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Spruce Creek is one of the many well-known streams located
in South Central Pennsylvania. Since it is a true limestone
stream, the hatches are very prolific. Spruce Creek runs
cold all year, and is considered by many one of the best
streams in all of Pennsylvania. It harbors many wild
browns, as well as a few stocked fish that are placed
there by the private clubs. Wild fish up to three-plus
pounds are found here. And there have been tales that
fish in the five-pound class lurk within the stream.
Unfortunately for anglers, much of the water on this
creek is either privately owned or club property. You
can gain access to the creek from most of the outfitters
on the river (be sure to call ahead for reservations).
There is one open stretch of water, about a mile above
the town of Spruce Creek, that is owned by Penn State
University. |
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This half-mile stretch of water is used by Penn State
University for studies on the migration and feeding habits
of brown trout. Here anyone can gain access to the creek,
and it's governed by Catch
and Release, artificials only. Some of the hatches
on Spruce creek include Blue
Quills, Hendricksons, Blue-winged
Olive, Sulphurs, and Tricos. |
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Here you'll also find a lot of Caddis, and Terrestrials
too, which work well during the summer months. Long,
light leaders are the trick here, and if you have trouble
connecting, just try going to a smaller Midge pattern.
At times these fish can be fussy, so sometimes smaller
flies will do the trick.
Route 45 follows Spruce Creek along most of its journey
to the Little Juniata. The creek can be accessed by
taking Route 45 from State College. For more information
on how you can get onto some of Spruce Creek's private
water, stop by a local flyshop or outfitter, or simply
try Penn State's water.
Spruce Creek is a tremendous stream, and lives up
to its reputation as one of Pennsylvania's finest. |
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