Clear Shade Creek is part of a dual tributary that forms Shade Creek. Its partner, Dark Shade Creek, is notorious for its pollution. Clear Shade, on the other hand, is one of the finest trout fisheries in Southwest Pennsylvania.
This unlikely partnership makes for one of the most interesting fishing spots in the state.
Despite its infamous brother, Clear Shade Creek manages to provide excellent fly fishing for its visitors. Check out our guide so that you can tackle this stream successfully.
Fly fishing Clear Shade Creek for wild brown trout in Pennsylvania
Clear Shade Creek begins in Gallitzin State Forest and runs south before it joins Dark Shade Creek. The two Creeks form Shade Creek. Shade Creek has suffered from pollution as several sites have bled iron and acid into Dark Shade.
Although the mines were abandoned in 1957, the damage the acidic mine drainage did to the local geology and ecology has had a lasting impact. The drainage has caused Dark Shade to be so acidic that its water cannot sustain any life. However, because Clear Shade’s waters are found in the state forest area, Clear Shade has stayed pristine and offers great fly fishing.
Clear Shade flows through Ogletown, Pennsylvania before passing under Route 56, and re-entering the State Forest in an area known as Clear Shade Wild Area.
The stream is stocked by the Fish and Boat Commission and by the Windber Sportsmen’s Club. You will see brown and brook trout. The stocked trout measure up to 14 inches, whereas the wild trout measure a bit smaller. It also has its own Catch-and-Release - Fly Fishing Only section. There are several other popular activities available to do along the stream, such as kayaking and hiking.
This is a beautiful fishery situated in a tranquil environment. You are guaranteed plenty of trout, and plenty of relaxation.
Clear Shade Creek Map and Fishing Access Sites
Get directions to fishing access points and real-time stream flow data with the DIY Fly Fishing Map
Best Places to Fish Clear Shade Creek
Access to Clear Shade Creek is great. From Clear Shade Road, you can take Fisherman’s Path, a ¼ mile long trail that provides entry to the Creek. There are many popular hiking trails in this area.
Some of the best fishing is in the Fly Fishing Only section, which is located about a mile upstream from Windber Reservoir. You can access the stream from the State Forest. The shoreline is rocky in some areas, but access is easier in the upper reaches. The stream is accessible to wade fishermen, but you’ll want to watch your footing.
Best Time to Fish Clear Shade Creek
The season for Clear Shade Creek is the standard Pennsylvania trout fishing season. You will have the most luck fishing in the spring when aquatic insect activity peaks. The fall is a beautiful time to fish and when you might have better luck hooking the larger holdover brown trout.
The creek can be low and clear during the summer making fishing more challenging.
Best Flies for Clear Shade Creek
Here is list of general fly pattern recommendations for Clear Shade Creek:
- Little Blue Winged Olives (#16-20)
- Blue Quill (#16-18)
- Quill Gordon (#12-14)
- Hendrickson (#12)
- Sulphurs (#14-16)
- March Brown (#10-12)
- Gray Fox (#10-12)
- Light Cahill (#14)
- Slate Drake (#12-14)
Need flies?
Ventures Fly Co. offers a great selection of dry flies, nymphs and streamers that will catch fish just about anywhere. Set includes 40 high quality, hand-tied flies (see list below) and waterproof fly box.
Dry Flies
- Adams Dry Fly
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Blue Wing Olive
- Royal Wulff
- Griffith's Gnat White
- Stimulator, Organge
- Chernobyl Ant
Nymphs/Wet Flies
- Rubber Leg Nymph, Brown
- BH Pheasant Tail Nymph
- BH Prince Nymph
- BH Hare's Ear Nymph
- Barr's Emerger Nymph
- Zebra Midge Nymph, Black
Streamers
- Wooly Bugger, Black (Size #8x2)
- Wooly Bugger, Olive (Size #8x2)
Gear Recommendations
A 9-foot 4-wt fly rod with floating line is perfect for fishing dry flies and small nymphs on Clear Shade Creek. A tapered 9-foot leader, with tippet size 3X to 5X to match the flies you are throwing, is pretty standard.
Need Gear?
Check out our DIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing Gear for recommendations.
Fishing Regulations
Pennsylvania requires all anglers 16 and older to have a standard fishing license, and a special permit for trout fishing, which can be obtained online or in most sporting goods stores in the state.
Clear Shade Creek fishing regulations are available on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website.
Trip Planning Tips
The nearest airport to Clear Shade Creek is Pittsburgh International Airport. Another option is Allegheny County Airport, which is about a two hour drive from Clear Shade. Keep in mind that you can travel to any major or municipal airport in Western Pennsylvania and arrive at your destination after a few hours of scenic driving.
If you are looking for camping in the area, Woodland Park Campground is a forty minute drive away from Clear Shade Creek. The campground has a friendly staff and a beautiful atmosphere. But there are plenty of places to stay indoors in Cambria county that are perfect for the budget-minded fisherman. Lake Inn has clean rooms, free Wifi, and its own restaurant.
If you are looking for a more unique experience, consider a stay at nearby Blueberry Meadows. This former 18th century hunting camp offers a fabulous mountain chalet that accommodates four.
Dark Shade Creek might be a work in progress, but Clear Shade Creek is guaranteed to provide excellent fly fishing.
Looking for more places to fish? Check out our DIY Guide to Fly Fishing Pennsylvania