http://www.tomsflyfishing.com

Angling Publications - Index

Angling Publications - Magazine - Index

PENNSYLVANIA
• Letort Spring Run
• Tom’s Fly-Fishing Service
South-central Pennsylvania’s
Letort Spring Run has a special place in
the annals of American fly fishing. Here Vince Marinaro, Charlie Fox, Ernie Schwiebert, and others developed
many of the flies and tactics for limestone streams we use today. These gents had as much trouble enticing wily
Letort browns then as we do today, and they had to get creative to catch the fish. But it’s a beautiful and peaceful
place to spend a day from spring through winter.
Tom Brtalik of Tom’s Fly-Fishing Service guides here and on other nearby spring creeks all year round. Fishing
here requires stealth—Tom advises against getting in the water unless you absolutely have to. Relatively long
leaders and accurate presentations that allow for drag-free drifts with dries or nymphs are necessary. Downand-across
with various streamers works, too. Although the Letort is fairly slow moving, it flows as a confused
set of currents and seams where drag is the rule rather than the exception.
Brtalik has fished these waters for over 30 years and is as good an instructor as he is a guide. He says he
often figures out the trout because he “speaks” their language. That is, he is expert at reading the water and
translating what he sees into how to best present the fly. This gift is particularly important on technical limestoners
like the Letort. Tom works with a number of B&Bs and motels, so lodging is not a problem. Log on to
www.tomsflyfishing.com, or call him for more information at (717) 770-0796. by King Montgomery
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BARRY & CATHY BECK PHOTO