DIY Guide to Fly Fishing Yellow Creek in South Central Pennsylvania

Just when you think Bedford County in Pennsylvania couldn’t offer any more activities and fun, you discover Yellow Creek.

Yellow Creek may not be as well known as other Pennsylvania limestone spring creeks, but don’t let that fool you.Yellow Creek has plenty of wild and stocked brown trout to keep fly fishermen busy. That is, if they are quick enough!

Fly fishing in Yellow Creek

Yellow Creek is a tributary of Raystown Branch of the Junita River. The Creek begins near Woodbury and flows into the Raystown Branch close to Hopewell. Above Loysburg, Yellow Creek flows through beautiful open meadows and pastures and includes several miles of Class A Wild Trout. Downstream, Yellow Creek flows through Loysburg Gap. 

The creek has large boulders and deep pools. Near Loysburg Gap, there are fast riffles and pocket water that make this a great area for sneaky trout to hide.

Fly fishing Yellow Creek can be very easy, or it can be very difficult, depending on which part of the Creek you choose to tackle.

Whether you are a rookie taking on his first Pennsylvania limestone spring creek or a seasoned angler looking for a challenge, you are sure to have a memorable experience at Yellow Creek.

Yellow Creek Map and Fishing Access Sites

Best Spots to Fish Yellow Creek

There is a mile long Catch-and-Release – Flyfishing Only section of Yellow Creek that is easily accessible from State Road 1024. There is a dedicated parking area off of Jacks Corner Road (see map). You’ll have an easier time catching trout in this area.

Remember that much of land around Yellow Creek is privately owned, so you will want to pay attention to signs.

If you’re not afraid of a challenge, you might want to try near Loysburg Gap, as there are deep pools and plenty of wild trout in this area. You’ll want to stay clear of the section immediately above Loysburg, as it has problems with siltation and run offs. 

Yellow Creek is accessible for wade fishermen, so grab your fly rod, waders, and get ready to catch some trout!

Best Time to Fish Yellow Creek

The season for Yellow Creek is the standard Pennsylvania trout season. 

Yellow Creek offers two great seasons of fly fishing. Spring is an excellent time to visit, due to the aquatic insect hatches. Yellow Creek is also worth visiting in the fall, because of the larger brown trout found during this time and the beautiful Pennsylvania foliage.

Being a spring feed limestone stream, fly fishing in Yellow Creek is certainly possible during the winter months.  The hottest days in summer can cause the lower section of the stream to get too warm to have any success with the trout. 

At Yellow Creek, you’ll mostly see Grannom Caddis, Blue Quill and Hendrickson hatches in late April. May brings on heavy hatches of March Browns, Green Drakes and Sulphurs. There is a healthy stonefly population in Yellow Creek which are active all summer. 

The best time of day to fish is in the early morning, or late day.

Best Flies for Yellow Creek

Yellow Creek has a good population of Caddis, so you don’t want to forget your Caddis imitations. You’ll want to have your choice of colors, so bring along tan, gray, black, and olive caddis with light-colored wings.

Regarding fly patterns, here is a list of the best flies for Yellow Creek:.

• Elk Hair Caddis (tan or gray) (#12-14)
• Caddis (black) (#18)
• Elk Hair Yellow Sally (#14)
• Peacock and Partridge Soft Hackle (#12)
• Hare’s Ear Nymph (#12-14)
• Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14-16)
• Golden Stonefly Nymph (#6-8)
• Woolly Bugger (#4-8)

Gear Recommendations

An 4-wt fly rod with floating line is perfect for fishing dry flies and small nymphs on Yellow Creek.  A tapered 9-foot leader, with tippet size 3X to 5X to match the flies you are throwing, is pretty standard.

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.

Yellow Creek fishing regulations are available on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website.

Trip Planning Tips

The closest airport to Yellow Creek is Altoona-Blair County airport, which is a mere twenty minutes from your destination. The nearest major airport is Harrisburg International Airport, which is about an hour and forty five minutes away from Yellow Creek. You could also choose any other major or municipal airport in Central Pennsylvania and arrive at your destination after a few hours of scenic driving.

Rodeway Inn offers reasonable rates and is only a half hour drive from Yellow Creek. But if you are a true outdoorsman would who would rather sleep under the stars, Yellow Creek Campground is well known for its friendly staff and gorgeous scenery.

Wherever you choose to stay, we know you will be up bright and early to start tackling Yellow Creek as soon as the sun rises over the beautiful hills of Bedford County.

Looking for more places to fish? Visit our DIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing in Pennsylvania.

Feature Image by Wooly Bugged