Big Fishing Creek
Big Fishing Creek flows through the scenic mountains of north-central Pennsylvania, offering excellent limestone-enriched freestone fishing for wild brown and brook trout. Known for diverse hatches, beautiful pocket water, and a more forgiving character than technical spring creeks, Big Fishing Creek provides quality fishing with less pressure than famous central Pennsylvania streams.
Current Conditions
Overview
Big Fishing Creek flows approximately 30 miles through Columbia and Montour counties in north-central Pennsylvania before joining the Susquehanna River. The creek combines freestone character with significant limestone influence, creating fertile water that supports excellent wild trout populations and prolific insect hatches.
The fishable sections range from narrow headwater streams holding wild brook trout to the broader lower reaches (30-50 feet wide) where wild brown trout dominate. The creek flows through a scenic wooded valley with classic mountain stream character: pocket water, plunge pools, boulder gardens, and undercut banks. The limestone enrichment provides stable pH and good fertility, resulting in better insect production than typical freestone streams.
Several sections of Big Fishing Creek offer quality public access. The delayed harvest section near the town of Benton provides catch-and-release fishing through much of the year with good wild trout populations supplemented by stocked fish. Wild trout sections upstream hold entirely self-sustaining populations of browns and brook trout. State Route 487 parallels much of the creek, providing roadside access at numerous pulloffs.
Big Fishing Creek supports excellent hatches including Sulphurs, Blue Winged Olives, March Browns, and Tricos, along with strong caddis populations and good terrestrial fishing. The creek offers a nice balance: more forgiving than technical spring creeks like Spring Creek, but more fertile and productive than typical mountain freestone streams.
Water Characteristics
Big Fishing Creek combines freestone character with limestone enrichment from springs and underground seepage. Water clarity is generally good (3-5 feet visibility) during normal flows, though the creek colors after heavy rains and clears within a day or two. The limestone influence moderates temperature swings and supports better insect productivity than pure freestone streams.
The substrate is predominantly gravel and cobble with numerous boulders creating diverse pocket water habitat. Water temperatures remain suitable for trout through most of the season, staying cool even during summer due to spring inputs and wooded shading. The headwater sections are notably colder, supporting wild brook trout.
The trout population includes wild brown trout in the middle and lower sections and wild brook trout in the headwaters. Natural reproduction sustains the fishery with minimal stocking in most areas. The insect community includes mayflies (Sulphurs, Blue Winged Olives, March Browns, Hendricksons, Tricos), caddisflies, stoneflies, and terrestrials.
Wading & Float Guide
Big Fishing Creek offers comfortable wading for anglers of moderate skill. The creek bottom is composed of gravel, cobble, and boulders with moderate current. During normal summer flows (100-250 cfs), most of the creek can be waded confidently with depths ranging from ankle-deep riffles to waist or chest-deep pools.
The pocket water and boulder gardens require careful footing, and felt-soled or studded boots are recommended. The creek can rise quickly after heavy rains, particularly during spring. Flash floods are possible in this mountain valley, so always be aware of weather upstream. Spring runoff typically occurs in March and early April.
The gradient is moderate, making wading manageable throughout most sections. Chest waders are recommended for versatility, though hip waders work during low summer flows in shallower sections. This is a good creek for intermediate anglers developing their wading skills in varied water.
Not typically floated
Big Fishing Creek is primarily wade-fished from road access points. The creek is too small and shallow for comfortable floating in most sections, though kayakers occasionally run higher flows.
Rod & Tackle Guide
General Wading
- Rod
- 9' 5-weight
- Line
- Weight-forward floating
- Leader & Tippet
- 9' tapered to 5X
Standard 5-weight trout setup handles all conditions. Versatile for dry flies, nymphs, and streamers in pocket water.
Headwater Brook Trout Sections
- Rod
- 7'6"-8'6" 3-weight or 4-weight
- Line
- Weight-forward floating
- Leader & Tippet
- 7.5-9' tapered to 5X
Shorter, lighter rod ideal for tight quarters and small brook trout in headwater streams.
Seasonal Fishing Guide
Spring
Spring brings productive fishing after opening day crowds disperse. Early season (late April into May) features Hendrickson and March Brown hatches on overcast afternoons. The March Browns (large mayflies, size 10-12) can provide exciting dry fly fishing. By mid-May, Sulphur hatches begin providing excellent evening action through June. Nymphing with Pheasant Tails, Hare's Ears, and stonefly patterns is effective throughout spring. Brook trout in headwaters are especially active in spring.
Summer
Summer fishing focuses on terrestrial patterns and morning hatches. Beetle, ant, and small hopper patterns fished along wooded banks are productive from July through September. Morning Trico spinner falls occur in July and August (7 AM to 10 AM). Evening caddis hatches provide good action as temperatures cool. During hot spells, focus on headwater sections with brook trout or fish early mornings and evenings when browns are most active.
Fall
Fall is excellent on Big Fishing Creek with cooler water and reduced pressure. Blue Winged Olive hatches become dominant in September through November, typically emerging on overcast afternoons. Brown trout spawn in late October and November; observe and avoid redds. Streamer fishing improves as browns defend territory. Brook trout in headwaters develop spawning colors. October combines great fishing with autumn foliage in the wooded valley.
Fishing Pressure & Local Tips
Big Fishing Creek receives moderate fishing pressure, significantly less than famous streams in the Penns Valley area. The delayed harvest section sees concentrated pressure during the catch-and-release period, but wild trout sections receive lighter attention. Summer and fall weekdays offer good opportunities for solitude.
The wild trout are less educated than those in heavily fished waters, making Big Fishing Creek a good choice for intermediate anglers. Good presentation and reasonable fly selection produce consistent results without demanding perfection. The remote upper sections receive very little pressure and offer wilderness-feeling fishing for brook and brown trout.
Local Knowledge
Big Fishing Creek rewards anglers who read the water and target structure: pocket water behind boulders, undercut banks along outside bends, plunge pools below small waterfalls, and seams between fast and slow current. While not as selective as spring creek trout, the fish still require decent presentation and stealth. Leaders of 9-12 feet tapered to 5X are standard.
The pocket water character means short, accurate casts are more important than long casts. Work methodically through boulder gardens, making a few good drifts to each likely lie before moving on. The creek responds well to a "cover water" approach. Exploring upstream into the wild trout headwaters reveals beautiful brook trout water with minimal angling pressure. Local fly shops can provide current conditions and hatch information.
Species Present
Brown Trout
The brown trout is the most cunning and elusive trout species swimming in Montana's rivers, and it rewards patient, skilled anglers with some of the state's most memorable catches. Originally native to Europe and western Asia, brown trout were first introduced to North American waters in 1883 and arrived in Montana shortly thereafter. They have since established robust, self-sustaining populations in virtually every major trout stream in the state, from the legendary spring creeks of the Paradise Valley to the sweeping runs of the lower Madison and the deep pools of the Bighorn. Brown trout grow larger than any other trout species in Montana, and fish exceeding 24 inches are caught with regularity on premium waters. The lower Madison River, the Missouri River below Holter Dam, and the Bighorn River are particularly renowned for producing trophy-class browns. Unlike rainbows, brown trout spawn in the fall (October through November), and their aggressive pre-spawn behavior creates an exciting window for streamer fishing as large males become territorial and attack anything that enters their domain. Browns are notably more nocturnal than other trout species, and many of the biggest fish are caught during low-light conditions. What sets brown trout apart from other species is their wariness and selectivity. Large browns are notoriously difficult to fool, often refusing flies that are even slightly off in size, color, or presentation. They tend to establish and defend prime feeding lies (undercut banks, logjams, deep pools, and boulder gardens), and an angler who learns to read water and identify these holding spots will consistently catch more and larger fish. This combination of difficulty, size potential, and intelligence makes the brown trout the most prized quarry for many serious Montana fly fishers.
Brook Trout
The brook trout is widely considered the most beautiful freshwater fish in North America, and catching one in a pristine Montana mountain stream is an experience that captures the essence of backcountry fly fishing. Despite their common name, brook trout are not true trout at all; they are a species of char (genus Salvelinus), more closely related to lake trout and Arctic char than to rainbows or browns. Native to eastern North America from Georgia to Hudson Bay, brook trout were among the first salmonids introduced to Montana's waters in the late 1800s and have since established self-sustaining populations in cold, high-elevation streams and lakes throughout the state. In Montana, brook trout thrive best in small, cold headwater streams and high mountain lakes where competition from larger trout species is minimal. In these environments, they are often the dominant, or only, salmonid present. The trade-off is size: Montana stream-dwelling brook trout typically range from 6 to 10 inches, with fish over 12 inches considered noteworthy in most waters. What they lack in size, however, they more than make up for in beauty and willingness to eat a fly. Brookies are aggressive feeders that will strike attractor dry flies, nymphs, and small streamers with enthusiasm, making them an ideal species for beginning fly anglers and a delightful quarry for anyone who appreciates small-stream fishing. Brook trout do present a conservation paradox in Montana. While they are a beloved and beautiful gamefish, they are non-native and can negatively impact native species, particularly Yellowstone and westslope cutthroat trout. In headwater streams, brook trout often outcompete cutthroats for food and spawning habitat due to their higher reproductive rate and earlier maturation. As a result, Montana FWP has implemented brook trout removal projects on some streams to restore native cutthroat populations. In many waters, liberal harvest limits for brook trout are encouraged to reduce their numbers and benefit native fish. Anglers can enjoy excellent brook trout fishing while actively helping conservation by keeping a few for the pan.
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Suggested Fly | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sulphurs (Ephemerella) evening | PMD Comparadun | ||||||||||||
Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis) afternoon | Parachute Adams | ||||||||||||
Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis) afternoon | BWO Emerger | ||||||||||||
Hendricksons afternoon | Parachute Adams | ||||||||||||
March Browns afternoon | Parachute Adams | ||||||||||||
Tricos morning | Trico Spinner | ||||||||||||
Caddisflies (various) evening | Elk Hair Caddis | ||||||||||||
Terrestrials (beetles, ants) afternoon | Chubby Chernobyl |
Sulphurs (Ephemerella): Evening Sulphur hatches mid-May through June. Size 14-18.
Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis): Spring BWOs on overcast afternoons. Size 16-20.
Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis): Fall BWOs dominant hatch. Size 18-20.
Hendricksons: Late April into May. Size 12-14.
March Browns: Large mayflies in May, excellent dry fly action. Size 10-12.
Tricos: Morning spinner falls July-August. Size 20-24.
Caddisflies (various): Strong caddis populations. Size 14-18.
Terrestrials (beetles, ants): Productive terrestrial fishing. Size 12-16.
Recommended Flies
Parachute Adams
Top PickUniversal mayfly dry
Best in spring
PMD Comparadun
Top PickSulphur pattern for hatches
Best in spring
BWO Emerger
Top PickBWO emerger for fall
Best in fall
Pheasant Tail Nymph
Top PickAll-purpose nymph
Best in spring
Elk Hair Caddis
Top PickCaddis dry for evenings
Best in summer
Also Effective
Access Points & Boat Launches
Benton Delayed Harvest Section
Wade AccessEasyAccess to the delayed harvest section of Big Fishing Creek near Benton. This catch-and-release water during the delayed harvest period holds good populations of wild brown trout plus stocked fish. Parking available with walk-in access to productive water. Popular during the protected season.
Route 487 Pulloffs
Wade AccessEasyMultiple roadside pulloffs along PA Route 487 provide convenient access to Big Fishing Creek. These spots offer fishing for wild brown trout in varied water types from pocket water to runs and pools. Good option for exploring different sections of the creek.
Upper Wild Trout Section
Wade AccessModerateAccess to upper wild trout sections of Big Fishing Creek holding wild brown and brook trout. These upstream areas see less pressure and offer more wilderness-feeling fishing. Brook trout become more prevalent in the smaller headwater reaches. Roadside parking with short walks to the creek.
Regulations
Regulations
Big Fishing Creek includes delayed harvest sections (catch-and-release during specific dates, harvest allowed at other times) and wild trout sections. Check current Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations at fishandboat.com for season dates, size limits, and creel limits by section. Pennsylvania fishing license required.
Always verify current regulations with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks before fishing.
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Quick Facts
- Region
- North Central Pennsylvania / Columbia County
- Water Type
- Limestone Freestone
- River Length
- 30 miles of fishable water
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Best Seasons
- spring, summer, fall
- Trout Per Mile
- 800-1,500 wild trout in quality sections
- Record Trout
- Brown trout exceeding 18 inches caught in deeper pools; brook trout to 12 inches in headwaters
- Species
- Brown Trout, Brook Trout
- USGS Gauge
- 01538500
Nearby Rivers
Penns Creek
Central Pennsylvania / Centre County
Spring Creek
Central Pennsylvania / Centre County
Little Juniata River
Central Pennsylvania / Blair County
Spruce Creek
Central Pennsylvania / Huntingdon County
Yellow Breeches Creek
South Central Pennsylvania / Cumberland County
Big Spring Creek
South Central Pennsylvania / Cumberland County
Kettle Creek
North Central Pennsylvania / Clinton County
Slate Run
North Central Pennsylvania / Lycoming County
Tulpehocken Creek
Southeastern Pennsylvania / Berks County