NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

Great Secluded Fishing Spots

By Charlie Burchfield

Trout season offers a mixed bag for anglers. Some like to fish well-stocked streams, while others like to get away from the crowds.

Regardless of the type of fishing you prefer, there are some neat places to wet a line and have some fishing fun.

Some of the state's best fishing can be found on restricted waters located in north central Pennsylvania. The neat thing is that everyone is welcome.

While the majority of anglers head for their favorite streams stocked to the brim by the Fish Commission prior to opening day, some anglers are opting to fish special regulation waters.

In many cases these waters are some of the best around, and as an added benefit, anglers have the streams to themselves at one time or another. There are a number of these special regulation waters found locally and they are worth seeking out.

Anglers come in all types. Some like to use artificial lures, while others are fly fishermen. Regardless of the style of fishing you enjoy, there is a special regulation area to meet your needs.

FLY FISHING

For the fly fisherman, Trout Run in Clearfield County offers 1.5 miles of great fishing. The project is located one mile above Rt. 879 upstream and includes the Trout Run Corporation property.

In Elk County Bill Mill Creek is well known by local anglers as is the fly-fishing project located at Nagle Bridge to the headwaters of the Ridgeway Reservoir. This section of the stream is well stocked with brook trout. When fishing this stretch of water, some patterns that work well include Adams, Royal Coachman, March Brown, Sulphurs, and Black Gnats.

Other great places to fish on opening day are in the delayed harvest fly fishing-only areas. In Elk County a section of the West Branch of the Clarion River has been set aside as a delayed harvest area.

The area is located south of the town of Wilcox and is situated near Rt. 219 and S.R. 4003. From here the project extends upstream for a half mile. Keep in mind that at this location fishing is permitted only from the east bank.

The area is well stocked, and after June 15 anglers are permitted to harvest fish. Local anglers prefer fishing March Browns, Green Drakes and Light Cahills.

In Jefferson County the North Fork of Redbank Creek offers a delayed harvest fly fishing-only area. Located at Brookville, the regulated waters can be found at the Rt. 322 bridge in Brookville and extends two miles upstream.

To the north and into the "mountain country,” Cameron County and the famous

Driftwood Branch of the Sinnemahoning is a stream well known across the state. The regulated waters can offer some fishing excitement on your next fishing trip. Set aside is 1.4 miles of stream beginning at the Shippen Township building and continuing downstream near S.R. 120 west of Emporium.

Again the fishing is for stocked trout and the fish are found in good numbers.

ARTIFICIAL LURES

If artificial lures are more your style, then the delayed harvest artificial lure area only in Clearfield County is a good bet. Little Clearfield Creek has in the past been well fished. This being the case, its waters are traditionally well stocked. The special regulation waters begin just above the Turkey Hill Bridge on L.R. 17038 and extends upstream for 1.1 miles.

Remember that in the special regulation areas killing fish is in some cases prohibited, while in other areas you can take fish but only at certain times of the year. So when fishing these areas, please consult the Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws provided with each fishing license.

Keep in mind that great fishing can often be found above and below the special regulation areas. So, if you're looking to take a few fish home, you can do so by either moving up or down stream.

But if you're looking to get away from the crowds come opening day, try the

special regulation areas. Chances are you'll have the stream to yourself.