Fishing Creek

Fishing Creek, or "Big" Fishing Creek is located in the Northern part of Central Pennsylvania, and offers some of the best trout fishing in all of PA. Located in Clinton County, it is a cold, limestone stream filled with deep pools, heavy riffles and some fast runs of water. Much like Penns Creek, it is known for it's diversity of bug life including a great Green Drake, Sulphur, and Grannom hatch. This creek is primarily a wild brown trout fishery, but here you will also find some quality brook trout.

Brown Trout will average 10” but fish up to 18” are not out of the question. A section known as the “Narrows” is the location where Joe Humphries once caught the state record Brown Trout. It measured 34 inches and was 16 lbs. Good hatches combined with the highest Brown Trout biomass in Pennsylvania, make Fishing Creek one of the best the Northeast has to offer.

The stream above Eastville becomes intermittent during the hot summer months, even drying up in spots on the surface while flowing underground. The water here is very shallow and not very good for fishing. From the abundant springs below the headwaters, Fishing Creek rejuvenates with fresh cold water and becomes a phenomenal wild trout stream entering the world famous "Narrows." This is by far the most popular stretch of the creek and the fish in this section are highly educated.

The Narrows is lined heavily with trees and the stream runs through a narrow valley, moving swiftly in spots, with steep slopes rising from the banks. If you're going to Fishing Creek and plan on fishing the Narrows, you'll need to rely on your casting ability. These fish are very spooky here, and while short casts may look like the way to go, a long cast will work better. It's also a good idea to practice different line-mending techniques because you'll need them here. With all the different micro currents formed from the water rushing through this boulder filled valley, combined with ultra selective fish, drag free drifts are a must. Trophy Trout Projects regulations exisist for a 0.9 mile stretch from the private lane bridge located at the Tylersville Fish Culture Station, downstream to the 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 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. While this may sound very confusing, these areas are well marked, and are highlighted in the fishing regulations booklet that comes with your Pennsylvania fishing license.

There is a good hatch of Green Drakes that occur in this area beginning just after the hatch ends on Penns Creek. You will also see good hatches of Hendricksons, Sulphurs, Blue Quills, Isonychia, and Tricos.  There will also be a few other mayflies and caddis species that will hatch sporadically throughout the year.

Downstream from Lamar, Fishing Creek runs through farmland and does not receive nearly the fishing pressure that the Narrows brings. Plenty of private property exsists in this area so be careful not to trespass. You will still find an ok population of wild brown trout down here, but the stream is mainly stocked by the State. Further down by its mouth at Bald Eagle Creek, the stream becomes less productive.

Fishing Creek is one of the best streams in Pennsylvania, and anglers should make it a "must do" on their list of places to fish.