|
Fishing Creek, located in the Northern part of Central
Pennsylvania, is one of the most well-known trout streams
Pennsylvania has to offer. Running through Clinton County,
it is a cold, limestone stream filled with deep pools,
heavy riffles and some fast runs of water. This fishery
is primarily maintained by the reproduction of wild brown
trout that dominate throughout, and some wild brook trout
that also reside here. Supported by cold, limestone springs
and tributaries, Fishing Creek offers great hatches and
consistent fishing throughout the summer into the fall.
The stream above Tylersville, from Eastville to the
headwaters, becomes intermittent during the summer,
drying up in spots on the surface while flowing underground.
Here you will find very shallow water, and the fish
will be small browns and brookies. There is some posted
land in this area and it is recommended that you obey
the landowners' wishes. From the abundant springs below
the headwaters, Fishing Creek rejuvenates and becomes
a spectacular, wild trout stream as you enter the well-known "Narrows." This
is the most popular stretch of the stream and is easily
accessible off SR 2002. The Narrows is a heavily tree-lined
section, and here the stream runs through a narrow
valley, moving swiftly in spots, with steep slopes
rising from the banks. There are Trophy
Trout Projects regulations for a 0.9 mile stretch
from the private lane bridge at Tylersville Fish Culture
Station downstream to State Game Lands #295 boundry
(located 300 yds downstream of the upstream SR 2002
bridge) and 2.1 miles; from a point 1.3 miles upstream
of the lower SR 2002 bridge, downstream to Flemings
Bridge (SR 2004) at Lamar Fish Hatchery. There is also
a Catch and Release area
for 2.0 miles; from State Game Lands #295 boundry (located
300 yds downstream of the upstream SR 2002 bridge)
downstream to a point 1.3 miles upstream of the lower
SR 2002 bridge |
|
 |
CLICK FOR MAP
|
You'll find a decent hatch of Green Drakes in this area
beginning just after the hatch ends on Penns Creek. You
will also see good hatches of Hendricksons, Sulphurs, Olives, Blue
Quills, Isonychia, and Tricos along
with other Mayflies and Caddis throughout this heavily-wooded
stretch. |
|
Downstream from Lamar to Mill Hall, Fishing Creek runs
through farms and does not receive the fishing pressure
that the Narrows brings. In a few spots just above Mackeyville,
the stream flows underground again during the summer.
Springs around Mackyville increase the flow. There is
some posted property along the way, so be sure to obey
the landowners' wishes. You will still find a good population
of wild browns throughout. Near Mill Hall, the stream
is stocked by the State and farther down by its mouth
at Bald Eagle Creek, the stream becomes less productive.
If you're going to Fishing Creek and plan to fish
the Narrows, you'll need to heavily depend on your
casting ability. Short casts may look like the way
to go, but these fish are very spooky and a long cast
will work better. It's a good idea to practice those
line-mending techniques, because you'll need them here.
Although hatches are plentiful, you might want to try
nymphing with Stonefly Nymphs and Hares Ears. Keep
in mind that you're fishing in a heavily-populated
tree area and during the summer you'll see many Terrestrials "coming
out of the woodwork," so keep your fly boxes filled
with them.
So, should you visit the Northern part of Central
Pennsylvania, be sure to stop at Fishing Creek and
experience one of the best streams in Pennsylvania. |
|
|
