Centre County, PA · Inland River
Spring Creek (State College)
A storied central-Pennsylvania limestone creek through State College — a wild brown trout factory managed entirely catch-and-release ("no-harvest") because of a legacy contamination, now a dense, year-round fly fishery including the famous Fisherman's Paradise.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Rainbow Trout & Brown Trout — tied at the top (68/100)
2 species tied for best of 2 tracked at Spring Creek (State College).
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Spring Creek (State College)
2 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 2 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Rainbow Trout Workable day for Rainbow Trout. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — The most heavily stocked trout in Maryland. Put-and-take fisheries across the state plus holdover/wild fish in Western MD streams (Savage, Youghiogheny tailwater, Gunpowder). Takes PowerBait, small spinners, and standard dry/nymph patterns.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
Last verified 39 days ago on 2026-06-03. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 5
Pennsylvania: 5 trout/day in the regular season; the West Branch Delaware and other special-regulation waters are reduced-creel / artificial-only. Confirm the section.
Source: Pennsylvania regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Brown Trout Workable day for Brown Trout. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Salmo trutta — Naturally reproduces in the Gunpowder River tailwater (Loch Raven below Prettyboy) and several Western MD streams; also heavily stocked. Typically more wary than rainbows. Classic mayfly hatches on the Gunpowder — sulphurs, BWOs, caddis. Streamer-eaters after dark.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
Last verified 39 days ago on 2026-06-03. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 5
Pennsylvania: 5 trout/day; special-regulation reaches reduced.
Source: Pennsylvania regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Inland River
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Pennsylvania
Coordinates
Notes
Pennsylvania: Spring Creek is no-harvest (catch-and-release only) for its full length. All trout must be released.
Local reports & rules for Spring Creek (State College): PA Fish & Boat Commission fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisory →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Spring Creek (State College)?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Spring Creek (State College) you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Spring Creek (State College)?
Spring Creek (State College) is listed on this site for 2 commonly-targeted species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Spring Creek (State College)?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Spring Creek (State College) against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Spring Creek (State College) have?
Spring Creek (State College) has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. Pennsylvania: Spring Creek is no-harvest (catch-and-release only) for its full length. All trout must be released.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Spring Creek (State College)?
state agency regulations apply at Spring Creek (State College). Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Spring Creek (State College) tidal water?
No. Spring Creek (State College) is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.