Forbes listed their top ten fly fishing states last year and Pennsylvania was one of them. PA fly fishing is a must for any outdoorsman. There are an abundance of streams and rivers in the state to explore. Temperature, location, species, weather and season are all factors in fly fishing. Let this guide help you find the best place to find the best catch!
The Tulpehocken Creek, known as the Tully, is located right outside of Reading, PA. The cold water makes it a thriving location for brown and rainbow trout. Every fall, the Tully is stocked with 6,000 fingerling brown and 6,000 rainbow trout. By springtime, they have grown to be 8-10”. The Tulpehocken Creek is one of the best streams for year round fly fishing but the prime season is March through October.
Stonycreek River, in southwestern PA, is comprised of five major tributaries. The river flows for 46 miles and is a great mix of trout and smallmouth bass. Quemahoning Creek is the biggest tributary and flows for 5 miles. The creek is stocked by sportsmen’s clubs and holds large and smallmouth bass, trout, carp and pan fish. The Quemahoning Classic is a catch and release tournament held each June and offers prizes in a variety of categories.
Great for a day trip is Loyalhanna Creek. This creek is not far from Pittsburgh and is a 50 mile long tributary of the Kiskiminetas River. This particular spot is popular for trout fishing. Linn Run is another hot spot for fly fishing wild Brook trout and can be found in Linn Run State Park.
Central Pennsylvania attracts anglers from around the world with the Juniata River, Fishing Creek, Penn’s Creek and Spring Creek. The Juniata River is a tributary of the Susquehanna River. The Susquehanna runs for 444 miles and through three states. The River is known for its smallmouth bass and ranks among the top rivers in PA because of its smooth waters and large population of fish. Penn’s Creek was voted as America’s Top 100 Trout Streams. It ranks among the top fly fishing in the state because of its trophy sized trout.
Clear water and a good mix of pools, pockets and riffles make Slate Run among the best trout fishing streams in Pennsylvania. Slate Run is a 7 mile long, freestone stream in Pine Creek Valley. The stream has a good population of wild brown trout and brook trout. Though fishing is possible all year round, May is the best month to head out. For year round trout fishing, visit Valley Creek. This spring-fed limestone creek is minutes from Philadelphia and holds a Class A population of brown trout.
For your entire fly fishing gear and clothing, Ligonier Outfitters is the place to purchase everything you need. The store, in Ligonier, PA, was ranked number one among retailers in the area for Orvis fishing equipment. They also offer classes and day trips to the surrounding streams. Lessons are private or semi-private.
After a long day enjoying the outdoors, the beautiful accommodations here at The Settlers Inn are the perfect way to unwind and relax. The inn has 21 guest rooms with most rooms featuring fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs. Reservations can be booked easily online or by calling 570-226-2993.
Photo courtesy of Michael W Murphy