[DIY] Guide to the Best Fly Fishing in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Trout and Steelhead Fishing Map

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Twentymile Creek-1: 42.260300, -79.781410

Twentymile Creek-2: 42.239820, -79.772420

Twentymile Creek-3: 42.239820, -79.772420

Sixteenmile Creek: 42.240970, -79.833040

Twelvemile Creek: 42.211110, -79.915220

Cascade Creek-1: 42.125550, -80.110500

Cascade Creek-2: 42.118520, -80.117890

Presque Isle: 42.147710, -80.129730

Walnut Creek-1: 42.075310, -80.238110

Walnut Creek-2: 42.065940, -80.228800

Walnut Creek-3: 42.056210, -80.223860

Walnut Creek-4: 42.046970, -80.171950

Walnut Creek-5: 42.056310, -80.142810

Trout Run: 42.058510, -80.272520

Godfrey Run: 42.043830, -80.310210

Elk Creek-1: 42.020950, -80.374670

Elk Creek-2: 42.020060, -80.368090

Elk Creek-3: 42.007150, -80.353200

Elk Creek-4: 42.007150, -80.353200

Elk Creek-5: 42.007150, -80.353200

Elk Creek-6: 41.998200, -80.336530

Elk Creek-7: 41.998200, -80.336530

Elk Creek-8: 41.991790, -80.318810

Elk Creek-9: 41.991790, -80.318810

Elk Creek-10: 41.991790, -80.318810

Elk Creek-11: 41.993160, -80.218560

Elk Creek-12: 41.997110, -80.199450

Elk Creek-13: 42.004380, -80.202600

Elk Creek-14: 42.003700, -80.189260

Elk Creek-15: 42.002740, -80.174050

Elk Creek-16: 41.997260, -80.163780

Elk Creek-17: 42.002510, -80.143040

Crooked Creek-1: 41.994120, -80.419530

Crooked Creek-2: 41.994120, -80.419530

Crooked Creek-3: 41.983490, -80.401950

Crooked Creek-4: 41.983490, -80.401950

Crooked Creek-5: 41.983490, -80.401950

Raccoon Creek-1: 41.989430, -80.480680

Raccoon Creek-2: 41.976400, -80.472230

Raccoon Creek-3: 41.967970, -80.462930

East Branch Conneaut Creek, PA: 41.894380, -80.370240

West Branch Conneaut Creek, PA: 41.867760, -80.471080

Turkey Creek: 41.965110, -80.510600

Lehigh River (Glen Onoko Access): 40.883632, -75.760161

Lehigh River (Jim Thorpe Access): 40.865223, -75.735210

Lehigh River (Walnutport Access): 40.750030, -75.600513

Lehigh River (Treichlers Bridge Access): 40.733268, -75.539454

Lehigh River (Laury's Station Access): 40.713644, -75.523693

Lehigh River (Gaging Station Access): 41.102379, -75.737900

Lehigh River (White Haven - I-80 Bridge): 41.059209, -75.772282

Lehigh River (Tannery Access): 41.038788, -75.760246

Lehigh River (Hayes Creek Access): 41.034760, -75.743652

Lehigh River (Leslie Run Access): 40.994897, -75.734897

Lehigh River (Rockport Access): 40.966579, -75.755013

Lehigh River (Packerton Yards Access): 40.851963, -75.710609

Lehigh River (Dunbars Access): 40.834213, -75.702583

Lehigh River (Lehighton Sewer Plant): 40.823025, -75.696770

Lehigh River (Pohopoco Creek Access): 40.815872, -75.672852

Lehigh River (Bowmanstown - Rt 895 Bridge): 40.798771, -75.670181

Lehigh River (Bowmanstown Boat Ramp): 40.792419, -75.657120

Lehigh River (Bowmanstown - End of the Road): 40.789631, -75.653252

Lehigh River (Palmerton Horseshoe): 40.796570, -75.619682

Lehigh River (Lehigh Gap Access): 40.782043, -75.606995

Lehigh River (Szokes Access): 40.778591, -75.607567

Spruce Creek (C&R): 40.620209, -78.125359

Yellow Breeches Creek (C&R): 40.147842, -77.123955

Conowago Creek (CRFFO): 39.904667, -77.255600

Yellow Creek (CRFFO): 40.150421, -78.337166

Muddy Creek (CRFFO): 39.798306, -76.435669

Big Spring Creek (CRFFO): 40.133530, -77.408272

Green Spring Creek (CRFFO): 40.167658, -77.455455

Falling Springs Branch (CRFFO): 39.907205, -77.612767

Clark's Creek (CRFFO): 40.424458, -76.851318

Letort Spring Run (CRFFO): 40.175957, -77.186028

East Branch Antietam Creek (CRFFO): 39.741531, -77.562187

Little Juniata River (CRAT): 40.612152, -78.139725

Honey Creek (DHALO): 40.748817, -77.409157

Little Juniata River (DHALO): 40.613171, -78.315483

Falling Spring Branch (DHALO): 39.938705, -77.647438

Quittapahilla Creek (DHALO): 40.327801, -76.504562

Manada Creek (DHALO): 40.395039, -76.709557

Wiconisco Creek (DHALO): 40.533512, -76.938965

Cove Creek (DHALO): 39.837608, -78.049110

East Licking Creek (DHALO): 40.513020, -77.596001

Stony Creek (ATWOYR): 40.413429, -76.787865

Mountain Creek (ATWOYR): 40.003281, -77.352737

Codorus Creek, South Branch (ATWOYR): 39.820007, -76.760056

Shaeffer Run (WBTEP): 40.260860, -77.560646

Codorus Creek (TT): 39.821953, -76.887520

Kaercher Creek Dam (ATWOYR): 40.560978, -75.963165

French Creek (CRFFO): 40.150799, -75.628082

Ridley Creek (CRFFO): 39.945663, -75.422134

Donegal Creek (CRFFO): 40.061436, -76.530632

Octoraro Creek, West Branch (CRFFO): 39.859154, -76.105042

Little Lehigh (CRFFO): 40.532802, -75.535261

Little Lehigh Heritage Section (CRFFO): 40.565015, -75.506298

Bushkill Creek (C&R): 40.700619, -75.231628

Tulpehocken Creek (DHALO): 40.374264, -76.007820

Brandywine Creek, East Branch (DHALO): 40.039688, -75.706810

Pickering Creek (DHALO): 40.100231, -75.543945

White Clay Creek, Middle Branch (DHALO): 39.762302, -75.784294

West Valley Creek (DHALO): 40.005775, -75.666451

Bear Creek (DHALO): 40.584339, -76.141647

Little Schuykill River (DHALO): 40.686539, -76.002220

Monocacy Creek (TT): 40.653717, -75.380844

Saucon Creek (TT): 40.599072, -75.347162

Valley Creek (CRAT): 40.085931, -75.452202

Slippery Rock Creek (CRFFO): 40.904011, -80.224869

Caldwell Creek (CRFFO): 41.668410, -79.598099

Little Sandy Creek (CRFFO): 41.370785, -79.923004

Oil Creek (DHALO): 41.615599, -79.658383

East Hickory Creek (DHALO): 41.610944, -79.368815

Cool Spring Creek (DHALO): 41.225304, -80.216881

Neshannock Creek (DHALO): 41.113071, -80.257020

Piney Creek (DHALO): 41.127892, -79.320213

Oil Creek (DHALO): 41.514507, -79.681519

Shenango River: 41.264839, -80.463524

West Branch Caldwell Creek (C&R): 41.694576, -79.570969

Tionesta Creek (ATWOYR): 41.478741, -79.443665

Little Chartiers Creek: 40.276202, -80.139140

Youghiogheny River (lake to Casselman): 39.803921, -79.367981

Youghiogheny River (Casselman to Ramcat): 39.826797, -79.375107

Dunbar (CRFFO): 39.932161, -79.588061

Little Mahoning Creek (CRFFO): 40.825665, -78.971031

Clear Shade Creek (CRFFO): 40.153000, -78.780838

Meadow Run (DHALO): 39.862450, -79.494751

Dutch Fork Creek (DHALO): 40.121368, -80.474304

Pike Run (DHALO): 40.067608, -79.923004

Chest Creek (DHALO): 40.661806, -78.664426

Buffalo Creek (DHALO): 40.866040, -79.695356

Laurel Hill Creek Upper (DHALO): 40.008410, -79.232582

Laurel Hill Creek Lower (DHALO): 39.858776, -79.320412

Loyalhanna Creek (DHALO): 40.246420, -79.246208

Bull Creek (DHALO): 40.659210, -79.808937

Pine Creek (DHALO): 40.569605, -79.979932

Deer Creek (DHALO): 40.605350, -79.887901

Indian Creek (DHALO): 40.089088, -79.335838

Camp Run (WBTE): 40.095600, -79.327372

Youghiogheny River (ATTT): 39.826270, -79.378861

Tom's Creek (C&R): 41.126160, -74.954651

Bush Kill (CRFFO): 41.110721, -75.093870

Dyberry Creek (CRFFO): 41.648743, -75.276619

Bowman Creek (CRFFO): 41.473569, -75.990272

Towanda Creek (DHALO): 41.698536, -76.612732

Mud Run (DHALO): 41.006780, -75.635463

South Branch Tunkhannock Creek (DHALO): 41.559559, -75.770927

Harveys Creek (DHALO): 41.263962, -76.034927

Nescopeck Creek (DHALO): 41.083622, -75.875961

McMichaels Creek (DHALO): 40.964279, -75.223778

Tobyhanna Creek (DHALO): 41.139093, -75.481954

Dingmans Creek (DHALO): 41.229246, -74.887206

Salt Lick Creek (DHALO): 41.913499, -75.733723

West Branch Wallenpaupack Creek (DHALO): 41.377983, -75.418098

Lackawanna River (TT): 41.487556, -75.541896

Jeans Run (WBTEP): 40.895477, -75.785408

Kistler Run Watershed (WBTEP): 41.135401, -75.477851

Wolf Swamp Run Watershed (WBTEP): 41.047195, -75.394021

Mehoopany Creek (ATWOYR): 41.529054, -76.126861

Sugar Run (ATWOYR): 41.628758, -76.279295

Roaring Brook (C&R): 41.340229, -75.515258

Hickory Run (C&R): 41.024181, -75.710182

Fishing Creek (C&R): 40.987682, -77.504689

Rauchtown Creek (C&R): 41.096493, -77.238693

Cherry Run (C&R): 41.147636, -77.426147

Hunts Run (C&R): 41.453857, -78.177597

Gray's Run (C&R): 41.460934, -77.018150

Young Womans Creek (C&R): 41.378868, -77.695999

Cross Fork (C&R): 41.495720, -77.821655

Penns Creek (C&R): 40.834999, -77.405144

White Deer Creek (CRFFO): 41.028671, -77.125397

Kettle Creek (CRFFO): 41.499676, -77.771187

Red Bank Creek (CRFFO): 41.168819, -79.074806

Spring Creek (CRFFO): 40.883602, -77.790115

Driftwood Branch Sinnemahoning Creek (CRFFO): 41.512642, -78.250168

West Branch Clarion River (CRFFO): 41.542088, -78.681892

Slate Run (CRFFO): 41.471382, -77.505325

Francis Branch Tributary (CRFFO): 41.550472, -77.554550

Marvin Creek (CRFFO): 41.788464, -78.485809

Black Moshannon Creek (DHALO): 40.938351, -78.061211

First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek (DHALO): 41.495209, -78.044640

Big Mill Creek (DHALO): 41.455143, -78.787766

Allegheny River (DHALO): 41.827492, -77.955292

Pine Creek (DHALO): 41.471481, -77.501595

Clarion River, East Branch (DHALO): 41.557343, -78.595673

Pine Creek (DHALO): 41.726682, -77.435468

Little Clearfield Creek (DHALO): 40.925186, -78.480408

Sandy Lick Creek (DHALO): 41.118935, -78.730949

Little Pine Creek (DHALO): 41.405334, -77.335083

Muncy Creek (DHALO): 41.294704, -76.691391

West Branch Tunungwant Creek (DHALO): 41.946087, -78.670006

Kinzua Creek (DHALO): 41.762222, -78.735237

Loyalsock Creek (DHALO): 41.405720, -76.755119

Middle Creek (DHALO): 40.774498, -77.183594

Lycoming Creek (DHALO): 41.337315, -77.087242

Fishing Creek (TT): 40.980141, -77.482300

Lick Run (TT): 41.014069, -77.651154

Tunungwant Creek, East Branch - TT: 41.872948, -78.655884

Cedar Run (TT): 41.527859, -77.448120

Penns Creek (ATTT): 40.829659, -77.415207

Straight Creek (ATWOYR): 41.590252, -78.524734

Laurel Run (ATWOYR): 41.200035, -78.506523

West Creek (ATWOYR): 41.485531, -78.439339

Meade Run (ATWOYR): 41.750313, -78.809052

Clarion River (CRAT): 41.486336, -78.678162

Spring Creek (CRAT): 40.878021, -77.788696

Tulpehocken Creek (ATWOYR): 40.363289, -75.968399

Allegheny Portage Creek, PA: 41.805279, -78.279442

Allwine Creek, PA: 40.270279, -79.005554

Amos Branch, PA: 41.224167, -78.030281

Appenzell Creek, PA: 40.956390, -75.284447

Apple Tree Hollow, PA: 41.567501, -77.558060

Aquashicola Creek, PA: 40.850800, -75.366940

Arnold Creek, PA: 41.278610, -76.191666

Arnold Creek (2), PA: 41.278600, -76.191910

Ash Creek, PA: 41.215832, -75.550278

Aughanbaugh Run, PA: 41.171665, -77.264725

Baker Branch, PA: 41.815834, -77.521111

Baldwin Branch, PA: 41.471287, -77.572395

Baldwin Run, PA: 41.791229, -77.306625

Balliet Run, PA: 41.074165, -76.019722

Bar Bottom Hollow, PA: 41.366943, -76.864723

Barney Run, PA: 41.307777, -77.801582

Bear Creek, PA: 40.590832, -76.116386

Bear Run, PA: 40.985382, -77.487297

Bear Run (2), PA: 41.454723, -77.268059

Bear Run (3), PA: 41.288956, -79.677483

Beaver Creek, PA: 40.720554, -76.017502

Beaver Run, PA: 40.225834, -75.852219

Beaver Run (2), PA: 41.890835, -79.739166

Beaverdam Run, PA: 41.391666, -77.924446

Beech Run, PA: 41.648888, -77.964447

Bell Draft, PA: 41.362130, -78.319060

Benjamin Run, PA: 41.236942, -77.669724

Benner Run, PA: 40.956390, -78.039719

Bens Creek, PA: 40.401112, -78.633614

Berge Run, PA: 41.479710, -78.046940

Beth Run, PA: 41.360558, -76.163612

Bieber Creek, PA: 40.413993, -75.761047

Big Cedar Run, PA: 40.325001, -78.638336

Big Fill Run, PA: 40.713612, -78.186111

Big Moores Run, PA: 41.705210, -77.976100

Big Moores Run (2), PA: 41.631130, -78.000190

Big Rift Creek, PA: 41.868889, -77.121666

Big Run, PA: 41.203609, -77.161392

Big Spring Branch, PA: 41.488335, -77.648056

Big Spring Creek, PA: 40.135804, -77.406287

Big Spring Creek (2), PA: 40.149150, -77.406670

Big Wapwallopen Creek, PA: 41.058056, -77.069725

Billings Branch, PA: 41.628887, -77.548058

Birch Run, PA: 41.557499, -77.949165

	Adams creek
	Allegheny Portage Creek, PA
	Allegheny River (DHALO)
	ALLEGHENY RIVER AT CW BILL YOUNG L&D AT ACMETONIA, PA
	ALLEGHENY RIVER AT ELDRED, PA
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Get the DIY Fly Fishing App to get turn-by-turn directions to access points shown on the map above and real-time stream flow conditions.

​Pennsylvania fly fishing for trout and steelhead is some of the best in the country. Pennsylvania is also a relatively large state that takes about 5 hours to traverse from Philadelphia on the eastern side to Pittsburgh on the western side.  

So if you really want to find out where the best PA fly fishing spots are you'll need a good map. Lucky for you we created one. Above is an interactive map all the best trout and steelhead fishing spots in PA.

The map above includes Pennsylvania Special Regulation Trout Streams, Pennsylvania Class A Wild Trout Streams and Pennsylvania steelhead fishing spots in the famed Steelhead Alley. Click on map icons for information about each fishing location and to get directions. 

Some of the best trout fishing spots in PA are listed below by region. Click the links provided to locate the stream on the map above.

So Where is the Best Fly Fishing in Pennsylvania?

The state of Pennsylvania is just brimming with fabulous opportunities for outdoor adventure and recreation year-round, and fly fishing is no exception. You're never far from a great lake, stream, or river, it seems, and all of them are easily accessible from towns and cities across the state. While some lakes may be private fishing lakes, there are many others that are open to the public. The most common of the fish you'll be catching is the trout, which is available all across the state. If you're looking for blue ribbon waters, Pennsylvania has a number of them.

With so many quality trout streams in Pennsylvania one could spark a serious debate about where the best trout fishing in Pennsylvania is.  Let's take a look at some the leading candidates.

Best Fly Fishing in South Central Pennsylvania

One could arguably say the best fly fishing in Pennsylvania is in the South Central region where you'll find iconic limestone streams such as the Letort, the Little Juniata River and the Yellow Breeches.

Letort Spring Run, Cumberland County

​If you're ready to flex your skills against some seriously wily brown trout, then you need to head to Letort Spring Run.

This stream is famous for the legends of fly fishing who frequented its' banks including Ed Shenk, Ed Koch, Vince Marinaro, and Charlie Fox.

The Letort is designated as a Pennsylvania Class A Wild Trout Stream. A 1.7 mile reach from 300 yards upstream of bridge on T-481 (Bonnybrook Road) downstream to the Reading Railroad Bridge at the southern edge of Letort Spring Park. Is managed as Catch & Release Fly Fishing Only. 

The Letort is challenging stream to fish. The fish can be easily spooked, and once that happens, you’ll have a hard time catching anything. If you are up for the challenge, you'll want to head here between mid-April and February. If you're planning on staying nearby, Carlisle is the closest city.

Best Fly Fishing in North Central Pennsylvania

​North-Central Pennsylvania contains some of the most fabled fly fishing waters in the Commonwealth including Fishing Creek, Penns Creek, Slate Run and Spring Creek. But that's not all. There are also 36 other special regulation trout streams that provide excellent fly fishing opportunities in north-central Pennsylvania. Why not check one out?

Penns Creek, Synder County

Penns Creek is one of, if not the most, famous trout stream in PA.  Large brown trout and the best Green Drake hatch in the Eastern US can be found here.

With 35 miles of trout water, Penn’s Creek is Pennsylvania’s longest limestone trout stream. Penn's Creek consists of three sections.

“Upper” Penns Creek is small averaging 15 to 30 feet wide where it exits the famous Penn's Cave. This is the coldest section of Penns Creek and though the state stocks this section with rainbow trout, very good numbers of wild brown trout are also present.

Penns Creek flows for approximately 13 miles from Penns Cave to the town of Coburn, where is it joined by two limestone streams, Elk Creek and Pine Creek. Here Penns Creek widens to 75 to 100 feet across. Elk Creek and Pine Creek are excellent wild brown trout fisheries in their own rights.

Near Coburn Penns Creek is characterize by large boulders, rock and gravel that fill the stream bed from this point downstream, providing excellent habitat for trout and aquatic insects. Nearly every species of mayfly, caddis and stonefly that exist in the eastern US can be found here creating a hatch-matching paradise. This 11 mile section, downstream to Weikert, is managed as a PA Class A Wild Trout Stream, Pennsylvania’s highest designation and it is not stocked. Trout average 12-13 inches but 14-16 inch fish are common and larger fish are a real possibility.

Much of Penns below Coburn is rimmed by the Bald Eagle State Forest. This vast tract of wild, public land provides beautiful scenery and a wealth of wildlife.

Slate Run, Lycoming County

Slate Run in North Central PA is well known for its wild brook trout and brown trout fishing. Slate Run is remote, quiet, and perfect for testing your skills as the fish are anything but easy to catch here. If you're looking for the brown trout stick to the lower area of the river.

If you don't mind putting in a little extra work you can head to the upper area of the river, which is where you'll find the brookies. What makes the trek worth it is the size of the brookies, which are described as very large. This area is open to anglers year-round and is graded at a moderate skill level.

The seven-mile reach of Slate Run from the confluence of the Cushman and Francis branches downstream to Pine Creek is managed as Catch & Release Fly Fishing Only.

Best Fly Fishing in Northeast Pennsylvania

The Poconos have more than just heart-shaped hot tubs. Northeast Pennsylvania, home to the Pocono Mountains (long-time destination of honeymooners) is laced with sparkling clear streams, wild brook trout and not so many anglers. If you are looking for a little more solitude on your next trout fly fishing outing we’ve got the spot for you.

Lehigh River - Crown Jewel of the Poconos

The Lehigh River is by far the most underrated trout stream in Northeast Pennsylvania, if not the whole state or Eastern US for that matter.

The Lehigh River is a big brawling freestone river that is more characteristic of a trout stream you'd find in the Western US than most of the small mountain streams you typically find in Northeast PA.

Check our Guide to Fly Fishing the Lehigh River for a map of fishing and boating access points, hatch chart, stream gauges and tips on how to fish the river.​

​

Wild Trout Abound!

There are over 22 regulated trout streams in Northeast Pennsylvania including Catch and Release sections on Hickory Run, Roaring Brook, Tom’s Creek, and Catch and Release Fly Fishing Only sections on Bushkill Creek, Dyberry Creek, and Bowman Creek.

If beautiful wild brook trout get you going then check out Jeans Run and Kistler run where a Wild Brook Trout Enhancement Program is helping restore this native beauty.

Best Fly Fishing Northwest Pennsylvania

Northwest Pennsylvania has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to opportunities to fly fish for rainbow, brown and brook trout and here are 11 of them: Slippery Rock Creek, Caldwell Creek, Little Sandy Creek, Oil Creek, East Hickory Creek, Cool Spring Creek, Neshannock Creek, Piney Creek, Shenango River, West Branch Caldwell Creek and Tionesta Creek.

Nestled in the northwest corner of the state, all of these streams have special regulation sections including Catch and Release fishing on the West Branch Caldwell Creek, and Catch and Release Fly Fishing Only fishing on Little Sandy Creek and Caldwell Creek.

Pennsylvania's Steelhead Alley

If it's steelhead that you're after then of course the tributaries to Lake Erie in Steelhead Alley are where you need to go.​

Check out our Steelhead Alley Fishing Guide for maps, stream gauges and all you need to know to about fishing Steelhead Alley.

PA Fly Shops, Guides & Outfitters

​Pennsylvania fly shops, fly fishing guides and outfitters are listed by region below. Be sure to stop in at your local shop to get the latest fishing report and pick up any fishing supplies you may need.

Note: If you own a fly shop or guide service and would like to be listed below, please contact us.

Northeastern PA - Delaware River and Lehigh River watersheds

Southeastern PA - Delaware River and Schuylkill River watersheds

Northcentral PA - Susquehanna East & West Rivers watersheds

PA Fly Fishing Books & Maps

There are a number of excellent books and guides available on fly fishing in Pennsylvania.  A few that I highly recommend are listed below:

• ​New! Flyfisher's Guide to Pennsylvania by Tom Gilmore
• Trout Streams and Hatches of Pennsylvania by Charles Meck
• Flyfisher's Guide to Eastern Trophy Tailwaters: 40 Great Trout Waters from Maine to Georgia by Tom Gilmore
• Pocketguide to Pennsylvania Hatches by Charles Meck & Paul Weamer
• Pennsylvania Atlas And Gazetteer by Delorme