| TRIP
OPTIONS(streams, techniques, times) and GUIDE TRIP PRICING
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| Guided Trips are organized
into either full-day or half-day options. Of course, the
varied angling opportunities in our region allow for multiple
days of angling as well! All angling options are available
for either 1 or 2 anglers; 3 with pre-arrangement. I can
likely help you with most needed equipment, if necessary
(except, in some cases, wading gear). A PA resident or
non-resident fishing license is required; I do
not provide a license service! Click
HERE to purchase a PA fishing license online! It's a great
option! IMPORTANT...All fishing
is strictly catch-and-release! |
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| Full
Day (approx. 9 hours) with Kurt Thomas
Includes one full mid-day meal, snacks,
water and soft drinks. You have a choice of either departing
in the morning and staying on the water until mid-afternoon,
or departing between noon-1:00 p.m. and staying on the water
until dusk. Longer days may be arranged by prior special arrangement.
We often combine a visit to two streams in a full day trip,
such as afternoon small stream fishing, combined with an evening
on the Clarion River. A great way to sharpen skills in a variety
of settings! |
|
Half
Day (approx. 4-5 hours) with Kurt Thomas
Includes snacks, water and soft drinks.
Half day trips are excellent choices as samplers to discover
the variety of angling we have here in our region, as opportunities
for experienced fly anglers to sharpen their skills, and
also for beginners to drastically increase the "learning
curve" on their way to more successful and satisfying
fly fishing. |
| Fees
for Guided Trips/All Destinations*
- 6% PA Sales Tax is included |
| Half
Day/ 1 Angler |
Full
Day/ 1 Angler |
Half
Day/ 2 Anglers |
Full
Day/ 2 Anglers |
| $150.00* |
$225.00* |
$200.00* |
$300.00* |
*Note - - guided trip pricing
does not include lodging fees, if necessary for your stay. Pricing
subject to change at any time. |
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| ANGLING
OPPORTUNITIES ~ ITEMS FOR PURCHASE |
| Below
is information about the various angling scenarios and other services that
we currently offer. Feel free to read down through them
all, or click a link to jump to your preference, should
you have one. If you've already booked a trip, please read below as well!
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Fly fishing on the Clarion
River in northern Pennsylvania is a unique experience.
A variety of natural and controlled variables have
combined to create a fishery that is unmatched by
any other. A combination of "good genes", along with
some nurturing from local industry and concerned sportsmen,
has helped the Clarion develop into one of the finest
trophy trout streams in the East. A medium-to-large
trout stream by Pennsylvania standards, it is particularly
well suited to growing large brown trout. A trout
of 20", a trophy in most locales and a fish of a lifetime
to many people, barely raises eyebrows here. It is
possible (sometimes, probable!) to connect with several
browns of this size, and perhaps even larger, on many
days, depending on the skill and the ability of the
angler to adjust to the variables of this dynamic
fishery. It is also possible to catch nothing! Note: the Clarion River is NOT "easy" to fish. Getting to the river can be an obstacle. There are often steep banks, thicket to engage, and posted land to avoid. Wading can be a challenge. If you have any physical limitations or health issues, I need to know this in advance! There are areas we can access that are a bit easier, and there are other streams we can fish. Also...these Clarion fish are often wild, and all behave as wild fish. The larger fish have lived a number of years, and have become wizened by nature and increasing angling pressure. You earn every fish you hook here. Don't be afraid of it, be proud of it!
UPDATE - The fishing is protected
with special "Catch and Release-All Tackle" regulations
under the PA Fish and Boat Commission. Our
trophy brown trout fishing should improve even further
in the future!
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The Clarion is fairly large
water, and is best fished with longer fly rods. Nymph and
streamer techniques require a rod of at least 9' that handles
a 5 or 6 weight line for efficiency and comfort. Dry fly
fishing is more flexible; many rod lengths and line weights
will suffice, but it's hard to beat a 9 foot rod (or longer) matched
to a 5 or 6 weight line.
Here is a list of necessities
for trout fishing on the Clarion River:
- A REEL with a good
drag system and at least 100 yards of backing. Honestly...you
may need it!
- POLARIZED Sunglasses.
The river is "tannic" looking, and rarely runs
truly clear; POLARIZED sunglasses improve safety along
with fishing technique.
- Clothing - earth-tone
shirts, jackets, and hats are the best choices for fishing
effectiveness. Be prepared for changes in the weather;
some type of raingear is advisable.
- Wading Gear - felt-soled
chest-high waders are a necessity on most days while fishing
the Clarion River; metal cleats are very helpful. Waist
highs are usually acceptable in summertime. Some anglers feel more comfortable with wading staffs. The stream bottom can be irregular, with jagged rocks and boulders hiding. Tinted water can make it very difficult to see obstacles.
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The lower Clarion River, at
Ridgway and continuing for many miles below, has also developed
into a classic smallmouth bass fishery. A large biomass
of crayfish and baitfish make for some big smallies! Flyfishing
with streamers and hairbugs can allow for some fast action from
these usually cooperative fighters. We catch several smallmouth
each season of 18-20", and 12-15" are common. Rods of 9
ft. that handle a 6-to-8 wt. line are ideal. These fish respond better to larger patterns!
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Here
is a list of necessities for comfortable smallmouth fishing
on the Clarion River:
- A REEL with a decent
drag system. Even the old standby Pfleuger Medalist is
serviceable!
- POLARIZED Sunglasses.
The river rarely runs truly clear; POLARIZED sunglasses
improve safety along with fishing technique.
- Clothing - earth-tone
shirts, jackets, and hats are the best choices for fishing
effectiveness. Be prepared for changes in the weather;
some type of raingear is advisable.
- Wading Gear - felt-soled
chest-high waders are a necessity on most days while fishing
the Clarion River; metal cleats are very helpful. Waist
highs are usually acceptable in summertime.
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Small
Stream Fly Fishing
for Brook & Brown Trout
The northern
tier of Pennsylvania is interlaced with a tremendous network
of waterways formed by trickles of spring water percolating
from our hill and mountaintops. These headwater regions are
prolific fisheries for wild trout; specifically, the native
brook trout and wild brown trout. These streams offer fast
action for fly anglers all season long. These fish come readily
to the dry fly…no need to match the hatch here! Nymph tactics
are highly effective as well. The challenge here is presenting
the fly to the fish; each tiny new pool is a new puzzle! Kurt
Thomas is extremely well versed in the casting skills and
secrets required to maneuver a fly rod in these forest regions;
call us to schedule a trip! The summer and fall seasons are
prime time for visiting the small streams; there is no need
to store away the fishing gear in the summer once you've learned
the secrets necessary to enjoy this aspect of our fine sport.
The skills you will learn here will improve all aspects of
your fishing!
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The small streams are best
handled with fly rods of 7'6" or shorter, that handle lines
of 5 to 6 wt. We have accumulated a good supply of these
rods, and they are available for you to use at no cost if
you don't own a suitable rod (most anglers don't!).. Longer
rods are difficult to wield in the brushy conditions. Lighter
line weights, although all the rage now, are simply not
as effective at presenting a fly in the forest.
Here is a list of necessities
for fly fishing in the forest streams for wild brook and
brown trout:
- POLARIZED Sunglasses
are helpful in the forest setting as well. Lighter-toned
glasses allow maximum light penetration.
- Clothing - Earth-tone
shirts, jackets, and hats are NECESSITIES for fishing
success. The wild trout in these intimate settings are
highly attuned to their environment, and it is essential
that we do our best to blend in. Dress lightly in warm
weather. Kurt carries his gear in a hip pouch to avoid
wearing a vest.
- Wading Gear - On
the small streams you will be much more comfortable in
hip boots or waist-high wading pants; breathable models
are fantastic!
- Flies - We do most
of fishing with large (#12-#14) heavily hackled attractor
patterns. Wulff-style patterns are ideal. Small bead-head
style nymphs in any pattern (pheasant tail nymphs are
ideal) will suffice.
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| The
limestone streams that surround State College, Pennsylvania
are renowned for their fantastic populations of wild
brown trout. Kurt Thomas has guided extensively on these
streams, particularly Spring Creek, for many years.
We can arrange a guided trip for you there whether you
lodge in that area, or ours. Spring Creek can be reached in an hour and 20 minute drive(on I-80) from Ridgway,
PA. He can meet you there, or you can travel together
to enjoy a day on these fine waterways. These streams
almost always fish well and are another possibility
for our visitors. 9' 5 or 4 weight fly outfits are ideal
on these streams, and shorter rods are fine, too. |
Kurt
Thomas provides instruction for anglers of any skill
level, whether novice or experienced, in fly casting,
fly fishing techniques, and fly tying. Group or individual
settings can be arranged. He will make arrangements
to travel and meet with your group. A variety of Powerpoint presentations are available for your event. Contact us to
discuss availability and scheduling options.
Currently available presentations:
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Purchase Kurt's Specialty Trout Flies & Hand Tied Leaders |
Clarion River Adventures is NOT and probably never will be a "fly shop". However, Kurt does tie "specialty" flies, some of his own design, that may not be available in other fly shops but have great utility for the techniques we utilize on our Pennsylvania streams, both large and small. In addition, his hand-tied fishing leaders can be purchased as well. Many of these leader formulas are derived from those designed by Mr. George Harvey and/or Mr. Joe Humphreys. See the Purchase page for available fly patterns and fishing leaders. |
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"Call
Today for a Clarion River Adventure" - (814)-772-6217 |
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This is the listing of primary services offered from Clarion River Adventures. Click the Blue text to jump to the appropriate information below.