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.
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