Fly Fishing The Yough

Type: Nontidal
Region: Garrett County
Location: Youghiogheny River

I fished the upper Yough above Swallow Falls in the cold and snow Friday afternoon (Feb. 10). The river was perfect, plenty of water, and a perfect color. I started nymphing and then swung some small wooly buggers with no luck. It wasn�t until I switched to a rubber-legged black stonefly did I get consistent action. The fish were certainly sluggish in the 35.6F degree water. Most action was at the end of the drift as the fly floated around the backs of the pools. Raising and lowering the rod kept the fly off the bottom and moving just enough to get some strikes. I caught several fish over 12� which I release quickly.

Be careful on the snowy and icy rocks because a bad step could leave you with hypothermia.

Attached is a photo of one fat rainbow.