terminology, it’s called matching the hatch. In adult form, these insects will not bite, sting, or harm you. They are all beneficial to the local ecosystem– fish and birds rely on them as a food source. The streambed of Fishing Creek provides a safe and fertile place for the insect larva and nymphal stage insects to develop until hatching. These various insects are for the stream as the canary is for the mine; if they start to disappear, it’s a clear indication that the stream ecosystem is experiencing trouble. I believe a trout is too valuable to be killed, so I have always practiced catch and release. The late Lee Wulff, a famous fishing writer, once penned that a trout was too precious to be used only once so I am thrilled to see more and more anglers releasing trout back into Fishing Creek. It also pleases me to see anglers travel great distances to fish our stream. Harry Schoel and TheoBakelaar, world famous fly tiers, venture from the Netherlands to Fishing Creek each year to try their luck. The late actor William Conrad fished here; as did Jay Manty, leader of Seal Team Five. Ivan Tarin, one of Spain’s best anglers, also recently tested his skills here. Most newspapers only report on professional sports, but once a week our local paper, the Press Enterprise , features outdoor writer Tom Austin. Tom frequently authors two full pages of hunting and fishing news that benefit readers who truly love the outdoors. I am truly blessed to live in this beautiful valley with the cold, clear trout stream that I love. I like to think of it as my own little piece of paradise, but it’s here for all of us to enjoy! To fully experience Fishing Creek, and the beautiful Benton region, consider planning a guided fly fishing trip with Bar- ry & Cathy Beck. The Becks also employ several experienced fly fishing guides who can instruct, educate, and assist an- glers of all skill levels. When working with less experienced an- glers, guides will explain fly selection, positions, presentation, knots, and leader construction. Questions are encouraged! Experienced anglers can have as much or as little assistance as he wishes. Learn more about the Becks and their guid- ed fishing programs by visiting www.barryandcathybeck.com.
PA Fish & Boat Commission. A group of dedicated volunteers raise and stock fish throughout the season. The Sportsmen’s Association also provides stream access maps for visiting anglers. Once a year, they also sponsor a youth fishing derby to encourage kids with the experience and thrill of catching “the big one”. Visitors can stop by the hatchery raceway and feed fish from the bridge. It’s a popular stop and any proceeds made benefit the club and fund future projects. With various B&B’s, cabins, vacation rentals, and inns, it’s easy to find a place to spend the night in the Benton area. There are nice restaurants and grab-it-and-go eateries (try Tony’s Steaks). Chris at the Old Filling Station offers a menu that I find hard to resist. There’s also Valley Pizza, Kozy Korner on the square, Fritz Tastee Cream & Hoboken Subs at the bridge, and Westovers Country Grill. Retherford’s Farm Market offers fresh fruits and vegetables. And the stream flows through it all! If you’re into exploring covered bridges, you won’t be disappointed. Below Benton in the quaint village of Stillwater is the well-maintained Stillwater Bridge that crosses Fishing Creek. Continuing south to the village of Forks where Huntington and Fishing Creek merge – and turning at the metal bridge - brings you to the Twin Bridges, one of only two sets in the country. From this point south, the creek offers perfect water for kayaking or tubing. The upper part of the creek has many log jams and portaging is required, but the lower end is more open. The valley offers a wonderful variety of outdoor activities, but for me it’s simply known as “home waters”. I cherish the many hours I have spent in its pools and riffles. To a fly fisherman, learning the aquatic and terrestrial insects that are food for trout is part of the game. Mayflies, caddis flies, and stoneflies make up most of a trout’s diet. Most aquatic insects hatch from the stream bottom and ride the currents until, in their adult form, they fly from the water.
Knowing when various insects are hatching helps anglers prepare for and keep the right imitation as bait. In fly-fishing
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