Big Fishing Creek
Pennsylvania · Clinton County
Brown TroutBrook Trout
Top 5 Fishing Locations on Big Fishing Creek
Lamar Access
The Lamar area provides easy access to excellent wild brown trout water on Big Fishing Creek. This is classic Pennsylvania limestone creek with gin-clear water and selective fish requiring precise technique. Sulphur hatches in late May and early June are exceptional here.
💧 Ideal flow: Low and stable. The Narrows section near Lamar fishes best at low stable limestone-spring flows — the cold spring at Tylersville keeps water cold.
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Tylersville
The stretch through Tylersville is known for large resident brown trout in slow spring creek-style water. Fish here are extremely selective and the clear water demands careful approach. This section rewards patient anglers who study rising fish before presenting a fly.
💧 Ideal flow: Low and stable. Green Drake hatch in late May is best at stable low flows — this is where Joe Humphreys caught his Pennsylvania state record.
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Cedar Run Confluence
Below Cedar Run the creek takes on a slightly different character with more riffle water and slightly more willing fish. Good populations of wild browns up to 16 inches are present throughout. The mix of pocket water and pools makes this stretch versatile.
💧 Ideal flow: Low and stable. Fishes best at consistent low flows — the limestone spring influence keeps Big Fishing Creek fishable through summer.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Catch-and-Release Section
Big Fishing Creek's designated catch-and-release section protects the highest quality wild trout water on the stream. Fish in this section see enormous pressure but continue producing due to strict regulations. Tricos and pale morning duns are important summer hatches.
💧 Ideal flow: Low and stable. Check TroutBible gauge before heading out — flows can rise quickly after rain but the spring influence stabilizes quickly.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Loganton
The upper creek near Loganton holds good populations of smaller wild browns and an occasional larger fish in the deeper pools. Less fishing pressure than downstream sections makes fish slightly more cooperative. Brook trout are also present in the upper reaches.
💧 Ideal flow: Low and stable. May and June are prime for the Green Drake and other mayfly hatches at low stable spring-fed flows.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
About Big Fishing Creek Fishing
Big Fishing Creek flows from a limestone spring at the Tylersville state hatchery into Bald Eagle Creek at Mill Hall, with the Narrows section near Lamar serving as the most popular destination for fly anglers. The cold, nutrient-rich spring water creates ideal conditions for exceptional wild brown trout populations, making this a premier Pennsylvania limestone creek known for producing quality fish in a beautiful setting.
Best Time to Fish Big Fishing Creek
May and June represent peak season on Big Fishing Creek, when prolific mayfly hatches including the famous Green Drake emergence create outstanding dry fly opportunities. These spring months deliver consistent action as aquatic insects thrive in the limestone-fed waters, providing reliable fishing for anglers who time their visits during these hatches.
Species
Big Fishing Creek holds wild brown trout reaching up to 16 inches alongside native brook trout averaging 12 inches, with the spring-fed conditions supporting strong populations of both species. The legendary night fishing for large browns—including the water where Joe Humphreys caught his Pennsylvania state record brown trout—demonstrates the exceptional caliber of fish this creek produces for skilled anglers.
Access & Regulations
Always check the current Pennsylvania fishing regulations before heading out. Regulations on Big Fishing Creek may include special catch-and-release sections, artificial-only stretches, and seasonal closures. A valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required.
Live River Data
Live streamflow data for this river is sourced directly from the USGS National Water Information System, updated every 15–60 minutes. CFS and gauge height readings reflect current conditions so you can plan your trip with confidence.