Best trout streams in the Mid-Atlantic US

Savage River in Maryland

I may not be an authority on the best places to fly-fish for trout, but I have been fortunate to experience some destinations that others would consider among the best in a particular region in the US.  This blog post highlights some of those in the Mid-Atlantic region of the USA worthy of consideration as among the best.

I regularly consult Trout Unlimited’s Guide to America’s 100 Best Trout Streams to build a bucket list of future fly-fishing experiences for trout.  This guide identifies both the Savage River and the North Branch of the Potomac River as notable trout water in the Western Maryland panhandle.  Between the two, there are approximately 50 miles of fishing opportunities offering prospects for rainbows, browns, brookies, cutthroat and palominos (or goldens), as well as smallmouth in the lower portions of the North Branch of the Potomac.

The aptly named Savage River below the reservoir and dam is a four-mile runway of large, slippery boulders funneling fast water chutes that connect with riffles and pocket water which can be diabolical to wade. Even with slip-on steel grips on my boots and a wading staff in hand, navigating upstream felt precarious at the best of times – challenges that made landing my first Savage River brown even more rewarding.  Drop shots and high sticking with weighted nymphs or terrestrials were the way to go on this water.

North Branch of the Potomac near Westport, Maryland

The North Branch of the Potomac is equally intimidating, although there are portions of that water in the area of Barnum that offer easy access fishing from the bank.  My favorite area was upstream of Barnum, where large boulders provided shelter for some sizeable trout that were enticed by a dry-dropper rig trailing a nymph or midge pattern.  There are also some good access points off the highway downstream of Westernport. Water is occasionally released from Jennings Randolph Lake and the Savage River Dam, so it is important to check the stream flow conditions on the United States Geological Survey (USGS) site.

a Spring Creek brown trout

Ask an angler familiar with trout streams in central Pennsylvania to name the best and you are likely to get at least half a dozen responses that would not include Spring Creek.  And while that may be true, I believe that any trout water identified as Fisherman’s Paradise deserves recognition.  Spring Creek has 20+ miles of great catch and release trout water for both fly and spinning, and the special regulation water at Fisherman’s Paradise is the logical introduction to Spring Creek.  This section is fly-fishing only, and a smaller portion of the area is bank only fishing (wading is not permitted).

A true Fisherman's Paradise at Spring Creek in Pennsylvania

There are numerous parking options at Spring Creek, both at the main access point as well as on either side of the entrance to the Bellefonte State Fish Hatchery nearby.  A fire road leads from the main parking area following along the Creek and then a trail leads to the area referred to as Spring Creek Canyon, which is much more rustic and wild.  Access to the creek in this stretch is pretty regular with many areas that are very wadable.  If you are diligent in your technique and fly selection, it is hard not to hook up on Spring Creek as it is one of the waters in Pennsylvania most densely populated with brown trout – about 5,000 fish per mile according to the PA Fish and Boat Commission.

Spring Creek in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania

A highlight for me is the section of Spring Creek within the town of Bellefonte, approximately 4 miles downstream (to the north) of Fisherman’s Paradise.  Wade fishing is permitted (but not from shore) along a quarter-mile section of Spring Creek bounded by the W. Lamb Street Bridge and the W. High Street Bridge, with ample parking provided off W. Lamb Street, east of the bridge.  I cannot remember fly-fishing for trout in the middle of a bustling village and it was very enjoyable.  There are also plenty of brown trout in that short stretch of water.

Penns Creek in Coburn, Pennsylvania

Trout Unlimited’s Guide to America’s 100 Best Trout Streams includes 8 waters in Pennsylvania as best in the State and Penns Creek, in north-central Pennsylvania, is among them.  I have fished the water near Coburn several times and this section is the proverbial highlight reel for brown and rainbow trout fishing.  To begin with there is an excellent fly shop in the village of Coburn, The Feathered Hook, where you will get unfiltered advice as to how and where to fish.  Penns Creek is also spring-fed by Elk and Pine creeks, which invigorate the trout, aquatic insects and related hatches.  In fact, many refer to Penns Creek as a “bug factory” that produces prolific and diverse hatches, contributing to a dense population of trout.

Tight Lines!