An Angler's Guide to State College: Top Fishing Spots in Centre County
Central Pennsylvania's State College is a haven for avid anglers. Known as one of Pennsylvania's top trout fishing destinations, the area features over 216 miles of trout waters. Beyond trout, perch, catfish, and bass thrive in local waterways. Whether fly fishing or casting from shore, discover the best spots in Centre County.
Spring Creek
Target wild brown trout at Spring Creek with waders and a fly rod. This catch-and-release stream ranks among Pennsylvania's densest trout habitats, just 15 minutes from State College. Easy road access parallels the water, with wading permitted everywhere except Fisherman's Paradise.
Black Moshannon Lake and Creek
Nestled on the Allegheny Plateau, 30 minutes from State College, Black Moshannon Lake's tea-colored waters result from tannins in mossy bogs fed by clear springs. Catch warm-water species like bass, perch, catfish, and pike. Downstream, Black Moshannon Creek offers stocked trout plus wild brook and brown trout.
Bald Eagle Creek and F.J. Sayers Lake
Host to the Bald Eagle Trout Fishing Tournament in Bald Eagle State Park, this West Branch Susquehanna tributary lies 30 minutes from State College. Ideal for fly-fishing, it yields excellent trout, rock bass, and smallmouth bass upstream, plus crappie, perch, and smallmouth bass downstream.
With 24 miles of shoreline along forested Bald Eagle Mountain, the 1,730-acre F.J. Sayers Lake draws water from Bald Eagle Creek. Prime for warm-water fish including crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and perch.
Poe Lake and Big Poe Creek
Famed nationwide for its June green drake mayfly hatch, Poe Paddy State Park also hosts May sulphur and caddis hatches. Wade Big Poe Creek near the park for wild brook and brown trout. At forest-ringed Poe Lake, anglers flock mid-April for trout season opener. Fish from shore or boat in summer, or ice fish in winter. Beyond trout, expect catfish, pickerel, sunfish, and perch.
Penn's Creek
Pennsylvania's longest limestone stream, flowing from Penn's Cave, Penn's Creek excels for wild and stocked trout. Regarded as prime East Coast fly-fishing, it produces brown and rainbow trout over seven pounds.
Spanning 35 fishable miles, focus on the 11-mile Coburn-to-Cherry Run stretch: catch-and-release in the lower 3.9 miles, trophy rules upstream. Crowds peak late May to June during green drake hatches.
Whipple Dam State Park
Twenty minutes from State College near Petersburg, the scenic 22-acre Whipple Lake amid towering trees is stocked with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Open for shore, boat, and ice fishing year-round; gas motors prohibited.
Marsh Creek
Atop the flooded ruins of 1970s-evacuated Millford Mills, this deep big bass lake supplies drinking water. Steep valleys create ideal bass habitat, but keep only bass 15+ inches. No gas-powered boats.
Written by Jenny Willden for RootsRated Media in partnership with Visit Penn State.
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