Big Fishing Creek Fishing Forecast
Class A wild trout stream with 2000+ trout per mile in the Narrows catch-and-release section
Open Apr 4 — Dec 31 (check section regs)
Special regulation sections open year-round. C&R fly fishing only sections. Check specific section designations
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 11:11 AM
48°F
--
3 PM - 5 PM
Blue-Winged Olive (BWO)
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Quick Facts
Brown Trout, Brook Trout, and Rainbow Trout
freestone
42°F - 52°F
April Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
PRIME MONTH. Hendrickson and Quill Gordon.
April Hatches
Hendrickson
Mayfly
Early season Hendrickson. April hatch.
BWO
Mayfly
Spring and fall BWO. Overcast.
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32-38°F | Midges, Deep nymphs |
| February | 32-40°F | Midges, Small nymphs |
| March | 36-45°F | Early BWOs, Quill Gordon nymphs |
| April(Now) | 42-52°F | Hendrickson, BWOs, Quill Gordon |
| May | 50-60°F | Sulphurs, March Browns, Caddis |
| June | 55-68°F | Green Drakes, Sulphurs, Slate Drakes |
| July | 60-72°F | Tricos, Terrestrials, Light Cahills |
| August | 60-74°F | Tricos, Terrestrials, White Fly |
| September | 55-65°F | BWOs, Slate Drakes, Terrestrials |
| October | 48-58°F | BWOs, Slate Drakes, Streamers |
| November | 40-48°F | BWOs, Streamers, Egg patterns |
| December | 32-40°F | Midges, Deep nymphs |
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Brook Trout
Spawn months: September, October
Males develop vibrant red bellies and white-edged fins during spawning. Early fall spawners.
Access Points & Parking for Big Fishing Creek
Lamar
Upper creek access.
Tylersville
Quality fishing access.
Mackeyville
Mid-creek access.
Mill Hall
Lower creek access.
How to Fish Big Fishing Creek: Tips & Tactics
Big Fishing Creek is one of Pennsylvania's finest limestone spring creeks, offering excellent fishing for wild brown trout.
Best Times of Day
Spring hatches are excellent - Sulphurs, Hendricksons, caddis. Summer fishing is productive early and late. Fall brings aggressive browns.
Recommended Techniques
Spring creek techniques work well. Match the hatches carefully. Light tippets and accurate casts.
Water Conditions
Spring-fed limestone creates stable temperatures. Clear water demands stealth. Beautiful Pennsylvania farmland setting.
Fly Selection
Sulphur and Hendrickson patterns essential. Scuds for subsurface. Terrestrials in summer.
Local Knowledge
Big Fishing Creek is a quality alternative to more famous spring creeks. Less crowded but excellent fishing. The upper sections hold wild fish.
Local Tips
Big Fishing Creek offers quality spring creek fishing. Less crowded than more famous streams. Wild browns reward skill.
When is the Best Time to Fish Big Fishing Creek?
Spring
Excellent hatches - Sulphurs, Hendricksons.
Summer
Fish early and late. Terrestrials important.
Fall
Brown trout become aggressive.
Winter
Spring-fed water fishable. Midge patterns.
Recommended Equipment for Big Fishing Creek
Rod
8 to 9-foot, 4 or 5-weight.
Line
Floating line for dry flies.
Leader & Tippet
9-12 foot leaders, 5X-6X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Careful approach.
Essential Flies
Big Fishing Creek Fishing Regulations
Season
Check PA Fish and Boat Commission.
Limits
Special regulations in some sections.
Special Regulations
Catch-and-release water exists.
Bait Restrictions
Artificial only in special regulation areas.
Notes
Quality spring creek - practice catch-and-release.
Always verify current regulations with Pennsylvania fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Big Fishing Creek
Local Fly Shops
- Spruce Creek Outfitters
- TCO Fly Shop - State College
- Flyfisher's Paradise
Guide Services
- Central PA Guides
- Big Fishing Creek Guide Service
- Limestone Anglers
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
80 - 200 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
50° - 65°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Pennsylvania Trout Rivers
Delaware (below Hancock)
Spring
Youghiogheny
Allegheny
Penns Creek
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