For the angler or paddler looking for a little more on their adventure in Northcentral PA, try out Pine Creek and its award-winning 62-mile Pine Creek Rail Trail. The former railroad path runs between Wellsboro, Tioga County, and Jersey Shore, Lycoming County. It is an access for fishing in Pine Creek for most of its route.
The Adventures of Pine Creek Rail Trail
Walk, jog or hop on a bike to find a great fishing spot. You’ll also want to look for wildlife along the way. You will pass a few primitive campgrounds, bathrooms and picnic areas along the trail.
Catch bass, occasional Walleyes, trophy-sized Fallfish and trout.
Also, you can enjoy paddling adventures on Pine Creek. Paddlers can find, near Class II rapids in section of Pine Creek in spring.
Then in winter, the rail trail is groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Wellsboro, near the northern trailhead, will take you back in time with its gaslight Main Street. Browse the shops and enjoy the arts community during your visit.
Popular Fishing Waters in Northcentral PA
Northcentral PA is home to miles of great fishing streams, lakes and rivers. Get your adventure started with one of these:
Pine Creek, Tioga County and Lycoming County – When the fishing and paddling are done there is so much exploring to add to your trip to Pine Creek.
Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir, Centre County, located in Bald Eagle State Park, the 1,730-acre lake is perfect for warmwater fishing and paddling. Fish for bass and panfish.
The state park offers so much more with camping, and wildlife like nesting bald eagles. Bald Eagle is home to the best eco-lodge in the nation, The Nature Inn, overlooking the lake. Enjoy educational and nature-related programs there with a focus on sustainability and conservation.
West Branch Susquehanna River, Clearfield, Clinton, Lycoming and Union Counties – The West Branch travels 228-miles through several counties before it joins the North Branch Susquehanna River. Fishing along this huge watershed includes a chance to hook crappies, trout, bass and dozens of other species.
Paddlers can choose from a dozen different paddling itineraries offered by Susquehanna Greenway with maps and guides to boat launch access sites.
Access the river and enjoy a visit to Susquehanna State Park, Lycoming County.
Fishing Creek, Clinton County – This tributary to Bald Eagle Creek, is all about trout fishing. Fishing Creek has cold water that rarely gets warmer than 65 degrees F, just like the trout like it. Make sure to look up the trout regulations as they change in different sections of the stream.
Hammond Lake, Tioga County – The 640-acre lake is home to some great crappie and bass fishing. Lots of fish habitat structures placed near the shore provide great opportunities for catching fish from the water’s edge. Paddlers will find the lake inviting as well. Along the way you can enjoy picnic areas or evening camping.
Hills Creek Lake, Tioga County – Located in Hills Creek State Park, Hills Creek Lake offers superb fishing for panfish, perch, and bass with plenty of shoreline to set up you casting spot. Two trails make it easy to access the lake and are great for those looking for a nice hike. A fishing pier is another option. You can also rent kayaks and paddle around the 137-acre lake.
Wildlife watching is at a premium here with ospreys, eagles, dear and bears all possibilities.
Camping is popular with cottages and yurts and primitive sites. Winter trails for cross-country skiing. A beach offers swimming in the summer.
Penns Creek, Centre County – Pennsylvania’s longest limestone stream is a great fly-fishing stream with 35-miles of fishable waters.
For a family outing, explore where it starts at Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park.
As a bonus, Fishing Creek and Penns Creek are minutes away from State College, and Penn State with lots to do to finish off your water adventures.
Partially adapted from the September/October 2021 issue of Pennsylvania Angler & Boater.
