After spending a bit of time on the Little Lehigh and Falling Spring Branch recently I determined that the fish on the Little Lehigh are much more civilized. The evidence? Fish on the Little Lehigh often rise out in the open, allowing standard casts, while fish on Falling Spring rise under trees, bushes, and other obstructions, forcing the fly fisher to cast sidearm, backhand, and other awkward and fly tangling ways. In addition, the respectful fish on the Little Lehigh often allow an angler to stand and address them, while the fish on Falling Spring require anglers to get on their knees and even crawl before even considering accepting an offering. The respective homes of these fish provide even more proof. The fish on the Little Lehigh have servants to mow vast swaths of grass near their homes and the landscape's whole feel is of domestic neatness. The fish of Falling Spring, on the other hand, live amid weeds, downed trees, and tangles of cress. The result: one can always find visitors to the Little Lehigh on hand, fishing, or talking, or just sitting and enjoying the beauty of the stream on benches provided for their ease and comfort. Falling Spring, on the other hand, is shunned by all but the few, who are forced to stand, if they happen to meet, while they discuss why the fish are so lacking in manners.
"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"
--Fred Chappell