A Springtime Ritual for Native Brookies

Article by Jerry Reitz

Emerging from the Hemlocks

There is a brief, magical window in mid-May when the natural world seems to catch its breath. The heavy rush of the post-Memorial Day crowds is still weeks away, leaving the mountains quiet, untouched, and utterly peaceful. For us, this is the official kickoff our annual long-weekend camping and fishing pilgrimage to one of our absolute favorite mountain streams in Pennsylvania, pursuing the ultimate small-stream apex predator: the native brook trout.

To step into the woods at this time of year is to witness spring at its absolute peak. The forest is loud with the vibrant sounds of nature shaking off the winter, and the streams run high, clear, and bracingly cold.

The Morning Crew and the “One-Bug” Magic

Our days start early, fueled by the crisp morning air and the unmatched enthusiasm of our loyal fishing companions, our veteran stream dog Sydney, and the newest addition to the pack, little Tippet.

As we hike parallel to the water, the canopy opens up just enough to catch glimpses of bald eagles soaring overhead, keeping their own sharp eyes on the water. But our focus is beneath the surface, or more accurately, right on the film.

When it comes to fly selection, we keep it incredibly simple and devastatingly effective: a hand-tied, size 8 traditional Sakasa Kebari (reverse-hackle fly). While many small-stream anglers automatically reach for tiny size 14s or 16s, this oversized size 8 is a dinner bell. To a native brookie, it must look like the meal of a lifetime floating down the lane.

The way these little water monsters hit that fly is nothing short of amazing. They don’t just sip it; they hit with a ferocious force that makes you question if you’ve accidentally hooked a stocked rainbow. These fish are pure, wild predators. They hide deep under submerged tree roots, waiting like little tigers to pounce on the first edible bug that floats by or flies a fraction of an inch too close to the surface. Being able to sit back and watch that aggressive, visual surface assault is the absolute pinnacle of small-stream angling.

Small Streams, Big Rewards (and a Few Branches)

After pushing a mile or so up this majestic stream, surrounded by nothing but the rushing water and the wind in the trees, you can’t help but wonder why everyone wouldn’t want to experience the wonder of this nature. Then again, Kim and I are perfectly fine with the solitude. There is a distinct joy in knowing you can fish these pristine mountain waters all day without running into another soul.

Of course, small-stream fishing in Pennsylvania isn’t without its… structural challenges. Sometimes the real game isn’t just catching the elusive brook trout but seeing how long you can fish without hooking the equally elusive “hemlock tree branch fly-eater!”

The Go-To Setup

For navigating these tight, canopy-covered waters, Kim’s Tanuki Outbound Adventurer rod has proven to be the ultimate tool for the job. It’s light, precise, and perfectly balanced for the environment. Here is the exact rigging that brings the magic to life:

• Rod: Tanuki Outbound Adventurer
• Line: 10-foot, 3.0 Level Line
• Leader/Tippet: Approximately 1.5 feet of 4x tippet
• Fly: Hand-tied Size 8 Sakasa Kebari

It’s a setup built for accuracy and delicate presentations in tight pockets. However, the stealth factor gets a comical test whenever Sydney is on the bank. She gets so incredibly excited, not even from the actual fish landing, but from the rhythm of the cast and the pure anticipation of watching her humans make a catch.

Wishing You Tight Lines

As the campfire dies down and we pack up another successful trip, we’re reminded of why we return to these headwaters year after year. It’s about the wild fish, yes, but it’s just as much about the stillness, the tight spaces, and the family we share it with.

Happy 2026 Tenkara season, everyone! Get out there, enjoy the adventure, and cherish the things you’ll see along the way. Until next time, tight lines for all!

— From Jerry, Kim, Tenkara Sydney, and little Tippet

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Jerry Reitz, a native of Pennsylvania, developed a deep-rooted love for the outdoors at a young age. Growing up in the Nittany Valley, he spent his days exploring the limestone small mountain streams and honing his angling skills. In recent years, Jerry’s passion for fishing took an exciting turn when he discovered tenkara.

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