Pennsylvania Fly Fishing 3 min read
DIY Guide to Fly Fishing McMichaels Creek in Northeast Pennsylvania

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Pennsylvania is populated with so many beautiful trout streams that it can be challenging to narrow down your options when planning your next fly fishing adventure.
If you are looking for a location that checks off all your boxes, McMichaels Creek might just be the perfect spot.
Scenic view? Check. Beautiful waterfalls, deep pools, and slow moving runs? Check. A good source of brook, rainbow, and brown trout? Check.
A handy guide that will prepare you with all the information you need to conquer this Creek? Check!
Contents
About McMichaels Creek
Fly fishing McMichaels Creek in Pennsylvania
McMichaels Creek is a 21.7 mile long tributary of Brodhead Creek in Eastern Pennsylvania. McMichael Creek originates above the village of McMichael on Rt 715. The water flows from cold water springs on the back of Camelback Mountain and is formed by the convergence of Hypsie Creek, Bowers Creek and Fall Creek. The Creek drops from the Pocono Plateau to join Pocono Creek in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
McMichael creek was added to Pennsylvania’s Keystone Select Program in 2018. The Keystone Select water extends 1.66 miles from a point 0.71 mile downstream of the bridge on Turkey Hill Road (T-416) downstream to Glen Brook Road SR 2004 Bridge. Keystone Select waters are covered by Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only (DHALO) regulations.
At McMichaels Creek, you’ll mostly find brook, rainbow, and brown trout. Because this Creek is so popular with local anglers, the trout can be very skittish. You’ll want to avoid the more frequently targeted areas and instead stray off the beaten path.
Please be careful when you are fishing McMichaels Creek, as there have been deadly accidents involving anglers in the past. Be particularly mindful in the fast moving water sections.
McMichaels Creek Map and Fishing Access Sites

Get Directions to the Fishing Access Points shown above with the DIY Fly Fishing Map
Best Spots to Fish McMichaels Creek
The best access point for McMichaels Creek is at Hickory Valley Park. Pay attention to signage as you approach. The best stretch to fish is the DHALO section at Hickory Valley Park. You might also have luck if you try downriver, away from the crowds.
McMichaels Creek is relatively easy to wade, but again, be careful when navigating the stream and prioritize safety above all else.
Best Time to Fish McMichaels Creek
You can fish McMichaels Creek any time during the year, as the water temperature remains relatively cool. At McMichael Creek, you’ll see Sulphurs, Slate Drakes, Light Cahills, Caddis, and terrestrials. Spring time is probably the best time to tackle the stream because of the variety of insect hatches. Fall is also a good time to search for larger brown trout.
The Creek is very popular at the beginning of the season, so you might have more success if you wait for the crowds to dissipate before attempting to fly fish. The best time of day to fish is early morning or late evening.
Best Flies for McMichaels Creek
Here is a list of some of the best flies for McMichaels Creek:
- Sparkle Dun (#18-20)
- Dave’s Oh-So-Iso ( #14-18)
- Light Cahill (#14-16)
- Shaky Worm(#12-14)
- CJ Controller (#16-18)
- Bead Head American Pheasant Tail(#16-18)
- Pats Stone (#10)
Gear Recommendations
A 8-1/2 foot 4-wt fly rod with floating line is perfect for fishing dry flies and small nymphs on McMichaels Creek. A tapered 9-foot leader, with tippet size 4X to 6X to match the flies you are throwing, is pretty standard.
McMichaels Creek Fishing Reports
There aren’t too many McMichaels Creek fly fishing reports available on-line. At least one to check out is listed below.
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.
McMichael Creek is managed under Delayed Harvest – Artificial Lures Only regulations. No fish can be kept except from June 15 to Labor Day. At that time anglers can harvest three trout of nine inches or larger. After Labor Day to June 15 no trout may be kept. All fishing must be with artificial lures.
McMichael Creek fishing regulations are available on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website.
Trip Planning Tips
The nearest airport to McMichaels Creek is Lehigh Valley International Airport. It is about forty-five minutes away from your destination. Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport is another option that is only an hour away from the stream. You can travel to any major or municipal airport in Eastern Pennsylvania and arrive at your destination after a couple hours of scenic driving.
If you are looking for rustic accommodations that are reasonably priced, look no further than Flower Field Inn and Cottages. Flower Field Inn and Cottages is only a four minute drive from McMichael Creek. They offer free WiFi and an outdoor pool.
If you would prefer to sleep under the stars, Mountain Vista Campground is sure to provide an unforgettable experience. The campground is located about twenty minutes away from the Creek. The campground offers many activities throughout the year, so you can enjoy all sorts of outdoor adventures in addition to fly fishing.
There are no shortage of gorgeous fly fishing locations in Pennsylvania, but McMichaels Creek should definitely be high on your list.
Looking for more places to fish? Visit our DIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing in Pennsylvania.
Feature Image by Michael Evanko