I’ve been nursing a growing desire to try some new water. Among the possibilities near me is Spring Creek just north of Harrisburg, PA.
I was wondering if any of you have fished it, perhaps even done so regularly, and would be able to offer some pointers on time, directions, etc.
It’s my understanding that much of the stream is accessible only on foot - that’s okay with me. Does that degree of limited access translate into less fishing pressure and smaller crowds?
I’ve also read that snakes can be a problem out in them thar woods. True? Any special precautions I should take?
I’m thinking of taking my Dad out with me sometime this late spring/ early summer and it would be nice to get away from some of the more crowded and popular places around here (Yellow Breeches, Falling Spring, Letort, Big Spring)
Hi Ed, Many parts of Spring Creek are much more crowded than the streams you wish to get away from…lol. Try my favorite, Big Bald Eagle which Spring Creek flows into at Milesberg. Open water but much less traffic.
Snakes? Well, only place I’ve seen several on one trip is at Fisherman’s Paradise on Spring Creek…upstream where you are allowed to wade. Water snakes maybe 3 foot or so…but they will come right at you if you are in the water…probably think you are a stump or something. If you go further upstream toward State College the traffic thins a bit.
I agree with Vocelli, it seems you are talking about Stoney Creek. The amount of walking abover gate certainly leads to smaller crowds and less pressure. Really does not do away with them just reduces numbers quite a bit. Definatly a better than average chance to encounter a rattlesnake. I do not like snakes but they do not cause even me any problems. Just normal care where you are stepping etc. should avoid any conflicts. The stream has a good canopy of trees and quite a few springs so water temps. stay pretty good all year. I do not fish it that often even though it is not too far. When I do fish it I always ( at least almost always) find decent numbers of fish, even long after the great white fleet has stopped for the year. Fall is nice time to fish this stream. Beautiful scenery, not that many people and usually plenty of fish. The Dauphin Chapter of Trout Unlimited,( Doc Fritchey Chapter) under project chairman at that time Dale Schwalm put in a diversion well that dispenses limestone into creek at its upper reaches that seems to have had a very positive effect on acid waters.
I did mean Stoney Creek. Thanks for the info on Spring Creek, though, mantis. I’ve considered fishing there as well.
I also appreciate the directions. I’ll have to put this stream on my list to try this Spring/Summer. If all goes well I’ll definitely make a trip back for the fall color.