Spring Creek in Centre County is arguably one of finest wild brown trout streams in the state, if not the USA. Spring starts as a small stream rising from Tussey Mountain just east of State College.  As it flows north through Penns Valley, Spring Creek's volume increases from the influence of numerous limestone-rich seeps and creeks - eventually it flows into Bald Eagle Creek at Milesburg, PA.  Spring Creek consistently produces extremely high populations of wild brown trout - due the abundance of aquatic life, and the land-born critters that inhabit the watershed.   A trip to Spring is an extemely enjoyable fly fishing adventure!! If you'd like to learn how to fish one of PA’s finest wild brown trout streams, then this weekend excursion is for you. Read on….

What to expect:
Flows/Conditions: In May one should expect excellent flows for fishing.  Spring Creek maintains a relatively stable flow all year long.  It is susceptible to run-off and discoloration from the ever increasing urbanization of the State College area.   

The Day: Under normal conditions, your day will begin with a relatively early wake-up call so we can be on the stream no later than 7:30am.  Spring Creek is about a ½ hour drive from the Centre Mills Bed & Breakfast.  It is our finding that the brownies in Spring Creek are very active in the early morning hours especially when the caddis flies are hatching. A light breakfast in the morning will consist of bagels, toast, coffee, etc will be the table fare. After breakfast we will load-up and hit the stretch of choice.  Nymph fishing can be effective in the early morning hours, with mid-morning usually bringing a few caddis flies hatching along with the hopes of some rising fish. By 11am-12pm the sun gets a bit high and the fish usually become more spooky and aware of their surroundings. At this time we will take a break for a bagged lunch prepared by the Inn Keeper. After Lunch we can continue to fish - as a dry-dropper rig can be effective during the afternoon hours as well as terrestrials cast under the trees or along the weedy banks. All this leads up to the evening when we prepare for the much anticipated Sulphur hatch.  It is at this time that the Sulphurs can hatch in large numbers bringing up virtually every fish in the creek. Usually we don't get off the water and back to the Inn until way after dark. Back at the Inn, the Inn Keeper will have sit down dinner prepared for all to enjoy and unwind from the long day of fishing. 

If we have cool, overcast and rainy conditions then you can throw all the rules out the window. These can be the prime days to be on the water. You may very well spend every minute on the stream, but that usually means a bit later start and an earlier return to the Inn due to cool evenings

Package includes:
*Two days of guided fishing
*One night of lodging at the Centre Mills Bed & Breakfast or a private stream-side lodge
*Light breakfast, lunch and Saturday dinner provided
*Guest arrive early-morning on Saturday - directions will be provided upon booking

Gear requirements:
Fly Rods - 4 or 5wt x 8’ - 8'6"' preferred.
Line - weight forward floating to match rod.
Leaders - 9' to 3lb (conditions will determine tippets used - 5x or 6x is the norm)
Waders – Hip Boots or Chest waders (light weight breathable preferred )
Boots - Felt soled or Aqua stealth a minimum - metal stud equipped are even better.
Wading Staff, rain jacket, gloves, warm hat & clothing, water bottle, bug spray, sunglasses, etc.

For questions on any of the above please contact us.

For a complete selection of everything you will ever need to fish Spring Creek,
check out TCO - Tulphehocken Creek Outfitters.

BUG LIST
May 21-22 (rain and temperature pending)
Bugs to expect to see hatching and flies to be used.

Dries (Spinner & Duns)

Sulphurs (14-16), Green Body Caddis (14-16), Blue Winged Olives (#20-24), Midges (18-26), Craneflies (14-16)

Nymphs

Sulphur (14-16), Green Caddis Pupae (14-16), midge larva (18), Olive Shrimp or Sow bug (16)

Searching/Attractor Patterns

Nitro (16-20), Shop-vac (16-20), Gold Ribbed Hares Ear (12-16), Pheasant Tail (12-16), Bead Head /Gold Ribbed Peacock Caddis Worm (14), Bead Head Caddis (14-16), Muskrat Nymphs (14-16)

Cost: $395 per person
- 50% deposit at time of booking confirms reservation