Creek Panfishin'

[Jim Gronaw]

Not far from me is a small stream in southern Pennsylvania that has a reputation as a good smallmouth and trout water. It also has largemouths, crappies and suckers and carp. It is rich in Civil War era history, as much of the waters I fish are. On a beautiful clear afternoon, I tangled with the stream's abundance of panfish. To my pleasant surprise, I found a bunch of sunfish below the covered bridge near the parking lot, hanging out in the shade. First fish of the day was a nice creek bluegill...

I was using one of LedHeds grey, thread bodied chub head designs and it proved a winner. They just had to have it..

It looked like a variety of fish could be had in this Quaker State gem, so I began to take a few pics for comparison and fun. Most of the fish were decent greenies...

I also picked up a few small smallies and missed on a decent largemouth. They got wise to LedHeds jig ( sorry, Sonny ) so I went with one of my own 'hackle-jigs' in 1/64th ounce and they couldn't resist the slow fall rate. More sunfish, and now some brilliant pumpkinseeds...

Although the size of the fish were not in the trophy status, this is obviously a rich stream. It is Marsh Creek, in Adams County, and the ultra light panfishing is there for the effort...and total enjoyment! Scenery is cool, too...I'll bet there's a dynamite panfishing creek near most of you that is barely tapped for gills and sunnies of great variety. So....? What are you waiting for?

[John Sheehan]

Love those Green Sunfish!

[JBplusThuy]

Wonderful pics! Just looking at them makes me feel much better about getting skunked yesterday :)

[Jim Gronaw]

Hey Nick...there are many streams in our region that are basically untapped for panfish. Regulations are statewide limits, but nobody bothers with it, except guys like me! And I release everything.

[Nick Holt]

Hey Jim,  Great pictures and greater fishing.  Do they impose catch and release on that beautiful creek, or can you take a limit if you want to?  Wish I did have a creek near by with an abundance of fish that you described.  Nick

[John Sikkila]

Looks like you found a fishing bonanza!.....Great photos Jim!

[John Sheehan]

Thanks for sharing your fine experience Jim !

[dick tabbert]

Very interesting Jim. We all have creeks around makes you wonder what could be lurking under that water. I use to fish creeks alot in my younger days but since the boat I haven't  fished any creeks. When I think back most of the fun I had came from creeks. When a fish is on the line you don't really know what might be on the other end of the line. Ocasionally we could catch even a walleye or even a northern pike. Thanks Jim for making me think back to them good old days. They where fun but not forgotton. The pixs added a lot Jim, I seem to never have my camera when I need it.  Again nice job Jim and GOOD FISHIN...

[JC]

Thanks for this detailed report. The pics really make the difference.

[Jeffrey D. Abney]

Sometimes the pure beauty of the location makes the fishing trip even better. Great photos in this blog Jim and like you said, the creeks normally stay cold. Good piece of work!