FLYFISHINGPAeriesteelheadstreams

Elk Creek

Elk Creek is Pennsylvania�s largest and arguably it�s best steelhead stream. Elk is also an approved trout stream and is stocked with brown trout during the trout season.

The most popular area of the stream is right at the mouth where Elk enters Lake Erie. This can be accessed off of Route 5 just West of Lake City Pa. This area is heavily fished, especially early in the season when the water levels are low.

As the season progresses and the water levels rise, the access area becomes less crowded, mainly because the steelhead will run many miles upstream producing quality fishing throughout it�s entire length.

Other popular spots on the stream include the Girard Park located off of Lake Street in Girard, the �Legion Hole� located off Route 20 just West of Girard, and Folly�s Campground located off Route 98 South of the town of Fairview (Folly�s is also a full service fly shop and a great place to inquire about the latest fishing conditions).

Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek is the second largest and probably Pennsylvania�s most popular steelhead water. It�s popularity is mainly due to it�s easy access and the large number of fish that run into this creek.

The most popular stretch is from the mouth of the stream up to the Manchester hole just north of Route 5. This stretch can be accessed by turning North on Dutch Road off of Route 5

Because the fish normally start running Walnut in September, the steelhead season usually starts on this stretch. Needless to say, fishing pressure is very heavy, sometimes hectic. If elbow to elbow conditions are not for you, I would suggest waiting until later in the season and trying some of the other popular streams in the area.

Despite large crowds, the fishing can be rewarding on Walnut, especially when there is a fresh run of fish after a heavy rain.

Fishing above Route 5 can be limited due to a small waterfall above the Manchester hole which the fish have trouble getting over. Some years when there is exceptional rainfall, and the fish are able to overcome the waterfall, there is good fishing upstream of Route 5.

One other thing to note is that the stream South of the Manchester/Dutch Road Bridge is posted on the East side of the stream and trespassing is not allowed. All fishing and access must be done from the west side.

Trout Run

Trout Run is a small stream and fishing is not permitted directly in the stream (nursery water.) Fishing is permitted in Lake Erie where Trout Run enters. There is a small beach there and wading can be accomplished easily when the lake allows.

During the peak of the season, as with all the popular areas, fishing pressure can be heavy and hectic. If you can overcome the crowds, there is nothing like fighting and landing a steelie in the open lake environment.

Access to Trout Run is obtained by turning right at the intersection of Route 5 and Route 98 onto SR 4005 and following it to the lake. Please be considerate of the no parking signs and park where permitted.