Manatawny Creek
Fly fishing in Pennsylvania · Beginner · Best seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
Target Species
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
About This Water
Southeast PA stream with good brown trout populations. Accessible from Philadelphia area.
Fishing Recommendations
Welcome to the Manatawny Creek, one of the hidden gems of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Located in Berks County, the "Manatawny" (a Native American name meaning "where we drink") is a beautiful limestone-influenced stream that flows through the picturesque Oley Valley before joining the Schuylkill River.
As your guide, here is everything you need to know to find success on these waters.
🎣 Location Overview
Manatawny Creek is a classic Pennsylvania limestone-influenced stream. While it behaves like a freestone stream in its upper reaches, its chemistry is bolstered by limestone springs that provide the alkalinity needed for rich insect life and healthy trout growth.
Anglers love the Manatawny for its diversity. You’ll find everything from fast-moving riffles and pocket water to deep, slow-moving "limestone glides" that require technical stealth. It offers a quintessential Mid-Atlantic pastoral fishing experience, winding through historic covered bridges, old mills, and rolling farmland.
🐟 Target Species & Behavior
The primary targets here are Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout.
- Brown Trout: The "Manny" has a decent population of holdover browns and some wild fish in the upper reaches. These fish are wary. They hold tight to undercut banks, submerged logs, and the dark shadows of limestone ledges. During the day, they are often in the deepest part of the pools, moving into the riffles to feed at low light.
- Rainbow Trout: These are primarily stocked fish (by the state and local sportsman’s clubs). They tend to congregate in the faster oxygenated water at the heads of pools and in the main current seams. They are generally more aggressive than the browns but can become "educated" quickly in the Catch and Release section.
📅 Best Times to Fish
Seasons
- Spring (Mid-March – June): This is the prime window. Water temperatures are ideal (50–60°F), and the major hatches occur. The stream is heavily stocked in April, but the best fishing often happens in May when the insects are most active.
- Summer (July – August): This is technical "low and slow" season. Warning: Because this isn't a pure cold-water spring creek, water temperatures can climb above 70°F in late summer. Always carry a thermometer; if the water hits 68°F, stop fishing to protect the trout. Focus on early mornings and the Trico hatches.
- Fall (September – November): A fantastic time to be on the water. The crowds have thinned, the foliage is stunning, and the Brown Trout become aggressive as they prepare for the spawn.
Best Times of Day
- Spring: Mid-day (11 AM – 4 PM) as the water warms and bugs hatch.
- Summer: Dawn and Dusk. The "Trico" hatch at sunrise is a legendary challenge.
- Fall: Late afternoon as the sun warms the water slightly.
🪰 Recommended Flies & Techniques
Top Fly Patterns
- Nymphs: Pheasant Tail (#14–20), Zebra Midge (#18–22), Waltz’s Worm (a local PA favorite, #12–16), and Prince Nymphs.
- Dry Flies: Adams (Parachute or traditional, #12–20), Elk Hair Caddis (Tan or Olive, #14–18), Trico Spinners (#22–24 for summer), and Sulphurs (#14–18 for May/June).
- Streamers: Black or Olive Woolly Buggers (#8–12). These are deadly after a rain when the water has some "color" (stain) to it.
Effective Techniques
- European Nymphing: Given the Manatawny's varied depth and riffles, tight-line or Euro-nymphing is incredibly effective for picking apart the pocket water.
- Dry-Dropper: In the late spring, a high-vis hopper or Stimulator with a small Pheasant Tail dropped 18 inches below is a great way to cover water.
- The "Sulphur" Swing: During the evening Sulphur hatch in May, swinging a wet fly or soft hackle through the tail-outs of pools can be more productive than a dead-drift dry fly.
💡 Pro Tips & Local Knowledge
- The Spangsville Section: Focus your efforts on the Catch and Release Fly-Fishing Only (CRFFO) section near Spangsville. It’s about 0.6 miles long, starting at the bridge on Ironstone Drive. This area holds fish year-round and sees some of the best bug activity.
- Stealth is Key: The water can get very clear. Avoid wearing bright colors, and try to stay low. If you can see the trout, they have likely already seen you. Use 5X or 6X fluorocarbon tippet for the best results.
- Look for "The Seam": The Manatawny has many large boulders. Trout love to sit in the "cushion" right in front of the rock or the "soft" water directly behind it. Don't just fish the middle of the pool; pick apart the edges of the fast water.
- The Trico Challenge: If you fish in August, be prepared for the Trico hatch. It requires tiny flies (#24) and 7X tippet. It is frustrating and rewarding in equal measure.
⚠️ Important Information
- Regulations: The 0.6-mile section from the bridge on T-602 (Ironstone Dr.) downstream to the low-head dam is Fly-Fishing Only, Catch and Release. The rest of the creek is under "Statewide Regulations" (check the PA Fish & Boat Commission summary for opening dates and creel limits).
- Permits: You must have a valid Pennsylvania Fishing License and a Trout/Salmon Permit.
- Access: Much of the Manatawny flows through private property. Respect all "No Trespassing" signs. There is good public access near the Oley Township building and the Bridge in Spangsville.
- Wading: The bottom can be very slippery with "snotty" rocks. Felt soles (where legal) or studded boots and a wading staff are highly recommended.
Tight lines on the Manny! Take your time, watch the water, and enjoy one of Pennsylvania's classic trout streams.
Bug Hatches & Matching Flies
| Hatch | Type | Peak months | Time of day | Hook sizes | Matching flies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis | mayfly | March, April, September, October | Late Morning/Afternoon | #18-22 | BWO Sparkle Dun #18-20, RS2 #20-22, Pheasant Tail #18-22 |
| Grannom Caddis Brachycentrus | caddis | April | Mid-day/Afternoon | #14-16 | Grannom Apple Pupa #14-16, Elk Hair Caddis (Olive) #14-16, LaFontaine's Deep Sparkle Pupa #14-16 |
| Sulfur Ephemerella invaria/dorothea | mayfly | May, June | Evening | #14-18 | Sulfur Parachute #14-18, Sulfur Snowshoe Emerger #16-18, Frenchie #14-16 |
| Light Cahill Stenacron interpunctatum | mayfly | June | Evening/Dusk | #12-14 | Light Cahill #12-14, Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear #12-14 |
| Trico Tricorythodes | mayfly | July, August, September | Early Morning | #22-26 | Trico Spinner (Female) #22-24, Trico Parachute #22-26, Zebra Midge #22-24 |
| White Fly Ephoron leukon | mayfly | August | Dusk/Dark | #12-14 | White Wulff #12-14, White Comparadun #12-14 |
| Tan Caddis Hydropsyche | caddis | May, June, July, August | Late Afternoon/Evening | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis (Tan) #14-16, Hydropsyche Larva #14-16, Iris Caddis #16-18 |
| Terrestrials Formicidae / Coleoptera | terrestrial | July, August, September | All Day | #12-20 | Black Foam Beetle #14-18, Cinnamon Flying Ant #16-20, Dave's Hopper #10-12 |
| Midges Chironomidae | midge | January, February, March, December | Late Morning/Afternoon | #20-24 | Griffith's Gnat #20-22, Zebra Midge (Red/Silver) #20-24, Palomino Midge #22-24 |