Low water levels..or??

Now i know we havent had much rain but do you think that these are actually low water levels or seemingly low due to the results of these streams being eroded and slowly filling in? Ive done a lot of walking and have come to the conclusion that the cricks have changed soo much- so much more than previous years. A lot of fill ins and a lot of cleanouts. What they did demolishing the old bridge on mid-upper elk is a shame, its not even shoelace deep where it used to be a few feet deep and formerly a good holding spot. The power of water is crazy. Look how deep the stop sign hole is now since the top log came off. I also noticed fish mostly use that as a thru way instead of holding now compared to last few years.

Makes you wonder if the fish commish knows that these creeks are going to be too much work in the future. "Supposed" cutbacks of stocking , lack of initiatives to buy access..no real plans or projects for the future.. are the good times really over for good
..hmm

I think the state is just too overwhelmed with people and their demands. Fishing for steelhead got too big too fast for whatever reason. They could bring more staff on in the fall and take it more serious. Ive had more encounters with the fish commission and game commsion while fishing and hunting elsewhere for license checks, etc. I guess they got people where they want them. Bringing in boo coo money laughing at all of trib fishermen. Even if they are slowly hitting the reset button do you think the creeks are gonna endure a second chance? Ive seen a lot of small local creeks near my home be filled in with erosion to the point of inhability. If this keeps up it will be the end for sure.

SRNY is slow too so far this season...be floating Jan 16th up there can not wait!!!
WCW

As a lot of some of you more seasoned guys that have been around the block a time or 2 have stated a lot of old places that held fish have been gone for 20 years less and less holes

As the main Lake drops in great levels without rain all creeks run out that much faster .
LipRip nailed it !
The high cliffs are eroding and drop tons of shale gravel into the flat rock bottom creeks and just fill in all holes and crevices!  I've seen many a good run or holding hole just disappear with time. All filled with loose shale rock, maybe some will reappear in the future but most are a total loss! 
Took this photo in 2003

Gives you an idea how much had fallen with my friend in photo.

 
It's too bad most of you guys will never get to fish this area. The most scenic ,secluded, and  pristine area on all of Elk Creek!  Huge shale cliffs with waterfalls dripping down into some of the best fishing holes ever. It got posted to private pay fishing years ago. I had the pleasure for around 15 years or more with my son and a few close friends.
Just fantastic Steelhead fishing, the way it should be enjoyed ! I truly miss it ........... 

there was a couple holes i fished when i was WAY younger.... we probably walked a good mile down some rail road tracks and walkd upstream from the big rail road tressel.... has big cliffs like this one... i know it was on elk but dont remember exactly where... i think between the legion area and i90....? either way it was a beautiful area too...
 

used to fish up high  on walnut that had some nice holes and the creek was surprisingly wide in that area... would never see another person and we used to slam fish.... pretty sure its posted now...

Highstick ,  Yes it was all great fishing most years. That area your talking was called Little Elk and it was a good spot were it joined into Elk. That whole area required about a 3/4 mile hike down into the gorge from the road then extra walking as you moved upstream , but all well worth it.
Going back out was a workout, being younger was an advantage then ! lol 
There were at least 7 good holding holes along with about 5 nice flowing runs and all held fish !
 
How great was it that we would "walk and fish" from hole to hole and never worry about anybody up ahead being there! I fished it in the late 80's on to about 2005. Not sure exactly when it got posted up but right around that time. 90's till 2003 were just awesome fishing days there. Always double digits most trips with some days never seeing another person !
 

That's Little Elk in back round iced up , Elk's flowing good. C&R

Just barely upstream from Little Elk here / C&R   2003
 
   

Me too .....that was the silver rush ! lol......Your right a few Coho in the mix.
Never caught a Brown or seen one caught way up. Biggest Erie Brown I caught was in Girard Park about 24".
 Seen a Palomino caught at Trout Run around 30", more of a silvery yellow.
I caught a few at Trout Run. Seen a Lake Trout caught there early one morning , they were protected then I believe or had a season. Guy kept it didn't know how to tell fish .  

Caught a lake trout at the mudhole in 2007. Around 2:00 am

Awesome pics Capt! Thanks a bunch for sharing! That section just had everything going for it!

Whisperer, Good comparison!