Nestled in the northwest corner of Pennsylvania, Elk Creek stands as one of the premier steelhead tributaries flowing into Lake Erie. This remarkable waterway draws anglers from across the country during the fall and winter months, offering some of the most accessible and productive steelhead fishing in the Great Lakes region.
Elk Creek is one of the Lake Erie tributaries in Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio, collectively known as Steelhead Alley. Come fall each year, these tributaries are teaming with steelhead trout, and now you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a guided tour. With our handy DIY guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to plan your perfect fly fishing getaway.
Contents
About Elk Creek
Elk Creek’s journey begins in the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania before cutting through scenic valleys and eventually emptying into Lake Erie near the town of Lake City. The stream’s lower sections—particularly the sections from the mouth upstream to Folly’s End Campground—provide the most consistent fishing opportunities as steelhead make their annual spawning runs.
Ralph Scherder from Dark Skies Fly Fishing provides some great tips for fly fishing for steelhead on Elk Creek in Pennsylvania
Elk Creek is the most popular tributaries to Lake Erie in Steelhead Alley. It comes in just west of State Route 18 and south of McKean, following under I-79 and into the town of Fairview and under I-90 and U.S. Route 20, and onto Lake Erie.
It is stocked with brown trout and steelhead and is approved by state boards for trout fishing. In the summer and fall months, you’ll find some catfish, bass, and panfish if you head to the lower parts of the creek. Of course, most of the creek is too low and too warm to catch much in the way of trout after the end of April and before October. There are plenty of areas for public access to this stream, which is wadable at almost all locations.
Elk Creek Map and Fishing Access Sites
Get Directions to the Fishing Access Points shown above with the DIY Fly Fishing Map
There is also shoreline access and small boats can be launched near the mouth where the water is deeper. The wider, slower-moving parts of the creek are best for fishing, although there are runs up and down the entire length throughout the spring and fall months.
Steelhead gather at the mouth of Elk Creek in early fall, but they will quickly move upstream as the water cools down. This creek is one that has more private access areas than many in the region, so be careful to keep an eye out for those when perusing for the best fishing spots. We’ll talk about that more in detail in the next section.
Best Places to Fish Elk Creek
There is a park at the mouth of the creek where you can find fishing access, as well as another area designated off of Route 5 which is posted with an “Elk Creek Access Area” sign to ensure that people can find their way. Upstream from this area is mostly private land, so you’ll want to get permission before you go anywhere.
If you prefer, you can head downstream to Girard, and you’ll find a few fishing areas where you can cast a line. There is also fishing access from North Creek Road, which intersects with Route 5 past the creek. The railroad bridge offers good fishing, with the permission of Fairview Evergreen Nurseries, who owns the land.
Elk Park Road has a steel bridge that is another popular point of access. You can go in either direction and find a decent catch. Check out the American Legion Hole if you don’t mind a bit of a crowd, which you’ll find off of an industrial road near Route 20.
Folly’s End Campground, Streuchen Flats, and down toward the village of Sterrettania, you’ll find small access points scattered throughout. Then, there’s a large pool south of I-79 near McKean, which is popular on opening day.
Best Time to Fish Elk Creek
The prime time for steelhead fishing on Elk Creek typically begins in mid-October and extends through April, with peak fishing often occurring from November through March.
Fall runs depend largely on rainfall and cooler temperatures, encouraging steelhead to leave Lake Erie and venture upstream.
Winter fishing can be exceptional when moderate temperatures keep the stream from freezing, while spring offers opportunities to catch post-spawn fish heading back to the lake.
Stream Flow and Current Conditions
Be sure to check the stream conditions before heading out to fish the Elk Creek. The USGS stream gauge on Brandy Run near Girard, PA provides a good indication of current conditions.
The graph below shows the stream flow (discharge) for the past 7-days. If flows are considerably above or below historical norms (yellow triangles on the chart) then fishing conditions maybe not be ideal.
Fishing Tactics
Successful steelhead tactics on Elk Creek include dead-drifting egg patterns, swinging streamers, and drifting nymphs under indicators. Effective fly patterns include:
- Egg patterns (sucker spawn, glo-bugs)
- Stonefly nymphs
- Woolly Buggers in black, olive, and white
- Steelhead-specific patterns like the Steelhead Hammer
Best Flies for Elk Creek
Here is list of general fly pattern recommendations for Elk Creek:
- Glo Bug (#8 – 16)
- Sucker Spawn (#8 – 12)
- Nuclear Roe (#10 – 16)
- Black Stonefly (#12 -18)
- Brown Stonefly (#12 -14)
- Hare’s Ear (#10 – 12)
- Woolly Bugger (#6 – 10)
- Muddler Minnow (#6 – 10)
- Pink Panther (#6 – 10)
- White Bunny Spey (#6 – 10)
- Pot Bellied Pig
- M.C. Hammer (#4)
- Spawntruder (#4)
Gear Recommendations
A single-hand 9- or 10-foot, 6- or 7-wt fly rod with a weight-forward floating line is perfect for fishing nymphs and small streamers on Elk Creek. Similar weight switch rods 10 and 11.5 feet in length are also popular.
A 9- to 14-foot leader, tapered down to 10- or 8-pound-test is pretty standard. In super clear water conditions you may need to taper down to 6-pound-test.
A standard leader configuration for use with a floating or intermediate line is:
- 2 feet, 25-lb monofilament (mono)
- 2 feet, 20-lb mono
- 2 feet, 15-lb mono
- 2 feet, 12-lb fluorocarbon (fluoro)
- 2 feet, 10-lb fluoro
- 2 feet, 8-lb fluoro
A standard heavy sink-tip leader is:
- 2- to 5-feet straight 15-pound Maxima
- 2-feet straight 12-pound Maxima
Elk Creek Fishing Report
Area fly shops, guides and websites that can provide an Elk Creek fly fishing report and update on current conditions are listed below:
Fishing Regulations
The state of Pennsylvania requires that all people who are 16 years of age and older have a valid fishing license. There are resident and non-resident sport fishing licenses available.
You can purchase a Pennsylvania state fishing license and learn about the most current regulations through the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.
Getting There
Elk Creek is conveniently located just off Interstate 79, approximately 15 miles west of Erie, Pennsylvania. From Erie, take I-79 south to Exit 183 (PA-5/West Lake Road) and head west toward Lake City.
Where to Stay
Erie serves as the perfect base camp for your Elk Creek fishing adventure. The city offers numerous accommodation options ranging from budget motels to upscale hotels. Some recommended options include:
- Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel for waterfront views
- Comfort Inn & Suites for reasonable rates and clean rooms
- Several chain hotels along Peach Street corridor
For a more rustic experience closer to the action, consider Folly’s End Campground. During the fishing season, the campground provides camping sites right along Elk Creek. Be aware that reservations may be necessary during peak steelhead runs.
Trip Planning Tips
A few final considerations when planning your trip to Elk Creek:
- Weekends can be crowded, especially after fresh steelhead runs
- Consider hiring a local guide for your first visit
- Respect private property and fish only in designated areas
- Pack layered clothing for rapidly changing weather conditions
- Support local fly shops like Folly’s End Tackle Shop for up-to-date information
Elk Creek represents Pennsylvania fishing at its finest—offering an accessible steelhead experience that rivals more famous destinations, all within driving distance of major East Coast and Midwest population centers. Whether you’re a seasoned steelhead angler or making your first foray into the world of Great Lakes tributaries, Elk Creek deserves a place on your fly fishing bucket list.
Looking for more places to fish? Check out our DIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing in Pennsylvania and our DIY Guide to Fly Fishing Steelhead Alley
Feature image Tom Hart
