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The Loyalsock Creek in North Central Pennsylvania could
be referenced as a freestone river. It is large and runs
swiftly through the Pennsylvania mountains.
The Loyalsock begins above the town of Lopez and
flows for 50 miles before entering the West Branch
of the Susquehanna. Along its course, the Loyalsock
has many deep pools, runs, and several feeder creeks,
where you'll find some wild trout . The best fishing
on this creek runs from late April through the middle
of June. During this time, the water usually is a favorable
height, and trout can thrive in the cool water with
the abundance of food available. Wide stretches with
lush banks, deep pools, and large scattered boulders
help provide hideouts for trout. You should be careful
since all of these features also make it a difficult
river to wade.
From where Pole Bridge Run dumps in along Route 154,
the stocking begins. This upper stretch runs through
Worlds End State Forest before it meets the Little
Loyalsock near Forksville. The upper stretch, from
Pole Bridge Run to the junction, is faster moving with
harder, crashing pools than below Forksville. This
is a beautiful stretch of river, with much wildlife
and charming water; unfortunately, the fishing here
is not quite as good. |
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At Forksville, the Loyalsock slows down its pace and
widens as it winds its way along Route 87 towards the
West Branch of the Susquehanna. Here, access can be difficult
because of posted land, but you'll still find numerous
places to park and fish. A good pair of legs will help
you find some of the secluded pools along the way. There
are trout throughout this section until the creek reaches
the town of Loyalsockville, where the stocking ends and
holding water depletes. In late Spring, the farther down
you are from Forksville, the warmer the water; but it's
good to keep in mind that wherever feeder creeks dump
in, the water temperatures are several degrees cooler. |
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Mayflies, Stoneflies, and Caddis are abundant on the
Loyalsock. Streamers and large nymphs fish well in early
season and higher water. Nymphs and streamers should
be weighted so you can get down into the deep pools located
throughout the river. Woolly Buggers work well here during
the high water. As water levels lower, nymph and dry-fly
fishing are at their best. Light
Cahills and Gray
Fox are just some of the Mayflies that hatch and,
at times, blanket the stream.
In the evening when the sun begins to hide, don't
be afraid to fish some oversized variants (hackled
dry with no wings). And, why not try a wet fly through
a likely piece of water, such as a tight seam or the
head of a softening pool. There is a Delayed
Harvest Artificial Lures Only section. This is
a 1.4 mile stretch from Lycoming County line downstream
to Sandy Bottom.
If you're ever traveling through North Central Pennsylvania,
be sure to stop and fish the Loyalsock. |
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