is Sproul State Forest and the acreage is 305,450 acres. DM me friend!

[@jadonc2882]

Quehanna wild area 48,186 acres, I live in pa I fish central pa almost every week I fish medix run and have a camp in moshannon state park, absolutely love your videos keep it up

[@WoolyBugged]

Medix Run! I love that area, lots of great streams. Thanks for the comment.

[@adaml9494]

Sproul State Forest 305,450 acres. Great to see you back. Would love to see you make a video targeting wild brown trout in PA. Thanks and all the best.

[@WoolyBugged]

Thanks AJ, maybe I'll do a brown trout video soon. Appreciate the comments.

[@roncarlsonblackwolf2463]

Awesome video Mike I am glad you see you are back I enjoyed it and I was talking to Outdoors Allie and she said her and Nick enjoy watching your videos take care and be safe

[@WoolyBugged]

Ron Carlson Black wolf thanks pretty cool Ron, they’ve got an awesome channel. Thanks for the nice comment.

[@roncarlsonblackwolf2463]

@@WoolyBugged you are welcome Mike I can't wait until the next video

[@davids9549]

Sliding down slopes on your arse is not good for your waders! But thanks for sharing a lovely outing...

[@bruceknowles8606]

Sproul State Forest, 305,450 acres, always enjoy your videos

[@GeorgeSemel]

It's been cold here in CT to this spring, last night it got downright cold for this time of year 39 deg at my property this morning. On the other hand, I got myself some stocking foot waders- thanks to Uncle Sugar, I when to my nearest fly shop, an hour drive. I ended up with the Simms G3 Guide. Should last a while I should thing. Bought some fly tying stuff too.

[@WoolyBugged]

You made a good choice George! Hope it warms up soon in CT!

[@nickbrown6916]

Missed your videos!

[@lonetrout]

2:09 "Damnit! Should have the camera back there!"

[@MrTwofishes]

Sproul State Forest and 307,140 acres. Missed your videos Mike, stay safe.

[@WoolyBugged]

Thank you! I appreciate you missing my videos. You stay safe too.

[@skaterhk213]

The narrows have been having crazy hatches the last few month

[@tyleradaaasams3381]

Hi Mike it’s been a while I was waiting for an upload the stream looks very nice.

[@WoolyBugged]

It has been a while and I'm glad to be fishing.

[@justincase4358]

Hi Mike! The largest state forest in Pa. would be Bald Eagle with 193,424 acres.

[@Northerngulf]

Another great video, thanks for posting. Was a little worried that you accidentally put the tripod in a beehive in the intro!

[@joesanders6898]

Some folks have answered your question with Wild Area or State Forrest, but I think you asked for the largest State Park. My guess is Ohiopyle State Park with 19,052 acres.

[@randymatson5710]

Nice to see you back Sproul State Forest 305,450 acres

[@WoolyBugged]

Thanks Randy, it feels good, thanks for the comment.

[@tiredredneck8159]

Bravo indeed👍👍

[@leechatterton6150]

Fly is very similar to a Klinkhammer