Lycoming Creek
Fly fishing in Pennsylvania · Beginner · Best seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
Target Species
Brown Trout, Brook Trout
About This Water
Northcentral PA stream with wild brown and brook trout. Less crowded than famous waters.
Fishing Recommendations
Welcome to North-Central Pennsylvania, a region legendary in the fly fishing world. As your guide, I’m excited to break down Lycoming Creek.
Lycoming Creek is a classic Appalachian freestone stream that flows roughly 35 miles from its headwaters near the Tioga County line down to its confluence with the West Branch of the Susquehanna River at Williamsport. It offers a diverse experience—ranging from tumbling mountain water to broad, classic pools.
🎣 Location Overview
Lycoming Creek is the quintessential PA freestone. Unlike the limestone spring creeks of State College, Lycoming is rain-fed and reactive to the weather. What makes it special is its dramatic character change:
- The Upper Section (Above Ralston): This is "mountain water." It is smaller, faster, and feels wild. You’ll find high-gradient runs, plunge pools, and pocket water.
- The Middle/Lower Section: As it flows south along Route 15, it widens. Here you’ll find long, slow glides, massive boulders, and deep "blue" pools that hold some surprisingly large fish.
Anglers love it because it feels "big" for Pennsylvania, yet it remains very wadeable. It is heavily stocked, but its numerous cold-water tributaries (like Grays Run and Pleasant Stream) provide a steady supply of wild trout.
🐟 Target Species & Behavior
- Brown Trout: The dominant species. In the early season, they are found in the slower, deeper "buckets" to conserve energy. As the water warms in May, they move into the riffles and heads of pools. The larger, holdover browns are nocturnal and wary; they love the undercut banks and the shadows of the massive boulders.
- Brook Trout: While you’ll find stocked Brookies throughout, the wild gems are found in the upper reaches and the cold-water tributaries. They are opportunistic feeders, often holding in the fast "pocket water" behind rocks where they have a split second to decide to eat.
- Behavior: Because it's a freestone, these fish are "hatch-driven." When the bugs are off, the fish can be dormant; when the hatch is on, the stream seemingly comes alive with rises.
📅 Best Times to Fish
Spring (April – June) - PRIME TIME
This is the pinnacle. The water levels are usually stable, and the major hatches occur.
- April: Expect cold water; fish deep with nymphs.
- May: The "Golden Month." Hendricksons, Grannoms, and Sulphurs bring the fish to the surface.
- June: Evening fishing becomes spectacular as the Slate Drakes and Light Cahills appear.
Summer (July – August)
- Conditions: Water levels can get low and clear. Temperatures in the main stem can rise, making fishing stressful for trout.
- Strategy: Focus on the Upper Lycoming or near the mouths of cold-water tributaries. Fish early morning or late evening. Terrestrials (ants/beetles) are king now.
Fall (September – November)
- Conditions: Cooler nights drop water temps, triggering a feeding frenzy before winter.
- Strategy: Brown trout become aggressive and territorial as they prepare for the spawn. This is the best time for streamer fishing.
🪰 Recommended Flies & Techniques
Dry Flies
- Early Spring: Blue Quill (#18), Quill Gordon (#14), Hendrickson (#14).
- Late Spring/June: Sulphurs (#16-18) are the most important hatch on Lycoming. Also, March Browns (#10-12) and Slate Drakes (#12).
- Summer: Elk Hair Caddis (#14-16), Foam Beetles, and Cinnamon Ants.
Nymphing (The Meat and Potatoes)
- The "Lycoming Special": Pheasant Tail Nymphs (#14-18) and Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ears (#12-16).
- Attractors: Prince Nymphs and Rainbow Warriors work well for stocked fish.
- Stoneflies: Big Golden Stonefly nymphs (#8-12) are effective in the heavy pocket water.
Streamers
- Patterns: Wooly Buggers (Olive or Black), Slump Busters, and Mickey Finns.
- Technique: Swing them through deep runs or "strip-and-pause" near sunken logs and boulders.
💡 Pro Tips & Local Knowledge
- The "DHALO" Section: There is a Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only section near Powys (approx. 1 mile long). This is a "safety net" area—it holds fish even when other spots are picked over. It’s a great place to start if you are new to the water.
- The Boulders: Lycoming is famous for its massive "car-sized" boulders. Don't just fish the pools—fish the cushion of water directly in front of the boulder and the "soft" seams on the sides.
- Tributary Hopping: If the main stem is blown out by rain or too warm in July, duck into Grays Run or Pleasant Stream. These are world-class wild trout nurseries that feed into Lycoming.
- Stealth: Because the water can be very clear, wear natural colors (greens/tans) and avoid "lining" the fish with your fly line. Long leaders (9–12 ft) are an advantage here.
⚠️ Important Information
- Access: Much of the creek parallels Route 15 and Route 14. There are many pull-offs and bridges. However, always look for "Posted" signs. Respect private property, especially in the lower reaches.
- Regulations: PA Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) rules apply. You need a standard PA Fishing License and a Trout/Salmon Permit.
- Safety: The rocks in Lycoming Creek are notorious for being slippery (the "Lycoming Shuffle"). Studded wading boots and a wading staff are highly recommended.
- Check the Gauge: Before driving out, check the USGS stream gauge for "Lycoming Creek near Trout Run." If it's over 4 feet, it’s generally too high to wade safely. 2.5 to 3.5 feet is the sweet spot.
Tight lines! The Lycoming is a beautiful, moody stream that rewards the persistent angler. Enjoy the scenery as much as the fishing.
Bug Hatches & Matching Flies
| Hatch | Type | Peak months | Time of day | Hook sizes | Matching flies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue-Winged Olive Baetis tricaudatus | mayfly | March, April, September, October | Midday | #18-22 | RS2 #18-22, BWO Sparkle Dun #18-22, Pheasant Tail #18-20 |
| Quill Gordon Epeorus pleuralis | mayfly | April | Midday | #12-14 | Quill Gordon #12-14, Iron Blue Dun #14, Hare's Ear #12-14 |
| Hendrickson Ephemerella subvaria | mayfly | April, May | Afternoon | #12-14 | Hendrickson Pink Lady #12-14, Red Quill #14, Hendrickson Emerger #12-14 |
| Grannom Caddis Brachycentrus appalachia | caddis | April | Midday/Afternoon | #14-16 | Grannom Pupa #14-16, Elk Hair Caddis (Olive/Grey) #14-16, Peacock Caddis Larva #14-16 |
| Sulphur Ephemerella invaria / dorothea | mayfly | May, June | Evening | #14-18 | Sulphur Parachute #14-18, CDC Sulphur Emerger #16-18, Sulphur Spinner #14-18 |
| March Brown Maccaffertium vicarium | mayfly | May | Midday | #10-12 | March Brown American #10-12, March Brown Wet Fly #10-12, Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear #10-12 |
| Slate Drake Isonychia bicolor | mayfly | June, September | Afternoon | #10-14 | Iso Parachute #12-14, Isonychia Nymph #10-12, Zug Bug #12-14 |
| Trico Tricorythodes spp. | mayfly | July, August, September | Morning | #22-26 | Trico Spinner #22-26, Trico Parachute #22-24, Zebra Midge #20-24 |
| Giant Stonefly Pteronarcys dorsata | stonefly | May, June | Evening/Night | #4-8 | Pat's Rubber Leg #6-10, Golden Stone Nymph #8-12, Stimulator (Orange) #8-12 |
| Cinnamon Caddis Hydropsyche spp. | caddis | June, July, August | Evening | #14-16 | Tan Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, Caddis Pupa (Tan) #14-16, Green Weenie #14-16 |