By: Levi Opsatnic
As we enter the heart of trout season in Pennsylvania, I’ve noticed more and more people spending time on the water. Whether you’re looking to fill the freezer for a season of yummy, fish dinners, take your child to their first trout outing, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, Pennsylvania has countless miles of water to help satisfy your needs.
With a solid forecast of warm temperatures and trout being hungry, now is certainly the time to take advantage of the water that Pennsylvania has to offer. From streams, lakes, and ponds, Pennsylvania has just about everything. Centre County and its surrounding areas are certainly no exception to this rule, so here are five different pieces of trout water near or in Centre County that allow harvest, but also offer some great fishing opportunities.
1. Whipple Lake
Photo Courtesy of PADCNR
Nestled right in Rothrock State Forest, Whipple Dam State Park gives a ton of trout fishing options. The lake itself is stocked with loads of trout (but it also has quite a few different species of warm water fish to keep things really exciting) that can make for a great day of fishing. Being that this is a still body of water, anything from a can of worms to a well worked fly will catch the trout’s attention. If you get bored from fishing, or have caught your limit, the park itself offers wonderful amenities to keep you occupied for much longer than an afternoon.
2. Black Moshannon Creek
Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia.org
Another great fishery inside of a state park, Black Moshannon Creek flows right out of Black Moshannon Lake and has everything that you need for a memorable day spent on the water. A tributary to Moshannon Creek, Black Moshannon creek would be determined a medium sized stream. Giving you all types of runs, riffles, and pools to choose from, this creek can keep everyone from a seasoned fly fishing vet to a kid who got his first rod coming back for more.
3. West Branch Susquehanna River
Photo Courtesy of elibrary.dep.state.pa.us
A real testament to what a bit of hard work and devotion can do, the West Branch Susquehanna River once suffered some serious damage from acid runoff, but after about three decades of cleansing, this stream now boasts some wonderful trout fishing not far from State College. Don’t be afraid of the word “river” being in the name, because in Clearfield County, the West Branch Susquehanna River shares characteristics of a lot of our freestone streams. This makes for some great flats for dry fly fishing, pools to dunk some bait, and even some rocky riffles to fish nymphs. Being a bit more fierce than some of the other bodies of water mentioned, the West Branch Susquehanna River is one where caution should be applied, and with that said, may not be the best place to take your child for their first trout outing.
4. Bald Eagle Creek
Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia.org
A destination that draws masses of anglers on opening day, Bald Eagle Creek is one of the better areas stocked with trout in the entire state. Boasting a small wild trout population combined with heavy stocking by the state, Bald Eagle Creek gives anglers a wealth of different fishing options. Home to a range of mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies, this creek is one that all fly anglers will enjoy. Though, that doesn’t mean that those of us looking to chuck some PowerBait and minnows won’t have any luck, because the trout stocked in this creek surely are plentiful and hungry. Also being right next to Bald Eagle State Park, this creek makes for a destination that the entire family can enjoy.
5. Poe Lake
Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia.org
Resting right in Poe Valley State Park, Poe Lake is a great place to spend a day fishing and exploring its rich wildlife. Measuring in at about 25 acres, this lake is the perfect size for both exploring different areas to fish and kicking back at one spot and letting the fish come to you. And whether you’re ideal day of fishing consists of waiting for a bobber to sink under or aggressively stripping a streamer back to shore, Poe Lake will have everything that you can ask for.