I was back in town after spending a few weeks in Hawaii and Jin had some time off to go fishing so we decided to hit Codorus Creek because that cold water seemed to be just what you need during a hot summer on the East Coast.
I arrived streamside first. Jin called and said he was running a bit late so I decided to rig up and nymph a short section of deep water that was in front of the parking area. I tied on a large nymph and a smaller size 18 green brassie and waded out. On my fourth drift I scored a nice Codorus trout. He struck the brassie. After releasing this fish I quit fishing and went back to the parking area to wait for Jin.
We decided to walk far upstream and fish back to the parking area. We hiked along the railroad track then along the perimeter of a corn field before cutting into the trees and making our way to the creek. Jin was fishing dries, so I headed further downstream then turned around and worked my way back.
I had several short strikes but no luck landing any. Jin was killing them on top with a caddis. As we approached the parking lot I fished the deep water where I caught my first fish and got a strike on the first pass. Jin then gave me his 'secret fly' and I quickly pulled two out of there.
There was more water we wanted to try so we left one car behind and drove further upstream. We fished the same plan--Jin went through first with a dry and I followed up 20 minutes later, nymphing the more promising sections of the creek.
Fishing was better here. I pulled out a bunch of nice fish and had a really big fish take a swipe at the indicator. Jin pulled in 4-5 more trout and by the time we hit an old wooden bridge it was time to call it a day and head for home.
EQUIPMENT: Short 3 or 4 weight rods with floating lines. You don't need any rod over eight feet long for this creek. The water is very cold but shallow so wear heavy socks under your waders.
DIRECTIONS: I-95 towards Baltimore to 795 Towson to Exit 9B Hanover Pike (30) into Pennsylvania. The road becomes Baltimore Pike (94). Exit Grandview Road, turn right at the restaurant on Blooming Grove Road (216) and several hundred yards later a left on Hoff Road (look for the Lamb of God). Codorus State Park and Lake Marburg will be on your right as you travel down Hoff Road. STOP at the railroad crossing! Codorus Creek runs along a CSX rail line and parts of Park Road, Porters Road, Hayrick Road and Thomas Drive. Look for the small yellow signs that indicate fishing areas and parking. Please respect all property owners and don't trash the stream.
