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Best Trout Fishing Destinations in Pennsylvania

Trout is one of the most popular fish in Pennsylvania. It’s a freshwater fish that can be found in many streams and rivers throughout the state.

catching a brown trout

Because it’s so popular, you may find yourself wondering where to go fishing for trout. Fortunately, there are plenty of places to choose from!

In this blog post we will take a look at some of the best spots for catching trout in Pennsylvania.

Top 10 Trout Streams and Rivers in PA

West Branch Delaware River

The West Branch Delaware River is an excellent location for anglers of all skill levels. The river is open to fishing year-round and offers a variety of fish species, including brown trout, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass and walleye.

Little Juniata River

The Little Juniata River is a tributary of the Juniata River in central Pennsylvania, United States. The river’s headwaters are located on the south side of Tuscarora Mountain near Cove Gap and it flows for approximately 23 miles to its confluence with the main stem of the Juniata at Thompsontown.

Elk Creek

Elk Creek is a popular fishing destination in Pennsylvania. It has excellent trout fishing, and it also provides anglers with the chance to catch brook, brown and rainbow trout. The creek’s water level fluctuates throughout the year; however, this does not affect its fish population. In fact, Elk Creek offers some of the best fly-fishing opportunities available in Pennsylvania today.

Big Springs Creek

Big Springs Creek is located near Carlisle in Central Pennsylvania. The creek is fed by springs and therefore has a consistent flow of water year round. It flows through an area with steep hills that create many deep pools, making this stream perfect for fly fishing.

It has been a popular fishing destination for many years because of its easy accessibility and the fact that it contains numerous fish species. The most common types are rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, and largemouth bass.

Kettle Creek

Kettle Creek is a tributary of the West Branch Susquehanna River, in Pennsylvania. It is approximately long and flows through Clinton County and Lycoming County. The watershed of the creek has an area of . The creek’s drainage basin is designated as Exceptional Value waters and a Migratory Fishery.

Kettle Creek is a beautiful, wild trout stream that flows through the scenic Kettle Creek State Park. It’s one of the most popular fishing destinations located in Pennsylvania and you can enjoy it year round. The creek itself is approximately 6 miles long, but there are several tributaries that make up the overall length of waterway.

Slate Run and Pine Creek

Slate Run is a freestone stream that is a tributary of Pine Creek in Pennsylvania. It has an excellent population of wild brown trout and brook trout. The Slate Run stretches for approximately 11 miles from its source to where it flows into the Pine Creek and eventually the Susquehanna River.

Little Lehigh Creek

One of the most beautiful and popular fishing spots in Pennsylvania is Little Lehigh Creek. This creek is located in Carbon County, which is near Allentown. It’s a great place for fly fishermen to go because it has many small streams and tributaries that are ideal for catching trout. The best time to fish this area would be during the spring or fall when the weather isn’t too hot or cold outside.

The creek has its headwaters in East Penn Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania and flows for approximately 18 miles to its confluence with the Lehigh River in Bethlehem Township.

Valley Creek

Located near Philadelphia, Valley Creek Fishing is within Valley Forge Park and it is a great place for a fishing trip. The water is very clear and the fish are abundant. The water is cold year round with springs feeding the creek. You will find Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout and bass here.

Oil Creek

Oil Creek is a small, but productive river that runs through the heart of Pennsylvania. The stream has been used for many years as a fishing destination by the locals and tourists alike. It is one of the most popular spots for fly fishing in all of Pennsylvania.

The creek and its watershed have been historically important for transportation, industry, recreation, and tourism.

Penns Creek

Penns Creek is one of the most popular trout fishing spots in Pennsylvania. Penns Creek is a tributary of the Susquehanna River in central Pennsylvania. It is located within the western part of Centre County and flows through parts of Spring, Miles and Clinton counties. The watershed has an area of approximately 576 square miles and includes portions of over 30 municipalities including State College, Bellefonte, Millheim, Port Matilda, Patton Township and Howard.

holding a brook trout

Best Lakes in PA for Trout

Lake Erie

Lake Erie is home to a variety of fish species. It’s also one of the most popular fishing destinations in North America. With its clear, cold waters and abundance of marine life, Lake Erie attracts anglers from all over the world. There are several types of fish that inhabit this lake including walleye, perch, bass and trout.

Upper Woods Pond

Upper Woods Pond is a beautiful location that has been stocked with trout and bass. The water is clear, the scenery stunning, and it’s only a short drive from most of PA, NJ and NY. It’s also possible to fish in the pond year round.

Raystown Lake

Raystown Lake is the largest lake located in Pennsylvania, and it’s a popular spot for trout fishing. It has an area of about 20 square miles, with over 8,300 acres of water surface. The average depth is 14 feet with a maximum depth of 40 feet. Known for trophy size trout, this is one lake you want on your PA fishing bucket list.

Lake Wallenpaupack

There are many lakes in the United States that have excellent fishing. However, there’s something about Lake Wallenpaupack trout fishing that makes it stand out from all others. The lake is located at an elevation of 1,890 feet and has a maximum depth of 120 feet. It is 13 miles long and covers 5,700 acres with approximately 52 miles of shoreline.

Lackawanna Lake

Lackawanna Lake is a freshwater lake located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, about 16 miles northwest of Scranton. This lake was formed as a result of dam construction on the Lackawanna River and has an area of approximately 1,000 acres (4 km²). The main body of this water feature stretches 8 miles long by 3 miles wide; it has a maximum depth at its deepest point that reaches 105 feet (32 m) below sea level.

brown trout little juniata river

Info About Trout Fishing in PA

If you are looking for a fishing experience that will leave you relaxed and refreshed, trout fishing in Pennsylvania is the best option. The state has hundreds of miles of streams and rivers that offer an ideal habitat for this fish. Whether you want to go on a family vacation or have some time off from work, Pennsylvania offers many options for catching trout.

FAQ

 
How many trout can I keep in PA?

Regular season you can keep 5 trout per day in Pennsylvania. Extended season you can keep 3.

What is the opening day of trout season in PA?

Opening day is April 3rd

How long is PA trout season?

PA trout season runs from the first week in April through the first week in September each year. There is also an extended season Jan-Feb and Sept to December.

Do you need a license for trout in PA?

yes you need a fishing license, plus you will need a trout stamp if you want to keep the catch. Here is the license website.

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