DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Little Schuylkill River: Pennsylvania’s Hidden Gem

The Little Schuylkill River might not make headlines in glossy fishing magazines. Still, this modest tributary of the larger Schuylkill River system offers surprising opportunities to catch wild brown trout.

Flowing through eastern Pennsylvania’s beautiful coal country landscape, this recovering waterway represents one of the Keystone State’s most inspiring environmental comeback stories.

A River Reborn

The Little Schuylkill’s history mirrors many Pennsylvania waterways affected by coal mining and industrial development. For decades, acid mine drainage and pollution severely limited aquatic life.

However, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts from organizations like the Schuylkill Headwaters Association and local Trout Unlimited chapters, substantial portions of the river now support healthy trout populations.

What Kind of Fish Can You Catch

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocks brown and rainbow trout throughout the spring season. More exciting for purists, sections of the upper river now support modest populations of wild browns that have established themselves in recent years—a testament to improving water quality.

During summer months, smallmouth bass provide action in the lower sections where the water warms beyond trout comfort zones. These scrappy fighters readily take both subsurface and topwater offerings.

Best Places to Fish the Little Schuylkill River

The most productive fly fishing can be found in the river’s upper sections near Tamaqua and New Ringgold. Here, the stream maintains cooler temperatures thanks to forested banks and limestone influence, creating viable habitat for both stocked and wild trout.

The stretch below the Tamaqua Reservoir and Owl Creek offers excellent access points with a mix of pools, riffles, and runs that provide varied fishing opportunities.

Another productive section flows through the small community of New Ringgold, where the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only (DHALO) section begins and runs downstream for ~1.7 miles.

Little Schuylkill River Map and Access Points

Most access to the Little Schuylkill comes through bridge crossings and public areas in Tamaqua and New Ringgold. Always respect private property, as significant portions of the river flow through private land.

Best Time to Fish the Little Schuylkill River

Spring offers the most reliable fishing following stockings, typically from March through May. The autumn months (September through November) provide a second prime window as water temperatures cool and trout become more active.

Summer fishing can be productive during early mornings and evenings, particularly in the uppermost, coolest sections.

Winter fishing is challenging but possible during milder periods, with deep, slow pools holding the majority of fish.

Little Schuylkill River Hatches

The Little Schuylkill’s hatches aren’t as prolific as Pennsylvania’s limestone streams, but you’ll still encounter:

• Caddis (tan and olive) throughout the season
• Blue-winged olives in spring and fall
• Sulphurs in late spring
• Midges year-round
• Terrestrials like ants, beetles, and hoppers during summer months

Best Flies for Little Schuylkill River

Dry fly fishing is pretty limited on the Little Schuylkill, but standard nymph and streamer patterns work well.

Dry Flies

• Elk Hair Caddis (14-16)
• Parachute Adams (sizes 18-20)
• RS2 Emerger (sizes 18-20)
• Griffith’s Gnat (sizes 20 – 22)
• Sparkle Dun (sizes 16-18)
• CDC Emerger (sizes 16-18)
• Zebra Midge (sizes 20-24)
• Foam Ant, Chernobyl Ant, Beetles (sizes 16-18)

Nymphs

• Pheasant tail nymphs (sizes 14-18)
• Hare’s ear nymphs (sizes 14-16)
• San Juan worms after rainfall
• Small woolly buggers and streamers (olive, black) for larger browns

Little Schuylkill River Fishing Report

Area fly shops, outfitters and businesses that can provide a Little Schuylkill River fly fishing report are listed below:

• Village at Houser’s Crossing
• Cabela’s (in-store fly shop)
• TCO Fly Shop

Stream Flow and Current Conditions

It’s always a good idea to check the stream conditions before fishing. The USGS stream gauge in Tamaqua provides a good indication of current conditions in the upper river.

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. 

Little Schuylkill River at Tamaqua, PA

• Streamflow: 145 ft³/s
• Gage height: 2.83 ft

USGS

Little Schuylkill River Fishing Regulations

Standard Pennsylvania trout regulations apply to most of the river, including a 7-inch minimum size and 5-fish daily limit during regular season.

Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only (DHALO) regulations apply to the 1.7-mile river reach from SR 0895 in New Ringgold downstream to the T-848 Bridge near Rauschs.

Check the current Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Regulations before heading out to fish.

Conservation Considerations

The Little Schuylkill’s recovery remains a work in progress. Practice catch-and-release, particularly for any wild trout. The river’s improving health depends on continued conservation efforts and responsible angling practices.

Trip Planning Tips

Gateway Towns: Tamaqua and Pottsville

The primary gateway to the Little Schuylkill River is Tamaqua, a small historic mining town located directly on the upper river where the best fly fishing opportunities exist.

For anglers seeking more amenities, Pottsville (population ~13,000) is the largest nearby hub, about 20 minutes southwest of the river.

Getting There

• From Philadelphia: Take I-476 North (Northeast Extension of PA Turnpike) to Exit 74 (Mahoning Valley), then follow PA-443 West and PA-309 North to Tamaqua. Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours.
• From Harrisburg: Take I-81 North to Exit 124 (PA-61), then follow PA-61 East through Pottsville and continue on PA-209 to Tamaqua. Travel time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• From New York City: Take I-80 West to Exit 304 (PA-209), then follow PA-209 South to Tamaqua. Travel time is around 2 hours.

Accommodations

Hotels and Motels:

• In Tamaqua: The town offers several modest motels and inns, including the Tamaqua Microtel and a few independent establishments. These provide basic amenities at a reasonable price.
• In Pottsville: You’ll find more options including several chain hotels like Holiday Inn Express, Fairfield Inn, and Comfort Inn.

Bed & Breakfasts:

• The area features several charming B&Bs, particularly in historic Jim Thorpe (about 20 minutes east of Tamaqua), including the Times House B&B and the Inn at Jim Thorpe.
• The Victorian Hillside Inn in Pottsville offers a more upscale B&B experience.

Vacation Rentals:

• Multiple cabins and houses are available for rent through Airbnb and VRBO throughout the region, particularly along the river valleys. These can be ideal for groups or extended stays.
• The Village at Houser’s Crossing provides a unique lodging experience and is conveniently located on the banks of the Little Schuylkill River in Tamaqua.

Camping:

• Locust Lake State Park: Located about 15 minutes west of Tamaqua, offers modern campground facilities with both tent and RV sites.
• Tuscarora State Park: South of Tamaqua, provides additional camping options.
• Private Campgrounds: Several KOAs and independent campgrounds operate in the region, offering amenities from basic to resort-style.

The DIY Advantage

What the Little Schuylkill lacks in fame, it makes up for in solitude. Even on prime spring weekends, you’ll find far fewer anglers here than on Pennsylvania’s more renowned waters. This translates to unpressured fish and the peaceful experience many fly anglers seek.

For the self-sufficient angler willing to explore this recovering gem, the Little Schuylkill offers a rewarding mix of accessible water, improving trout populations, and the satisfaction of fishing a true comeback story in Pennsylvania’s outdoor heritage.

Are you looking for more places to fish? Check out our DIY Guide to Fly Fishing in Pennsylvania.

Featured image courtesy of Dark Skies Fly Fishing