Centre County is blessed with some of the finest trout streams in the East. These world-renowned limestone streams have hosted Presidents and played a prominent role in the rich lore and history of fly fishing. Fly fishing in Pennsylvania is world-class! Our local steams have also served as a classroom for some of the most accomplished fly anglers in the country. Here wild brown trout, hatches galore and lots of public access provide for a memorable fly fishing experience. Consider, that within a 45-minute drive of Bellefonte there are more than 57 miles of limestone streams containing predominantly wild brown trout, managed under special regulations and open to the public year 'round! A visit to Central Pennsylvania affords you the opportunity to fish some of the 'the best of the best 'in Pennsylvania: Spring Creek, Penns Creek, Fishing Creek and the Little Juniata River. Fly fishing on these streams will challenge even the most skillful angler. There is a myriad of lesser-known Class A wild trout streams, both limestoners and freestone, in the area too. You may want to explore gems such as Elk Creek, Six Mile Run, Bald or White Deer Creek. And if fishing for wild brook trout in small mountain streams amid a spectacular forested setting is your thing, visit Swift Run or Cherry Run. There are two Cherry Runs in the area, give both a try. Visit and explore; discover for yourself what many already know: Centre County is truly a fisherman's paradise. (article by Tom Doman)
About Spring Creek
Rising in the mountains about five miles east of State College and flowing in a northerly direction to its terminus in Milesburg, Spring Creek is arguably one of the finest wild trout streams in Pennsylvania. Surveys conducted by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission have consistently shown Spring Creek to be one of the most densely populated wild brown trout streams in the Keystone State.
The venues most favored by anglers are the Benner Springs stretch (Accessible off PA Route 150 near the I-99 interchange at Dale Summit/Shiloh Road), Fisherman's Paradise, the first specially regulated trout stream in the US, and Pennsylvania Fish & Boat commission water below the Paradise (both accessible off PA Route 150 near Bellefonte).
Secondary roads parallel Spring Creek over much of its length, providing easy access. The wading (except at Fisherman's Paradise where wading is forbidden) is relatively easy due to the gravel and cobbled stream bed. No-kill regulations apply along the full length of Spring Creek.
Other Streams
There are 37 trout streams in Centre County, many of which are world-class. Fishing Creek and Penns Creek offer some of the finest Catch and Release waters in the country. Good insect life and cool spring-fed streams provide for year-round fisheries with no closed season. The Reynolds Mansion Bed and Breakfast is a short distance to many of these streams.
Dennis Charney – licensed, lives in Bellefonte, staff instructor at Flyfisher's Paradise Fly Shop in State College
Penns Creek Guides – specializes in wade fishing on Penns Creek and tributary streams
Oak Hall Outfitters – fly fishing instruction, guide service, custom flies – Paul Rebarchak