Pine Creek (Pine Creek Gorge)
river in Pennsylvania
Pine Creek offers diverse angling from small wild trout sections to productive lower beats; it's also a destination for anglers seeking solitude and scenic float trips.
Crisp fall weather with clear skies (48°F
- 01Crisp fall weather with clear skies (48°F, 6 mph NW wind, 86% humidity).
- 02Primary hatches include Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) and a robust October Caddis emergence.
- 03Midge activity is consistent subsurface, providing a year-round food source for trout.
- 04Spawning brown trout create opportunistic feeding for egg patterns.
- 05Smallmouth bass remain active and will key into crayfish and hellgrammite imitations in rocky areas.
- 06Streamer fishing is highly effective in cooler fall waters for aggressive trout and bass.
Past reports week by week
8 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Woolly Bugger (Olive)
Streamers are crucial in the fall. An olive Woolly Bugger imitates leeches and baitfish, enticing aggressive strikes from predatory trout and smallmouth bass.
Blood Dot Egg
As brown trout begin their spawning rituals in the fall, egg patterns become highly effective for opportunistic trout and other species feeding on loose eggs.
Buy at AmazonFlashback Baetis Nymph
While no recent reports exist, Baetis nymphs are active year-round and particularly in the fall. This nymph effectively imitates subsurface mayfly activity.
October Caddis (Dry)
October Caddis represent one of the last large caddis hatches of the year, providing a substantial meal for trout and an exciting dry fly opportunity in the fall.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge
Midges are a consistent food source in colder water and year-round, making this a highly effective nymph for finicky trout in fall conditions.
Buy at AmazonTungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs
Large stonefly nymphs are a year-round food source, and this weighted pattern is excellent for getting down to the bottom where trout feed on dislodged insects in colder fall flows.
Buy at AmazonMahogany Dun
Mahogany Duns (Paraleptophlebia) are a prominent late summer and fall mayfly hatch, offering dry fly opportunities for rising trout.
Buy at AmazonClouser Crayfish (river)
Crayfish are a primary food source for smallmouth bass in rocky river environments. This streamer is excellent for targeting them when stripped along the bottom.
Hellgrammite Fly
Hellgrammites are a consistent, high-protein food source for smallmouth bass in rocky rivers year-round, making this a reliable subsurface pattern in the fall.
Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun
Blue-Winged Olives are a classic and important fall hatch on Pine Creek, making this a go-to dry fly for rising trout.
Where to fish and who to ask
Ansonia Access
Common put-in for float trips through the gorge and near productive trout runs.
Waterville / Tiadaghton Reach
Accessible wading reaches upstream of the main gorge with consistent trout fishing.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Slate Run Tackle Shop
Kettle Creek Tackle Shop
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Pennsylvania season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
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Master fly rod weight selection with expert guidance on matching rod power to fish species, water conditions, and fishing techniques for optimal performance.
Fly Line Types Guide: WF, DT, Running & Shooting Heads
Master fly line selection with our comprehensive guide to weight forward, double taper, running lines, and shooting heads for every fishing situation.
Fly Fishing Pack vs Vest: Which Setup Is Right for You?
Compare fly fishing packs and vests to find the perfect gear setup for your angling style and fishing conditions.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Quick answers
Common questions about Pine Creek (Pine Creek Gorge).
What flies work best on Pine Creek (Pine Creek Gorge)?
Our top scored fly patterns for Pine Creek (Pine Creek Gorge) right now are Stimulator (Yellow) (100% confidence), Woolly Bugger (Olive) (Bass) (100% confidence), Flashback Hare's Ear Nymph (100% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Pine Creek (Pine Creek Gorge)?
Pine Creek (Pine Creek Gorge) holds Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Pine Creek (Pine Creek Gorge) fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Pine Creek (Pine Creek Gorge) each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.