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Big Spring Creek, located in the South Central part of
Pennsylvania, gets overlooked quite often. Its large,
wild brook trout and good population of rainbows and
browns make a strong case for fishing this challenging,
limestone spring creek. Unfortunately, Big Spring has
experienced a few problems. The weed beds in the middle
section of the creek, which are so vital to both trout
and bug life, have been dying. Agricultural pesticides
and effluent discharges seem to be the reasons for this
problem. It's unfortunate that there has been a decline
in the fish population throughout the lower end of the
special regulations area.
The upper end of the creek, just below the hatchery,
offers anglers an abundance of wild brook trout. This
area, starting 100 feet below Big Spring's source,
extends 1.1 miles down to Nearly Road Bridge is governed
under Heritage Trout Angling Regulations. Many people
visit Big Spring just for these beautifully colored
trout. Some of these brook trout have been known to
reach unusually large sizes for their species-up to
20 inches. And brook trout as large as three and four
pounds have been caught. |
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Unlike what works for many freestone brook trout, light
tippets such as 7X and 8X are almost a must if you want
to fool these line-shy fish. The upper 100 feet of river
from its source is closed to fishing. This area is managed
as a nursery for the fish within those limits. SR 3007
follows along the river for most of its path, providing
easy access and many parking lots for anglers.
To locate better weed beds on the creek, simply follow
the road downstream along the river. Look for areas
of deep water, with good vegetation; that's where you'll
find more trout and aquatic life. Most of this better-quality
water is located between the T 353 Bridge and the town
of Newville. |
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You'll find rainbows and browns throughout the better
vegetated areas. The State stocks the majority of these
fish, however, the creek also has wild browns from the
natural reproduction that occurs here. Tricky currents
and glass water make it very difficult to fish this spring
creek.
After passing Newville, Big Spring eventually flows
into Conodoguinet Creek. This lower stretch of creek
is not as accessible, and is seldom fished. If you
can gain access, you'll find a few good fish in the
lower reaches.
Hatches on Big Spring, as on many limestone spring
creeks, are not very prolific. Blue-Winged
Olives, Sulphurs, and Tricos account
for most of the mayflies. Cress bugs, Scuds, Midges,
and Terrestrial patterns are usually your best bet.
Like on Letort Spring Run, long light leaders are almost
always a must. A gentle presentation with a drag-free
float is key. Most people use 2- to 4-weight lines
so they won't spook these fish. Some skilled anglers
choose a 5-weight line with long leaders, enabling
them to stand farther back from the fish. Here, an
angler's challenge is to be able to gently float in
the 5-weight line, while simultaneously turning over
the long leader.
If you plan on traveling through South Central Pennsylvania,
be sure to stop by Big Spring Creek. Just don't leave
your light rod at home. |
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