Spring Creek Fly Fishing

How would you like go fly fishing on Pennsylvania spring creeks with the most knowledgeable fly fisherman and expert in the world? Gene Macri has done more research on spring creeks than any other scientist in the world. Furthermore, he honed his skills fishing these streams with likes of legendary Charlie Fox, Gene Utech and others.  Macri a member of the Letort Regulars of course, did the historical angling series Reflections with Charlie Fox which was later published by the Fly Fishers' Club of Harrisburg in their book Limestone Legends.

Gene did the research with the late Dr. Jack Black that was responsible for closing the state hatchery at the source of Big Spring Creek in Newville, PA.  That stream  nearly totally destroyed has now come back and is one of the best spring creeks around.  It has an extremely large population of wild brook trout in its upper areas. (The photo to the right shows the late Charlie Fox and Gene Macri at the  Letort Regulars Picnic. This was perhaps the Golden Ago of Fly Fishing that has passed).

There is more nonsense on the web and written about fly fishing these spring creeks than any other stream in the country.  What is most laughable is that most of the people who write about these streams seldom fish them and when they do appear to be rank amateurs.  These streams are not what they once were but these fly fishing writers and others pretend that these streams are what they were 40 to 50 years ago.  Unfortunately many fly anglers are being scammed by these guides and writers (Photo below shows the upper reaches of Big Spring Creek near Newville PA; this sections has a large population of wild brook trout).

Pennsylvania Limestone Streams

Pennsylvania limestone streams are the most difficult streams to fish probably in the world. That's right! Nothing else is even close! These streams harbor some of the spookiest and most selective trout you will ever find. To say that these fish are wary is an understatement. Here's a proper analysis of these streams:

Spring Creeks Rated on Quality

• Big Spring is in the best shape ecologically right now
• Letort is second in ecological shape but has really been hit hard over the last 20 years.
• Falling Springs is a bit of mess with one section still closed to fly fishing and development too is taking its toll
• Yellow Breeches Creek contains a lot of fish which are stocked. It has many hold over fish. Perhaps the hardest fish stream in the country. You catch fish especially if you don't mind fishing with a ton of people.
• Green Spring is a hit or miss stream and can furnish a good days fishing once in a while but for the most part is limited as premier stream. (Photo below shows a wild native rainbow from Big Spring Creek Newville PA caught by Gene Macri; notice the girth of the fish)

Spring Creeks Rated on Difficulty

• Big Spring has the toughest fish to catch and the most selective.
• The Letort is next. Both stream have similar problems. I think the Letort Browns are less selective if you don't spook them.
• Falling Spring Trout are very tough. Very similar to Big Spring
• Green Spring when fishable is next. You can catch some easy fish here because they are stocked.
• Yellow Breeches is the easiest of the limestone streams. Many stocked fish and lots of anglers. (Photo below shows a massive brown trout from Big Spring Creek Newville PA)

These streams are tough but the rewards can be thrilling because success on these streams means you have reached the pinnacle of expertise in fly fishing. So if you are truly interested in such a challenge and you wish instruction or guiding then just drop me a note below or go to the contact page for ways to reach Gene.