Clarks Creek
Fly fishing in Pennsylvania · Intermediate · Best seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
Target Species
Brown Trout, Brook Trout
About This Water
Dauphin County freestone with wild brown trout. Popular fly fishing destination near Harrisburg.
Fishing Recommendations
Clarks Creek is one of Central Pennsylvania’s most cherished fly fishing destinations. Located just north of Harrisburg in Dauphin County, it offers a "mountain stream" feel with the accessibility of a valley creek. As a guide, I often recommend Clarks to anglers who want to escape the crowds of the famous limestone springs (like Letort or Yellow Breeches) for a more rugged, freestone experience.
🎣 Location Overview
Clarks Creek is a classic Appalachian freestone stream that flows through a lush, forested valley primarily within State Game Lands 211. What makes Clarks special is DeHart Dam. Because the creek is fed by a bottom-release from the reservoir, it enjoys cooler water temperatures than many other Pennsylvania freestones.
The stream is characterized by its "pocket water"—a repetitive sequence of riffles, runs, and plunges over boulders and fallen logs. The most popular area is the 2.1-mile Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only (DHALO) section, which provides year-round catch-and-release opportunities and consistent fish densities.
🐟 Target Species & Behavior
- Brown Trout: The dominant species in the lower and DHALO sections. These fish are a mix of heavy stockings and "holdovers" that have survived multiple seasons. They are wary and tend to hold tightly against undercut banks, submerged logs, and the "pillows" in front of large boulders.
- Brook Trout: While you may find stocked Brookies in the DHALO section, the real prize lies in the headwaters above DeHart Dam and the tiny mountain tributaries. These are wild, native fish—vibrant, aggressive, but very easily spooked.
- Feeding Behavior: In the spring, they are opportunistic surface feeders. In the heat of summer, they move into the fastest, most oxygenated "white water" at the heads of pools.
📅 Best Times to Fish
- Spring (April – June): This is the prime window. The water levels are stable, and the major hatches occur. The Sulphur hatch in late May is the highlight of the year.
- Summer (July – August): While other PA freestones might be too warm to fish safely, Clarks remains a viable option due to the dam release and heavy forest canopy. Focus on early mornings or late evenings.
- Fall (September – October): A fantastic time for Brown Trout as they become aggressive before the spawn. The foliage in the valley is stunning, and the "Isonychia" hatches can provide excellent dry fly action.
- Prime Window: On Clarks, the "evening rise" during May and June is legendary. Be on the water from 6:00 PM until dark.
🪰 Recommended Flies & Techniques
Top Fly Patterns
- Dry Flies: Elk Hair Caddis (Size 14-18), Sulphurs (Size 16-18), Adams Parachute (Size 14-20), and Blue-Winged Olives (Size 18-22).
- Terrestrials (Summer): Black Foam Ants, Green Weenies, and Beetle patterns. These are "bread and butter" on Clarks from July through September.
- Nymphs: Pheasant Tail (Size 14-18), Gold-Ribbed Hare’s Ear, and Zebra Midges. For the fast pocket water, use heavy Perdigons or stonefly nymphs to get deep quickly.
- Streamers: Woolly Buggers (Black or Olive) and small Sculpin patterns worked through the deep shadows of log jams.
Techniques
- Dry-Dropper: This is the most effective way to cover Clarks. Use a buoyant Elk Hair Caddis as your indicator and hang a small nymph (like a Copper John) 18-24 inches below it.
- Tight-Line Nymphing: Because the creek is full of varied currents and "pockets," a traditional strike indicator often causes drag. A European-style tight-line rig allows you to probe the small pockets behind rocks more effectively.
- Stealth: The water is often crystal clear. Keep a low profile, wear earthy colors (camo/olive), and avoid splashing.
💡 Pro Tips & Local Knowledge
- The "Iron Bridge" Area: This is a classic starting point within the DHALO section. It gets pressure, but the fish are always there. If it's crowded, hike a half-mile upstream or downstream; the pressure drops off significantly once you get away from the parking pull-offs.
- Look for the "Wood": Clarks is full of fallen hemlocks and logs. These are the "condos" for big Brown Trout. If you aren't losing a fly occasionally to a branch, you isn't fishing close enough to the cover.
- Check the Release: While it's a bottom-release dam, it isn't a "tailwater" in the sense of a massive river. However, after heavy rains, the dam may spill over or increase release. Check local USGS gauges for "Clarks Creek near Dauphin, PA."
- The Green Weenie: This simple, chartreuse chenille fly is a Pennsylvania staple. It mimics a variety of larvae and inchworms that fall from the dense canopy. It is incredibly effective on Clarks.
⚠️ Important Information
- Regulations: The DHALO section (from the paved parking lot on Rt. 325 downstream to the bridge on Iron Bridge Road) is strictly Artificial Lures Only. You cannot harvest fish except between June 15 and Labor Day (check current PA Fish & Boat Commission summary for specific creel limits).
- Access: Access is excellent via PA Route 325 (Clarks Valley Road). There are numerous well-marked gravel pull-offs within the State Game Lands.
- State Game Lands Safety: Because much of the creek is on SGL 211, you are sharing the woods with hunters. During hunting seasons (especially spring turkey and fall deer seasons), you are required to wear a minimum of 250 square inches of fluorescent orange. Even when not required, it is highly recommended.
- Cell Service: Be aware that cell service is extremely spotty to non-existent in the heart of the valley. Download your maps before you head out.
Bug Hatches & Matching Flies
| Hatch | Type | Peak months | Time of day | Hook sizes | Matching flies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue-Winged Olive Baetis | mayfly | March, April, September, October | Afternoon | #18-22 | RS2 #20-22, Parachute Adams #18-22, Pheasant Tail #18-22 |
| Little Black Stonefly Capniidae | stonefly | February, March | Midday | #16-20 | Early Girl Stone #16-18, Zebra Midge #18-20, Black Copper John #16-18 |
| Hendrickson Ephemerella subvaria | mayfly | April, May | Afternoon | #12-14 | Red Quill #12-14, Hendrickson Nymph #12-14, Hendrickson Emerger #12-14 |
| Sulphur Ephemerella invaria/dorothea | mayfly | May, June | Evening | #14-18 | Sulphur Parachute #14-18, Sulphur Snowshoe Emerger #16-18, Pheasant Tail #14-18 |
| Tan Caddis Hydropsyche | caddis | April, May, June | Morning/Evening | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis #14-18, Holy Grail Caddis #14-16, Pupa #16-18 |
| Light Cahill Stenocron interpunctatum | mayfly | June, July | Evening | #14-16 | Light Cahill Dry #14-16, Hare's Ear Nymph #14-16 |
| Slate Drake Isonychia bicolor | mayfly | June, September, October | Afternoon/Evening | #10-12 | Zug Bug #10-12, Iso Parachute #10-12, Prince Nymph #10-14 |
| Trico Tricorythodes | mayfly | July, August, September | Morning | #22-26 | Trico Spinner #22-26, Sunken Trico #22-24 |
| Ants and Beetles Formicidae/Coleoptera | terrestrial | June, July, August, September | All Day | #12-18 | Black Foam Ant #14-18, Cinnamon Ant #16-18, Crowe Beetle #12-16 |