While there are many wonderful opportunities to walk a few hundred yards from a vehicle, cast a line, and catch a fish, there is something to be said for taking some time to find that ideal fishing spot. Hiking into Penn’s Woods with fishing gear can be a great way to find peace, quiet, and the next “big one.”
Where to Go
Most anglers have their perfect fishing spot and are unlikely to spill where it is, but a few employees from Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Forestry thankfully were not so tight-lipped. Here are a few of their favorite places where great hiking intersects with great fishing.
“The Pine Creek Rail Trail immediately comes to mind,” said Jeff Woleslagle. “Pine Creek is such a beautiful and diverse fishery, and the scenery is amazing. It has multiple easy access points in the Tiadaghton and Tioga state forests, and the fishing can be amazing. Also, I have hiked portions of the Mid State Trail, mostly in the Rothrock State Forest, and there are areas along the trail that run close to pristine mountain streams that have great wild populations of our state fish, the brook trout.”
“The Mid State Trail also passes through two special state forest management where incredible fishing can be found on the Little Juniata and Penns Creek, respectively,” said Ryan Reed. “The Little Juniata Natural Area is part of Rothrock State Forest, and the Penns Creek Wild Area is found in Bald Eagle State Forest. Both bodies of water support wild populations of trout. Other fantastic fisheries that are accessible by numerous state forest and state park trails include the Clarion River (Clear Creek State Forest), Sinnemahoning Creek (Elk State Forest), and Quebec Run (Forbes State Forest).”
“Penns Creek is particularly noteworthy to me too,” said Matt Beaver. “Along the Centre and Mifflin county sections of the creek - which is Pennsylvania’s longest limestone stream - the Fish and Boat Commission has established a ‘trophy trout’ stretch where year-round trout fishing is permitted. An artificial lure, catch, and release area is located downstream. Penns Creek is as close to a wild and remote limestone stream as exists in the Keystone State. Vehicular access is very limited; significant hiking on Fisherman’s Path from the Coburn footbridge is necessary to sample the entire length.”
Things to Consider
While great fishing can be a reward for a long hike, there are certain things one needs to keep in mind the farther one ventures from their vehicle.
“Cell phone reception can be spotty or nonexistent, so fishing with a buddy and letting someone know where you will be and when you expect to return is important,” said Marci Mowery, president of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. “Packing all the fishing essentials, as well as plenty of water, snacks, insect repellant, sunscreen, a first aid kit, and a map and compass (for the likely time your phone’s GPS signal is lost) can mean the difference between fun and failure.”
Speaking of packing it all, Woleslagle noted that there are many lightweight rods that pack easily for a hike.
He added, “You never know what opportunities you might discover on the trail. I once stumbled onto a new beaver dam close to a trail that was full of native brook trout. I caught and released so many I lost count, and it is a great memory that I revisit often.”
Hiking provides anglers with the opportunity to access some remote locations that might not receive as much fishing pressure while enjoying the scenic beauty and abundant wildlife of Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests. Learn more about where to go. Click here.
For tips on photographing a catch while ensuring the safety of the fish, click here.
