Best Pennsylvania Trout Fishing Spots
03/18/25Worms, lures, and flies beware! Pennsylvania’s trout streams and lakes are filled to the gills with trout! Along with the wild trout that populate PA’s streams and lakes, the Fish and Boat Commission will stock 3.2 million adult rainbow, brook, brown, and golden rainbow trout into 691 streams and 130 lakes throughout PA in 2025 with the majority stocked ahead of the season opener on April 5. And, more trout will be added during the season in April and May. There will be plenty of chances to land “the big one” through the Keystone Select Stocked Trout Waters program where about 10,000 large trout, 2- to 3-years old and measuring between 14 to 20 inches will be released in select streams.
So pack your reel, buy your Pennsylvania fishing license and trout permit, and plan to cast your line in some of the best trout fishing destinations in PA.
1. Oil Creek
Nearest City: Titusville and Oil City
Oil Creek State Park provides the best access to fishing in Oil Creek, a prime trout fishing spot with several streams providing brook trout fishing opportunities. Many anglers take advantage of the aquatic insect hatches that occur during the month of May or explore some of the creek’s tributaries, where wild brook trout make their home. Several small paths and trails lead from the park roads to the water.
2. Neshannock Creek
Nearest City: Mercer
While parts of Neshannock Creek are open year-round, fishing in the more than 20-mile freestone stream is most rewarding during fall and spring. Neshannock Creek is heavily stocked with brown and rainbow trout, and the waters near the upper part of the creek are popular with fly fishermen.
3. Slippery Rock Creek
Nearest City: Slippery Rock
Slippery Rock Creek features trout stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and is their only catch and release fly-fishing location that is open year-round. Originating in the town of Slippery Rock, the creek intersects McConnells Mill State Park. This is where anglers can access trails leading to stretches of trout fishing near Ohio.
4. Youghiogheny River
Nearest City: Ohiopyle
The Youghiogheny River, located adjacent to the Great Allegheny Passage, rewards hikers and bikers (the non-motorized kind) traveling the trail with fantastic PA trout fishing opportunities. Accessible from Ohiopyle State Park, the Middle Youghiogheny supplies tamer fishing waters, while the Lower Youghiogheny’s more turbulent waters are best explored with a professional fishing guide, who can lead you to hefty brown and rainbow trout.
5. Cedar Run
Nearest City: Cedar Run
Boasting a population of wild brown trout, Cedar Run is another tributary of Pine Creek. The “fine little trout stream,” much of which flows through Tioga State Forest, offers a tranquil fishing experience sheltered by pine and hardwood trees and a designated trophy trout area.
6. Slate Run
Nearest City: Slate Run
A tributary of Pine Creek, anglers love Slate Run’s fly-fishing opportunities. This Class A wild trout stream supports an abundance of wild brooks (“brookies”) and brown trout and features lovely pools, runs, and riffles. With horizontal shale beds lining the stream’s banks, it’s easy to see how the stream got its name.
7. Fishing Creek
Nearest City: Bloomsburg
This creek truly lives up to its name. With numerous deep pools and excellent runs, Fishing Creek is considered one of the finest spots for anglers searching for trout. The creek also offers great trout fishing near Scranton in the winter months with trout that roam the deep pools.
8. Spring Creek
Nearest City: State College
Hoping to land a monster trout? Spring Creek is where your fish tale might come true! This wild trout fishery is an anglers’ dream due to its combination of wild browns and some great insect hatches. Spring Creek is full of pristine fishing hot spots including such popular destinations as Fisherman’s Paradise, and many other areas that offer solitude and lots of wild and aggressive fish.
9. Letort Spring Run
Nearest City: Carlisle
Fishermen and those less inclined to pick up a pole can all enjoy the scenic Letort Spring Run and its nature trail. The fertile limestone spring creek near Carlisle has a wide variety of aquatic vegetation in its waters, is bordered by lush trees and bushes, and has calm, clear waters perfect for fly fishing. Advice for less-skilled anglers: a few poor casts can scare trout away from areas for the rest of the day, so hone your tactics before hitting this fishing hole.
10. Monocacy Creek
Nearest City: Bethlehem
You can reel in some sizable trout at Monocacy Creek but there is always a chance of getting lucky with a large rainbow trout. For the seasoned anglers looking for a challenge, the wild browns that roam the creek are no easy task to pull in. With great fishing offered throughout the year, the Monocacy is a great place to come with a spinner rod or fly gear for premier trout fishing near Allentown.
11. Wissahickon Creek
Nearest City: Philadelphia
Located in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, eight miles of the 23-mile Wissahickon Creek is fully stocked with trout each spring. An excellent local excursion for the nature lover, you can explore the creek’s surrounding woodlands via hiking and biking paths and try your skills at fishing in its deep pools, fast riffles, and tumbling water pockets.
To learn about additional fishing destinations in Pennsylvania, check out the VISIT PA website. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads, TikTok, and Instagram for more PA inspiration. Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly PA travel e-newsletter so you never miss an update.