I was taught to fish by my uncles using bait for bass, pan-fish, pickerel and walleyes. Later when I was old enough to wade in a current, they introduced me to trout fishing using bait. In those days we kept and ate the fish we caught. Today I am a fly fisherman. I have the most success fishing for trout. The reason for that is because that is what I spend most of my fishing time doing. Now-a-days I release the fish I catch unharmed. Catch and release allows these magnificent fish to reproduce other fish with strong survival qualities. It also allows others to enjoy the experience of meeting that fish, if they can get it.

When people see photos and movies of the fish I catch, the first thing they want to know is “Where did you catch those fish.” Secret: The correct question to ask is, “How did you catch those fish.” The places I fish do not easily give up large trout. Going to those locations does not guarantee success. There are many places that have trout. At some of those places you can catch a lot of trout. In other places you can catch large trout. There are a few places where you can catch huge trout. It takes learning and patience and time.

I was asked the question, “What do I consider the area’s top 5 spots for trout fishing. The number one spot for trout in NEPA is the Upper Delaware River. The location includes the West Branch and the upper main stem. There are many fish there and very large Brown and Rainbow trout. It is not easy to catch them, but the experience makes it worth learning how. Across the river in nearby New York are famous, historic waters. The East Branch, the Beaverkill, the Willomec and abundant small feeder streams that avail themselves as spawning beds that help these rivers produce wild trout.

Some people will laugh when they hear my next suggestion. Harvey’s Lake is populated with some real nice trout that have managed to avoid a hook and have gotten long and fat. The opportunities to fish are severely challenged by recreation boaters, whose noisy cavorting drives the fish deep until cold weather, but (Secret:) night fishing allows you to catch big fish in that lake. You need access to the lake and the best approach to locate fish is by boat.

Our area is loaded with trout streams that are heavily stocked and heavily fished for about a week after they are stocked. I love stream fishing and standing in the cold fast water when mayflies and Caddis flies are hatching. Secret: the best places to fish are the state designated “fly fishing only” “catch and release” stretches. The reason for this is the trout are very abundant, because none are taken out and very few are killed by fishermen, so the trout that live there plus the fish that are constantly added to the existing population are available to catch. However, you need to read the rules and learn to use Fly Fishing gear or in some places other artificial lures.

So where are these places? Tunkhannock Creek behind Keystone college in La Plume, Bowman’s creek near Eaton and Harvey’s Creek along route 29 are well stocked and all offer beautiful scenery and opportunities to catch trout. The reason I mention these places are because I live very close to each. If you have a designated fishing area in a stream near you, that is where you should go. Secret: The designated areas insure you that trout live there.

If you’re not familiar with the water or Fly Fishing gear, it’s a good idea to start out with an outfitter\guide. Check the yellow pages for local sporting goods stores. One expert to seek would be Joe Ackourey from Dick Ackourey and Sons in Luzerne, PA. A guide will save you years of learning, by teaching you exactly what you need to know. If you insist on going it alone, keep yourself safe. The rivers look pretty, but are swift, slippery and dangerous. If you are inexperienced stick to the last three places I mentioned and save the first two for another time. I wish you the best and the happiest of experiences as you trout fish.

Earl Nulton is a Fly fisherman, Writer and Producer of the Local Independent film AN OCCASIONAL FISH.